They’re just as deliciously addictive.
10 Shows Like Bridgerton to Binge-Watch Immediately
They’re just as deliciously addictive.
Bridgerton was the series to watch when the first season dropped on Christmas Day in 2020 and the second season on 25th March 2022. And while there are no shows exactly like Bridgerton - after all, it did set a new calibre for a romance jam-packed with history, eroticism and drama - there are a few sneaky series that will please the Duke of Hastings-shaped hole in your life.
From contemporary love stories to comedies, more period romances and historical Korean-drama magic, we’ve rounded up the 10 best shows you need to watch immediately now that you’ve binged Bridgerton.
1. Downton Abbey
Before Bridgerton, there was Downton Abbey - arguably one of the most popular British shows. The series takes place a century later than Bridgerton and dives into the complex world of the elite Crawley family. It’s jam-packed with scandals, historical references and subtle stabs at the inherent classism of the British aristocracy.
Where to watch in Australia: Binge
2. Gossip Girl
It might feature text messages instead of Bridgeton’s hand-delivered mail system, and lavish 19th-century ball gowns definitely don’t make an appearance; but if Bridgerton took place in the 2010s, it would look like the iconic teen drama series Gossip Girl. If you haven’t watched it yet, the series follows the lives of privileged teenagers in Manhattan as they sabotage and sleep with one another, and share dirty secrets, rumours and scandals.
Where to watch in Australia: Stan
3. Outlander
You could say Outlander gives Bridgerton’s Daphne and Simon’s racy scenes a run for their money. Between all the rendezvous, the similarly modernised series based on Diana Gabaldon’s books, tells the story of Claire (Caitriona Balfe), a WWII nurse who’s transported to the 18th century. There, she meets and falls in love with warrior Jamie Fraser (hello again, sexy Scottish accent!), who helps keep her safe.
Where to watch in Australia: Netflix
4. Mr. Sunshine
Korean dramas have long been around, but it was only until we all went into COVID lockdown that people really became acquainted with the huge variety of K-drama romance stories on Netflix. For a series that emulates Bridgerton vibes, we suggest starting with Mr. Sunshine. This K-drama is set during the Joseon dynasty at the turn of the 20th century when activists were fighting for Korean independence. It’s packed with incredible cinematography and stunning costumes, all while offering betrayal, politics and a whole lot of romance.
Where to watch in Australia: Netflix
5. Younger
Can’t get enough of Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor? Catch her in the American comedy-drama television series Younger, which follows 40-year-old single mother Liza, who pretends to be younger than she is in order to find a job in her desired field of work. Phoebe plays the role of Clare, who ends up marrying Liza’s ex-fling Josh in a green card marriage and ends up falling pregnant with his baby. Talk about a messy love triangle.
Where to watch in Australia: Stan
6. Pride and Prejudice
Have a short attention span or only have a day to get through an entire show? Look no further than Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth as the charming Mr Darcy. The six-episode series is a classic British adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, and it certainly does the OG justice. Plus, let’s be honest, would there even be a Bridgerton without Austen and adaptations like this?
Where to watch in Australia: Apple TV
7. Belgravia
Belgravia lives up to the calibre of Bridgerton’s drama and scandal and is even set in the same era. The miniseries from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, dives into the mid-19th century fallout of the reveal of a secret pregnancy 25 years after the fact. All the secrets of high society London slowly unravel on screen, putting nearly everyone’s status in danger.
Where to watch in Australia: Binge
8. The Great
If you liked the costumes in Bridgerton but needed some comic relief between all the drama, may we suggest The Great? Starring Elle Fanning, the series serves a hilarious and absurdist vision of Russia’s longest running female leader Catherine the Great. It blends humour with drama and romance to tell the story of Catherine’s humble beginning all the way to her plotting to kill her husband Emperor Peter (played by Nicholas Hault), and take over as the ruler of the country.
Where to watch in Australia: Stan
9. The Queen’s Gambit
If quality over quantity is what you’re looking for, The Queen’s Gambit has to take top spot. The seven-episode series became Netflix’s most-watched limited show of all time - and attracted 62 million account viewers during its first month. Sure, a show about an orphaned girl rising to fame through playing chess doesn’t sound appealing at all but be warned: prepare for unexpected greatness.
Where to watch in Australia: Netflix
10. Scandal
Bridgerton’s creator Chris Van Dusen was a writer and producer for this political drama, so it’s no wonder the two have so many similarities. Firstly, just like Bridgerton’s modern orchestral pop songs, Scandal has its own unique musical moments combining classic soul with R&B and Motown drops. Then there’s the drama and romance storyline as the show follows professional fixer Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) solving the most powerful people in the world’s problems by day, and engaging in a steamy and messy affair by night with… the married president. Scandalous!
Where to watch in Australia: Amazon Prime
