15 Current Period Piece TV Shows That Are Super Fun To Watch, Ranked

This prequel to Paramount's surprise hit series Yellowstone explores the origin story of Yellowstone Ranch. Starring Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Isabel May, 1883 is set in the years after the Civil War as the Dutton family heads West to Oregon before settling in Montana. The Western follows the family as they make a treacherous journey across the plains via covered wagon. In addition to the outstanding cast, the series features occasional cameos from Hollywood elite, including Tom Hanks and Billy Bob Thornton. 1883 is a captivating watch for fans of old-school Westerns that use modern storytelling devices.

Netflix's The Crown examines life behind the curtain at Buckingham Palace, fixating on Queen Elizabeth II and her life as a monarch, wife, and mother. Originally starring Claire Foy in the role, then Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton, the drama series follows the queen from the 1950s until the present day, scrutinizing her role as both a monarch and head of her fractured family. The outstanding performances, along with the attention to detail given to the sets, costumes, and characterizations, make the show a standout among historical dramas. Those classy trappings compliment a knowingly dramatic tone that stays on the right side of soap opera, but delights in the big emotions and twists of the world's most high profile dysfunctional family.

The satirical comedy The Great reminds viewers right off the bat not to take the subject matter, or even historical accuracy as a whole, so seriously, as it often refers to itself as "An Almost Entirely Untrue Story." Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult as Catherine the Great and her somewhat lesser-great husband, Peter, this dramedy casts aside facts and opts for whimsy and humor in its story arc rather than cold hard truth. This dark comedy makes for a fun watch not just because the hit Hulu series offers a unique perspective on the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia's history, but also because Fanning's and Hoult's performances as a couple at odds with each other make for great entertainment. Watching Catherine get the better of her buffoon husband is a delicious meal.

The dark, seedy underside of Britain in the early 1900s sets the scene for Peaky Blinders, about the notorious Shelby gang run by mastermind Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy). The rise of the Shelbys through street violence and questionable political maneuvers is made entertaining by its stellar cast, which includes Tom Hardy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Aidan Gillen, Sam Neill, and the late, great Helen McCrory. Watching the A-list cast turn in outstanding performances as former street thugs who slowly climb their way from low-life offenders to "legitimate businessmen" not only elevates the drama to prestige TV but also makes it impossible to tear one's attention away from the formidable Shelbys.

Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, Netflix's hit series Bridgerton features court intrigue, power plays, mystery, romance, and enough bodice-ripping love scenes guaranteed to shock the most stalwart viewer. Set in a fictionalized version of Regency-era Britain, the first season of the series focused on the relationship between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page). The tension between the duke and the young, inexperienced Daphne, and drama-laden subplots of the other characters, make Bridgerton great fun to watch, while the steamy scenes make it a great rewatch as well.

Netflix's juggernaut Stranger Things uses its '80s setting to the best of its abilities, creating a canon of nostalgia that sets the scene for the story of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), a young teen with powerful psychic abilities. From watching spider monsters run rampant in a mall food court to its totally tubular soundtrack, the 1980s setting of the sci-fi thriller is almost as important as the cast, and one of the main reasons why the show is so much fun to watch. There is something satisfying about watching a creature of a parallel universe take out an Orange Julius. Don't ask why.

Based on the best-selling book by Caleb Carr, TNT's psychological thriller The Alienist set in the late 1800s follows an investigation into a series of horrible murders on the streets of New York. Psychologist Dr. Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Brühl), newspaper illustrator John Moore (Luke Evans), and Teddy Roosevelt's personal secretary Sara Howard (Dakota Fanning) set forth to investigate using the limited resources available at the time, armed with only their own intelligence and the small number of resources at their disposal. This dark series about the early days of criminal psychology mixes intrigue and horror as the show examines investigative research of the time while also making a statement about 1890s society. It is a compelling watch for fans of modern-day police procedurals.

Created by Gilmore Girls guru Amy Sherman-Palladino and starring Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan, Amazon Prime's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is the story of a 1950s housewife who becomes a stand-up comedian after her husband walks out on their family. Loosely based on the life of Joan Rivers, the show delivers memorable jokes at a breakneck speed and star-making performances. The comedy of Maisel's stand-up routines mixed with the drama of her everyday life has made the series a must-watch for the streaming service while bringing home accolades for its cast, which includes Brosnahan, Alex Borstein as manager Susie, Tony Shalhoub as Miriam Maisel's uptight father, and Luke Kirby as the infamous Lenny Bruce.

In this latest adaptation of Jules Verne's classic novel Around the World in 80 Days, David Tennant steps into the role of Phileas Fogg, a gallivanting adventurer who makes a wager that he can circumnavigate the globe in a mere 80 days (big talk for the 1800s). Joining him on his quest are personal valet Jean Passepartout (Ibrahim Koma) and journalist Abigail Fix (Leonie Benesch). The classic story follows Fogg as he attempts to win the wager, all while foiling an assassination attempt, saving an innocent man from the gallows, and riding through the Wild West, among other things. The tale has been told many times before, but thanks to Tennant's signature comedic style, the story of Phileas Fogg is given a new lease on life and should be watched by those who love fresh takes on classic literature.

Created by Downton Abbey mastermind Julian Fellowes, HBO's The Gilded Age offers audiences an inside look at the very, very rich from the Upper East Side of New York during the late 1800s. Set on New York's Millionaire's Row, the drama pits Old Money against New Money as the upper-crust members of society attempt to hold fast to their slowly dying ways while the newly rich struggle to make their way through the rigid social scene. Like Downton Abbey, this is a show about etiquette, manners, and high society, as well as all the drama that comes with belonging to the upper echelon. The rich details of the costumes and the sets, along with the rigid rules of decorum and devious nature of those looking for a way in by any means necessary, make the show an engaging watch.

The PBS series Miss Scarlet and the Duke, about the first female detective in Victorian London, uses the lush sets and costumes of a period piece within a police procedural. The story centers on Eliza Scarlet, a young woman who picks up the reins of her detective father after his unexpected demise. While pretending to "work" for her father, she teams with family friend William "Duke" Wellington and sets forth as a private investigator. The drama plays with common police procedural tropes while making a statement about women's place in society at the time. A few stirrings of romance between the two leads add to this beguiling period piece perfect for any fan of procedurals and historical fiction.

HBO's period piece The Nevers isn't what it seems to be. Though the set dressing, costumes, and corsets scream Victorian London, the series actually falls in the realm of science fiction. After small particles of light briefly appear in London one day, a select few are forever changed, given gifts that would make them superheroes in the modern age, but outcasts in their own society. Known as the Touched and led by Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), the group members try to find out the source of their abilities and why they were gifted these powers and attempt to thwart those who plan to use their newfound powers to harm others. The series is completely unexpected and unparalleled, making it highly entertaining.

Set in Victorian Ireland, Acorn TV's original series Dead Still follows postmortem photographer Brock Blennerhasset (Michael Smiley) when he is brought in as an expert to help with a local investigation. The cheeky series is part historical drama, part mystery, offering an unusual look at a profession that isn't often depicted on the small screen. The quirky tone of the series, coupled with its offbeat humor and historical surroundings, makes the show a fun romp for those with a love for the macabre.

Created by Julian Fellowes and based on his novel of the same name, Epix's Belgravia is a story of secrets, suitors, scandals, and society set in 19th century London. The period piece follows two affluent families - the Trenchards and the Brockenhursts - and a secret that threatens to topple both clans, thanks to the unknowing and innocent Charles Pope (Jack Bardoe). Filled with double-crossing antics, dark family secrets, and prim and proper romance, Belgravia is a great watch for those who love Downton Abbey, but just need a smidge more melodrama in their period pieces.

Starring Rose Byrne, Apple TV+'s Physical is a dark comedy about a woman swept up in the aerobics fad of the '80s. As a mother on the edge, Sheila Rubin finds a new path for herself thanks to the high-energy boost and life-changing affirmation she gets from aerobics. Filled with crimped hairstyles, off-the-shoulder blouses, and leotards as far as the eye can see, Physical is more than just an '80s nostalgia trip; it is a story about a woman who learns to find herself outside of her role as a mother and wife. But the bright neon colors and pop soundtrack from a bygone era make it fun to watch.