10 Shows & Movies Like Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)

Description: Gosford Park shares similarities with Downton Abbey: A New Era due to its focus on the British aristocracy and their servants, set in a grand estate. Both are written by Julian Fellowes, ensuring a similar storytelling style rich in social commentary and intricate character dynamics. The film also blends drama with a touch of mystery, much like the Downton Abbey series.

Fact: Directed by Robert Altman, known for his ensemble casts and overlapping dialogue. Won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Features a mix of British acting legends and rising stars, including Maggie Smith, who also stars in Downton Abbey.

Description: Call the Midwife, though set in a later period (1950s-60s East End London), shares Downton Abbey: A New Era's focus on community, strong female characters, and the interplay between personal and societal changes. Both series are heartwarming yet unflinching in their portrayal of their eras.

Fact: Based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth. Has been praised for its accurate depiction of midwifery and post-war Britain. Features voiceovers by Vanessa Redgrave, adding a nostalgic tone.

Description: The Paradise, set in a Victorian department store, shares Downton Abbey: A New Era's interest in the changing social and economic landscape of the time. Both series feature ambitious characters navigating love and power in a rapidly modernizing world.

Fact: Based on Émile Zola's novel Au Bonheur des Dames. Stars Joanna Vanderham as a young woman rising through the ranks of the store. Explores themes of consumerism and gender roles in the 19th century.

Description: Outlander, while more fantastical with its time-travel elements, shares Downton Abbey: A New Era's emphasis on historical accuracy, romance, and the complexities of life in different eras. Both series feature strong female leads navigating challenging circumstances.

Fact: Based on Diana Gabaldon's bestselling book series. Filmed in Scotland, showcasing stunning landscapes. Combines historical events with personal drama, much like Downton Abbey.

Description: Poldark, like Downton Abbey: A New Era, is a period drama filled with romance, family drama, and social strife. Set in 18th-century Cornwall, it shares Downton's lush cinematography and focus on both the privileged and the working class.

Fact: Based on the novels by Winston Graham. Aiden Turner's portrayal of Ross Poldark became iconic, especially a shirtless scything scene. Addresses issues like mining, class conflict, and post-war trauma.

Description: The Gilded Age, another Julian Fellowes creation, parallels Downton Abbey: A New Era in its depiction of societal changes and the clash between old money and new wealth. The series features opulent settings, intricate costumes, and a large ensemble cast, much like Downton Abbey.

Fact: Set in 1880s New York City, offering a different but equally rich historical context. Stars Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon as rival socialites. Explores the rise of the American industrial elite, contrasting with Downton's British aristocracy.

Description: The Durrells, like Downton Abbey: A New Era, is a period piece with a mix of humor and drama, focusing on family dynamics. Set in 1930s Corfu, it offers a sunnier but equally detailed look at a bygone era, with a strong ensemble cast.

Fact: Based on Gerald Durrell's autobiographical books. Stars Keeley Hawes as the matriarch of the Durrell family. Showcases the beauty of Corfu and the eccentricities of the Durrell family.

Description: Victoria shares with Downton Abbey: A New Era a focus on British history and the lives of the upper class, though it centers on Queen Victoria's reign. Both series emphasize the personal and political challenges faced by their protagonists, wrapped in sumptuous period detail.

Fact: Jenna Coleman, known for her role in Doctor Who, stars as Queen Victoria. The series was filmed in various historic locations, including Harewood House. Explores Victoria's relationship with Prince Albert in depth, adding a romantic element.

Description: Belgravia, created by Julian Fellowes, mirrors Downton Abbey: A New Era in its exploration of class divisions and family secrets in 19th-century England. The series shares the same meticulous attention to historical detail and lavish production design, focusing on the lives of both the upper class and their servants.

Fact: Based on Fellowes' own novel. Initially released as an audiobook before being adapted for television. Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Waterloo, adding a historical event to the personal dramas.

Description: Lark Rise to Candleford, like Downton Abbey: A New Era, is a gentle period drama focusing on rural English life and the contrasts between different social classes. Both series are adaptations of literary works and emphasize community and tradition.

Fact: Based on Flora Thompson's semi-autobiographical novels. Set in the late 19th century, it depicts the transition from agricultural to industrial society. Features Olivia Hallinan and Julia Sawalha in lead roles.