First time on Louisville Independent. Also available on Medium.
Lately, I’ve felt a tug from the past and the desire to watch a snooty period drama. I’ve watched “Downton Abbey” no less than five times straight through, and others have been on repeat. This time, I decided to let myself try Julian Fellowes’ latest work, “The Gilded Age.”
I’m having a hard time not comparing it to “Downton,” but because it’s American, it seems that high society gets a lot more persnickety with the money made on American soil. Sometimes, the acting is a bit stilted and awkward, especially in the first season, but warring rich ladies in the second season is a good time. Because a period piece is an indulgence in the opulence, the grime, or the averageness of the sets, the scheming of the characters, and more than anything, the juxtaposition of the plot against the mores of the period, makes the time investment pay off.
Surprise, this week’s list is a list of my favorite period dramas. Not all are Victorian or Regency dramas, but all make good use of their time settings and guarantee a good time investment for watching.
The Durrells in Corfu (2016 – 4 seasons)
Available on PBS and Amazon Prime
The Durrells in Corfu is based on the memoirs of Gerald Durrell. A widowed English woman moves her four children to the Greek Island of Corfu. Shenanigans with a wonderful cast.
Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Available on Netflix
A young Korean boy is taken and raised in the U.S. during the 1871 Shinmiyangyo Incident when the United States attacked the Joseon Dynasty in an attempt to force Korea into trade agreements with the nation. The young boy returns to Korea as a man serving in the United States military. He uncovers a plot to colonize Korea and works to prevent it from happening while also falling in love with the beautiful and talented sniper Ae-Sin.
Downton Abbey (2010 – 5 seasons)
Available on Britbox, Amazon Prime, and Peacock
If it is possible to happen, it happened to the folks living in “Downton Abbey.” Theft, murders, dead boyfriends, dead husbands, and the best fighting grannies ever. This show leaves nothing to spare. It is funny, emotional, and when you are finished, you’ll miss the characters and watch it again. Oh, and the costuming is divine.
Vikings (2013 – 6 seasons)
Available on Netflix
Epic battles and a lush portrayal of the life of Viking life based on the historical sagas of Ragnar Lothbrok. When I say lush, I don’t mean clean and buttoned up. The Vikings lived close to the land, and the show doesn’t shy away from diving into the brutality and cruelty of the Vikings’ lives.
My Dearest (2023)
Available on Viki and Kocowa
To watch this epic drama, you’re going to need some supplies, chiefly tissue and a blanket. This drama, set in the Joseon period, tells the story of a man with a secret who’s sworn off love after a tragedy, until, of course, he falls in love. Will love be an easy road for these characters? No. Nothing is given easily. Every amazing moment of this drama is earned. It will take you on an emotional ride.
Poldark (2015 – 5 seasons)
Available on PBS and Amazon Prime
A man returns from war and discovers that his life is a train wreck. His father has died, and the woman he loves is engaged to his cousin. The man goes through some things. He’s also the cause of some nonsense for sure. The lead, Aidan Turner, ain’t bad on the eyes either.
The Borgias (2011 – 3 seasons)
Available on Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon Prime
Set in the Renaissance, the Spanish Borgias scheme and manipulate their way into the papacy. The story of the Borgias inspired some great literature, including “The Godfather.” Sex, Politics, and deadly scheming. If you love dealing in the dirt, “The Borgias” is definitely worth a watch.
