15 Best Period Pieces Streaming Now on Hulu

If you’re anything like us, you’re probably already bloomers-deep in The Great Season 2 and thinking about how you’re going to fill that period-drama-shaped hole in your heart when it’s over. Don’t worry, we’re right there with you. 

Lucky for us (and you), we’ve put together a guide of all the best period dramas to watch after you finish the last episode and are craving more (sort of) historically accurate drama. 

Let’s get into it. 

Period Drama TV Series

The Great

First and foremost, if you’re sitting here wondering “what’s all the fuss about this show The Great”—then that’s exactly where your period drama binge needs to start. And in case you need a little nudge, here’s a sneak peek that’s sure to leave you craving more accents and funny hats. 

Hulu’s Emmy®-winning series, starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, is loosely based on the rise of Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning female ruler of Russia (no biggie). 

The satirical, comedic drama recently returned for season 2. All episodes are streaming now, only on Hulu.

Watch: The Great

Harlots

Brothel owner, Margaret Wells, is faced with navigating the roles of both madam and mother. When a rival madam interferes with her business, Margaret is forced to fight back, even if it means putting herself and her family in grave danger. 

Follow along in the intricate world of 18th century Harlots (didn’t everything just sound so much fancier back then?) in this dramatic and vengeful British period drama, only on Hulu.  

Watch: Harlots

Salem 

While loosely based on the real-life Salem witch trials of the 17th century, the characters of Salem have one major difference: they really are witches, and powerful ones at that. This addicting (also slightly gruesome and terrifying) tale of sorcery, secrets, and long lost love will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Watch: Salem 

Lark Rise to Candleford

Young Laura leaves her small village of Lark Rise for an apprenticeship with her Aunt to become a postmistress in the larger, more progressive town of Candleford. However, when she arrives, Laura learns that not everyone in the wealthier town is as welcoming as she’d hoped. 

Watch: Lark Rise to Candleford 

Hunderby 

When young Helene washes ashore after a shipwreck (as one does), she’s given the opportunity to reinvent herself. She is quickly married to Edmund, a local pastor, after she reveals to him that she remains “pure.” However, once she moves into his home, it becomes much harder to hide her dark past. 

If you’ve got a dark sense of humor and don’t mind an above average dose of raunch, then you’ll love the uncomfortably hilarious comedy series, Hunderby. 

Watch: Hunderby 

Dark Shadows 

Vampires? Check. 18th century time travel? Check. Family curse? Check. This story has everything you need to fall deep into the Gothic Revival.

When Victoria, a young woman hired as a governess, accidentally awakens Barnabas, a vampire who’s been asleep in a coffin for hundreds of years, she’s transported back to the year 1790, while Barnabas attempts to become human again.  

For more vampire drama, check out the 2012 Dark Shadows movie. Plus, peruse our Horror Movies & Shows Guide to discover more of our spooky favorites streaming now.

Watch: Dark Shadows 

Period Pieces Based on Classic Novels

Pride and Prejudice 

As one of the most well-known and successful period dramas ever, BBC’s 1995 miniseries Pride and Prejudice is considered a near-perfect adaptation of Jane Austen’s most famous work, “Pride and Prejudice.” 

This story follows wild and independent Elizabeth Bennett as she’s courted by Mr. Darcy, a high-society aristocrat, played by none other than Colin Firth. Also based on a Jane Austen novel, check out Sense and Sensibility.

Watch: Pride & Prejudice 

David Copperfield

Young David Copperfield (more easily recognizable now as a certain famous wizard, wink wink), lives a perfect life with his mother in the 1800s. However, when his mother remarries, his whole life turns upside down. 

Supposed to be a bit of an allegory of Charles Dickens’ life, this story follows David Copperfield from his childhood through adulthood as he finds love, and builds a life of his own in a difficult world.

Also based on a Charles Dickens novel, check out Oliver Twist.

Watch: David Copperfield

Jane Eyre 

Following the death of her uncle, Jane Eyre is sent to become the governess to Adèle, the ward of the master of the house, Mr. Rochester. Quiet and brooding, Mr. Rochester is hardly ever home. But, after Jane saves him from a mysterious fire, she begins to fall in love with him and uncover the dark secrets of his past.

Watch: Jane Eyre

Daniel Deronda 

Based on Mary Ann Evans’ (pseudonym: George Eliot) last novel set in Victorian high-society, Daniel Deronda follows a boy who has been adopted by a high-ranking family. He, however, is unsure about where his roots truly lie. 

When Daniel is forced to choose between two women to marry, he sets off on a journey of self-discovery, where he learns about his true past and what that means for his future. 

With a strong female triumph and a love triangle that won’t quit, this movie will keep you guessing until the very end.

Watch: Daniel Deronda

Period Drama Movies

The Limehouse Golem

Gloomy 1880’s London is the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery with the highest stakes. 

The Limehouse Golem serial killer has rocked the city and, to make matters worse, he’s leaving messages written in blood to taunt the police. With the life of a young musician in his hands, Detective Kildare must solve the mystery before an innocent woman is hanged for murder. 

Watch: The Limehouse Golem 

Robert the Bruce

Set in the early 1300s, Robert the Bruce follows the King of Scotland (Angus Macfadyen), who is on the brink of defeat in the war to gain freedom from the British. He is injured and on the run when he meets a widow and her family who nurse him back to health so he can claim victory and freedom for Scotland. 

Watch: Robert the Bruce 

LGBTQIA+ Period Dramas

Ammonite 

As if period dramas weren’t already enticing enough, add in an enemies to lovers trope and we’re hooked. When an accomplished fossil hunter is hired to care for a wealthy young woman sent to the sea to recover, they immediately butt heads. But, after some time, they begin to develop an intimate relationship that changes both of their lives. 

Watch: Ammonite     

Vita & Virginia

Based on the love affair speculated to have happened between writer Virginia Woolf and socialite and author, Vita Sackville-West, Vita & Virginia follows two women, both married to men, who meet at a costume party and are immediately enamored with one another.

As a portrait of their love story, the film features very real quotes from the passionate letters they exchanged.

Watch: Vita and Virginia 

Portrait of a Lady on Fire 

In 18th century France, a young painter named Marianne is commissioned to follow and observe Héloïse, a young aristocrat, in order to paint a candid wedding portrait. As the women spend more time together each day, they continue to grow closer and must share the short time they have before Héloïse is to be married.     

Watch: Portrait of a Lady on Fire 

The Girl King

Queen Kristina, the “girl king,” is thrust onto the throne at age six and is raised as a prince, not a princess. Her goal is to spread peace and an education throughout Sweden in the 1600s, but the people surrounding her have a different plan. 

As she approaches a marriageable age, strong and fiercely independent Kristina is suddenly expected to choose a man to marry. Only, she was more interested in her beautiful lady-in-waiting, Ebba. 

Watch: Girl King

Interested in more shows to binge as the weather gets colder and the sweatpants get cozier? Check out our guide to the best shows on Hulu, according to our subscribers!