7 Things To Watch If You’re Bridgerton Obsessed

And just like that, the second season of the steamy romantic drama Bridgerton is finished! At least for me, it is. I binged the whole season over the weekend. Now I’m stuck waiting another year, perhaps even longer, for more drama, more fashion, more sex, and more of Lady Whistledown’s shenanigans. Whether you’re just dipping your toe in the Bridgerton pool or binged watched it like me, there are plenty more period dramas that give scandalous, gossipy vibes like Bridgeton. Here are 7 things to watch if you are Bridgerton obsessed.

7 Things To Watch If You’re Bridgerton Obsessed

I’ve always loved classic movies and period pieces. I’m fascinated by how stories of betrayal, love, life, and loss from the past have elements we can still identify with today. I also find it interesting to see how much has changed over the years with regard to family, relationships, race, and the treatment of women. This list features shows that include those elements plus juicy storylines filled with romance, lust, secrets, and surprising plot twists!

The Guilded Age | HBO Max

I wrapped this one up just in time for the premiere of season 2 of Bridgerton, and I love love loved it! The story is set in New York City during the year 1882. After her father’s death, a young woman moves from rural Pennsylvania to live with her rich and quite conservative aunts. During her travels, she befriends Peggy Scott, a black aspiring writer from a prosperous family. The aunts live across the street from an even richer railroad tycoon and his ambitious social-climbing wife. Many of the characters are based on real people, and it’s quite interesting to watch the social struggle between old money and new and get a snapshot of the black experience during this period. Oh, and the fashion is to die for!

The Cook of Castamar | Netflix

Based on the novel by Fernando J. Múñez, the show takes place in 18th century Madrid. A duke is mourning the loss of his wife and develops an unlikely relationship with the manor’s new cook, who has also suffered a tragedy. But with class boundaries, will this forbidden romance survive? Served with the right amount of scandal, deception, romance, and suspense, you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting to find out.

The Favourite | Apple TV

Set in early 1700s England, this dark comedy is about two cousins battling for the affections of an ailing queen in the pursuit of power and security. This love triangle has all the chaos, backstabbing, manipulation, and sex you would expect when all the members live under one roof.

The Great | Hulu

A combination of drama, humor, wit, sex, and intrigue, the show is loosely based on Catherine the Great. The show starts as she arrives in Russia to marry, and when her royal fantasy of happily ever after is crushed, she plots to kill her new husband. Not exactly steamy but very funny and lots of fun to watch.

Sense and Sensibility | Prime Video | Apple TV | Hulu

This movie is one of a handful that I watch every time it comes on. In this retelling of a Jane Austen classic, the Dashwood sisters are left destitute by the death of their father, as his estate is passed down to his son from his first marriage. The sisters suffer loss and heartache as they seek the perfect suitors, love, and financial security. There are no steamy love scenes, but the level of romance and drama definitely make up for it.

Pride and Prejudice | Hulu | Apple TV

Another Jane Austen classic, this book has been adapted for television and movies 17 times since 1938. I’ve seen the 1940 and 2005 versions. In 18th century England, Mrs. Bennet eagerly seeks to marry off her five daughters, including headstrong Elizabeth. When wealthy bachelors come to town, Mrs. Bennet is determined to snap them up for her daughters. But of course, it won’t be that easy! It’s messy, romantic, complicated, heartwarming, and definitely worth watching.

Belle | Prime Video

Based on a true story, Belle is about a biracial woman raised by her aristocratic uncle in 18th century England. While her heritage affords her the benefits of affluence, as a woman of color, she is never allowed to take full advantage of her social status. When her uncle, a judge, takes a case involving a slave ship, Belle falls for his protégé as she deals with the overwhelming social issues surrounding them.

Here’s hoping these 7 things to watch if you are Bridgerton obsessed will keep you occupied until it returns.

Be inspired,