10 Scandalous TV Shows Like ‘Sanditon’ You Need to Binge-Watch Immediately
Bridgerton may have stolen everyone’s hearts when Netflix dropped season one on Christmas Day in 2020, but alas, it didn’t take long for a new period drama to emerge that would rival the level of Bridgerton’s scandalous plot we all fell in love with.
News on Twitter started circulating about British historical drama Sanditon, which some Bridgerton-fans admitting it topped Netflix's regency drama.
For those who haven’t watched it yet, the Austen-adaptation is set during the Regency era and follows young and naive heroine Charlotte Heywood (played by Rose Williams) as she relocates from Sussex to the fishing-village-turned-seaside-resort of Sanditon. It isn’t long until Charlotte discovers this resort is flooded with scheming and ambitious locals who possess a wealth of secrets. Cue the drama.
As for the romance, Charlotte ends up catching the eye of the Parker brothers and a love-triangle forms. The series predominantly focuses on Charlotte’s relationship with Sidney Parker (played by Theo James) who is arguably equally as dreamy as Bridgerton’s Duke of Hastings. For a full rundown of the show, head here.
But if you’re like us and have already made your way through Sanditon, then we’ve rounded up 10 similar TV shows you need to binge-watch next. You’re very welcome.
10 Best Shows like 'Sanditon' to Binge-Watch
1. Bridgerton
It would be a sin if we didn’t put this one at the top of our list. You’ve probably heard countless things about how addictive this drama is so we’d recommend you watch it ASAP. After that, you can brush up on your Bridgerton knowledge with the interesting facts about the series no one ever knew about, plus, everything you need to know about the new Bridgerton spin-off series, which is currently in the works.
Where to watch it: Netflix
2. Belgravia
Belgravia lives up to the calibre of Sanditon'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 it: Binge
3. Poldark
Originally a book, this series follows Captain Ross Poldark on his return to his beloved Cornwall after the American War of Independence in 1783. Unfortunately, life isn’t how he left it - his father is dead, his family mine has closed, his house is wrecked and his sweetheart is pledged to marry his cousin. Despite his world in ruins, he remains positive and soon finds hope and love can be found when you’re least expecting it.
Where to watch it: BritBox
4. 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. We need to note that the costumes are just as lavish as those in Sanditon and Bridgerton.
Where to watch it: Stan
5. Downton Abbey
Before Sanditon and 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 it: Netflix
6. Scandal
Bridgerton’s creator Chris Van Dusen, was a writer and producer on this political drama, so you know it's going to be good. The drama and romance-filled storyline 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! Side note: take note of the unique musical moments combining classic soul with R&B and Motown drops.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
7. Victoria
This British historical television drama follows the early life of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne at the young age of eighteen, to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert. The ambitious plot, the extravagant costumes and the lavish set will hook you in instantly. There are also currently three series available, so you’ll be kept occupied for a good amount of time.
Where to watch it: iTunes
8. Reign
This is probably not one to watch with your parents (cue some very sexual scenes), but nonetheless, it's definitely worth adding to your list.
The plot follows the life of Mary, the Queen of Scots, from when she arrived in France at the age of fifteen and marries Prince Francis. Amid the sexual and political chaos, she becomes friends with the handmaidens and they build beautiful bonds. Although it doesn't follow the true history of Mary, it's a wonderful and inspiring fictional tale that will leave you glued to the couch. Plus, the rave reviews speak for themselves.
Where to watch it: Netflix
9. Jamestown
From the creators of Downton Abbey, Jamestown is set in 1619 where three courageous women leave their dark pasts behind in England and become the first women to arrive in the male-populated Jamestown colony in Virginia, shaking up the settlement. The disruptive new arrivals are immediately thrown into a world of desire, power and survival. Viewers have said it did take them a few episodes to become intrigued with the show (so be patient!) but overall, critics have labeled it a “gripping period drama”.
Where to watch it: Stan
10. Mare of Easttown
Although not a period drama, this HBO detective drama series has generated the same amount of hype as Sanditon and Bridgerton - it’s just that good. The seven-episode series follows detective Mare Sheehan (hello, Kate Winslet) in a small Pennsylvania town where she investigates a local murder while her life crumbles around her. It explores the dark side of a close community that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With a stellar IMDb rating of 8.6/10, this is a must-watch for anyone obsessed with thrillers.
Where to watch it: Binge
