Dramas Similar to Poldark for Your Next Binge

Description: A historical drama focusing on the reign of Henry VIII, featuring court intrigue, political maneuvering, and personal relationships against a backdrop of historical events.

Fact: Despite its historical setting, the show took some creative liberties with historical accuracy, particularly in compressing timelines and altering some characters' appearances.

Description: A period drama set in early 20th century England, focusing on the lives of both the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. The show explores themes of class division, social change, and personal relationships, much like the reference title.

Fact: The series was filmed at Highclere Castle, which is also the real-life home of the Carnarvon family. It won three Golden Globe Awards and 15 Primetime Emmy Awards.

Description: A period drama set in post-war London's East End, focusing on the lives of midwives and the families they serve. While more contemporary in setting, it shares themes of community, social change, and strong female characters.

Fact: The series is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth. It has been praised for its accurate depiction of 1950s-60s midwifery practices and social conditions.

Description: A historical crime drama set in post-WWI Birmingham, featuring complex family dynamics and power struggles. While darker in tone, it shares themes of ambition, family loyalty, and social mobility.

Fact: The show's title refers to the real-life urban youth gang of the same name. The distinctive flat caps worn by the characters became a fashion trend after the show's success.

Description: A historical drama with strong romantic elements, set in 18th century Scotland. The show features sweeping landscapes, political intrigue, and a focus on personal relationships against a backdrop of historical events.

Fact: The series is based on a series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Many scenes were filmed on location in Scotland, including at Doune Castle, which also served as Winterfell in Game of Thrones.

Description: A historical drama set in the court of Henry VIII, told from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell. Features intricate political maneuvering and a nuanced portrayal of historical figures.

Fact: The series was filmed by candlelight to achieve authentic period lighting. It's based on Hilary Mantel's Booker Prize-winning novels.

Description: A historical drama set during the Viking invasions of England, featuring political intrigue, battles for power, and a protagonist torn between two cultures. Shares themes of identity, loyalty, and nation-building.

Fact: Based on Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories series. Many battle scenes were filmed using authentic Viking combat techniques.

Description: A period drama set in the 1930s about an eccentric English family living on the Greek island of Corfu. While lighter in tone, it shares themes of family dynamics and adaptation to new circumstances in a beautiful natural setting.

Fact: The series is based on Gerald Durrell's autobiographical Corfu Trilogy. Many scenes were filmed on location in Corfu, using some of the actual locations described in the books.

Description: A historical drama chronicling the early life and reign of Queen Victoria. The show combines political intrigue with personal drama, set against the backdrop of 19th century England.

Fact: The series was filmed at various historic locations including Harewood House and Castle Howard. Jenna Coleman, who plays Victoria, also provided the voice for the queen in the 2017 ITV documentary Victoria & Abdul: The True Story.

Description: A historical drama based on the life of landowner and industrialist Anne Lister, featuring themes of social change, personal identity, and unconventional relationships in 19th century England.

Fact: The series draws heavily from Lister's extensive diaries, portions of which were written in code. Many scenes were filmed at Shibden Hall, Lister's actual home.