Do you like The Buccaneers? Here are more streaming shows like the period drama!

I knew drama was set to come our way in The Buccaneers, but I don’t think I expected this much. Each of the girls’ stories have twists and turns that are unexpected, and really make for a compelling story. The series really portrays some of the struggles of women at the time, and the pressures they faced having to secure husbands, titles, and living in a man’s world.

The finale of the Apple TV+ series is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. The series has managed to surprise us, hook us in, and keep us entertained. All with the backdrop of what comes with a period drama, including the lavishness and costumes. Plus, there’s just something so intriguing about these stories and time periods.

Are you eager for more? We’ve got you covered! Because period dramas are one of my personal favorite genres to watch, I just can’t get enough. If you’re like me, you’re probably in the mood to keep this period drama train going! So what other shows can you watch? We shared some of our recs below:

• The Gilded Age
• Bridgerton/Queen Charlotte
• Sandition

Read on below for the details on why we recommend these shows if you like period dramas! Plus, if you scroll down to the end, we’ve got some bonus recs for you to check out as well.

Period dramas to watch that are like The Buccaneers

The Gilded Age

One aspect of The Buccaneers is that it’s a little bit of the new money vs. old money. The Americans are considered new money. And even if they are rich, there’s still a distinction. Whereas when the girls head to London, they’re faced with those who look down upon them because they’re what would be considered old money. Mix that in with the ” tightly corseted” London season of the 1870s, that’s what the show is about.

If you love the costumes and that new money vs. old money aspect, then you’ll definitely want to check out The Gilded Age on Max. The show follows a young woman in 1882 New York City during the titular era in history. She has to face the new money Russell family and old money  van Rhijn-Brook family. Of course there’s so much more to it, including the costumes and stories as they progress. But that’s one big similarity between The Buccaneers and The Gilded Age.

Quick facts as of Nov. 29, 2023:

• # of seasons: 2 (finale date Dec. 17)
• Where to stream: Max
• Cast: Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon

Bridgerton/Queen Charlotte

I know, I know. You probably saw this coming! And if you’re a period drama fan and haven’t seen Bridgerton yet, I honestly don’t know what you’ve been doing with your time. And I say that lovingly. But, truly. This Regency-era period drama is a masterpiece that you definitely need to check out!

I would say Bridgerton has much more sweet love stories that make us swoon, whereas The Buccaneers gets us to ship certain couples, but their challenges are much bigger. But still, if you want a beautiful love story between a duke (Simon) and the dubbed “diamond of the season” (Daphne) in Bridgerton season 1, or the relationship between the stubborn-headed viscount (Anthony) and equally stubborn Kate, then you’ve come to the right place. And the great news is that the third season is on the way!

In The Buccaneers, Nan is in a love triangle between the Duke of Tintagel who has money and Guy Thwarte who needs to marry to save his home. While not the same storyline, Bridgerton season 2 also features a love triangle of sorts between Anthony, Kate, and her sister Edwina. Plus, we’ve got the backdrop of young women working hard to impress suitors and trying to find themselves a husband just like the Apple TV+ series.

I can’t talk about Bridgerton without also recommending its prequel series, Queen Charlotte. Now the prequel on Netflix focuses more on the titular character and the challenges she faces with her beloved King George’s mental struggles. But it’s still a beautifully touching love story set in a period drama era. Grab the tissues, you’re going to need them! And she’s a very strong character who knows her mind, a trait many of the Buccaneer girls also have.

Quick facts:

• Bridgerton # of seasons: 2 (third season expected to premiere in 2024)
• Queen Charlotte # of seasons: 1 (limited series)
• Where to watch: Netflix
• Bridgerton cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Charithra Chandran, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Ruth Gemmell, Adjoa Andoh, Golda Rosheuvel
• Queen Charlotte cast: India Amarteifio, Corey Mylchreest, Arsema Thomas, Connie Jenkins-Greig, Ruth Gemmell, Adjoa Andoh, Golda Rosheuvel

Sanditon

Also set in the 1800s Regency Era in England is British historical drama Sanditon. The series is based on the unfinished novel by Jane Austen, so you know this is one period drama you definitely want to check out! She’s like, the queen of love stories and period dramas. This show will give you everything you’re looking for – a strong and spirited female character (Charlotte) the story is centered around, an intriguing love story, scheming people around Charlotte, and the parties she attends faced with suitors.

The story also focuses on Charlotte making her way to the titular town where entrepreneur Tom Parker is developing a seaside resort. There’s also great friendships, which is the central and key part of The Buccaneers. It also highlights abuse, which is unfortunately what Jinny is going through.

Quick facts as of Nov. 29, 2023:

• # of seasons: 3, finished
• Where to stream: PBS Masterpiece through Prime Video
• Cast: Rose Williams, Theo James, Kris Marshall

Other period dramas to watch

The following shows might not exactly fit in terms of the world of the ton, suitors, and other elements mentioned above. But, these shows are also great period dramas in their own ways, that definitely deserve a watch!

• The Great – Hulu
• The White Queen, The White Princess, and The Spanish Princess – Starz
• The Tudors – Prime Video or Showtime
• The Empress – Netflix
• The Serpent Queen – Starz
• Reign – Prime Video
• Outlander – Starz
• Downton Abbey – Peacock or Prime Video