7 Must-Watch Period Dramas That Make For An Intriguing Watch!

Are you someone who’s fond of reading about past events and basically anything that falls under the subject of history? Then dear readers, we have made this list especially for you. Yep, we have handpicked a few period dramas that are based on historical events that should certainly be on your list of shows to watch. But hey, before you dive into the list, do know that a lot of them have taken some sort of creative liberty to enhance the viewer’s experience, and while some of them might not be based on true events, they do in fact give you a glimpse into the society, politics and culture, prevalent at the time! Read on!

1. Magnificent Century

Picture Credits: imdb

This Turkish historical fiction is based on the life and the court of the Ottoman Empire. Starting from the time of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, he was the longest-reigning Sultan alongside his wife, Hurrem Sultan. Even though this show has been inspired by real events, a lot of creative liberty has been taken for the show, but it's definitely a treat for the eyes. Based on the period of 1500, it's definitely something that you should watch if you are a fan of Turkish dramas.

Watch Online Here | Magnificent Century 

2. Versailles

This period drama is based in the year 1667, and 28-year-old King Louis XIV has finally taken over sole command of France. However, when he commissions Versailles, what’s touted to be the most beautiful palace in Europe, nobles seek entry into the lavish residence, which they do not realise to imprison and control them and the prime target here is his younger brother, Monsieur. Love, power, betrayal and war are an essential part of this complex yet interesting court life of Versailles.

Watch Online Here | Versailles 

3. Victoria

As you may have gathered from the name, this Sony LIV show is based on the life of Queen Victoria. It follows the young Victoria, who ascends the British throne at the tender age of 18. Watch her fall in love with Prince Albert and get married to him, all the while taking on the challenge of ruling a court in the patriarchal society of Britain. It definitely gives an intriguing insight into what might have been court life in those days!

Watch Online Here | Victoria 

4. Cable Girls

The show is based in the 1920s when Spain had just got its first national telephone company, located in Madrid. This show follows the lives of 4 young women who get jobs there. But for them, it’s not merely a job but represents the progress that is being made at that time, with women gaining more equality with men. Even though the show is a fictionalised story, one cannot deny that it’s based on a historical fact and that it represents the changes in society and culture that Spain underwent during the period.

Watch Online Here | Cable Girls 

5. La Révolution

We all know a little something about the bloody events of the French Revolution, don’t we? Well, this fictional show has re-imagined the entire event but boy, is it interesting! In this version, Joseph Guillotin discovers that a virus is spreading among the nobility that is causing them to murder commoners. This sets the ball rolling for a series of gruesome wars and some bloody politics that define France in the fictional 18th century. 

Watch Online Here | La Révolution 

6. The Last Czars 

Picture Credits: imdb

The next one is a docu-drama which is based on the last czars of Russia. Following the life of Czar Nicholas II who resists the social upheaval sweeping his country in the early 20th century, which eventually leads to the fall of the Romanov dynasty, founded in 1613. As you may have guessed, this series follows the events of the Russian Revolution, and if you’ve been interested in its history, this might just be something you’d want to watch.

Watch Online Here | The Last Czars 

7. Downtown Abbey

Picture Credits: imdb

This series follows Robert Crawley who risks losing the family estate after his heirs die in the Titanic tragedy. But later, the Crawleys are introduced to Matthew, the next heir in line, who resists the aristocratic way of life. The show offers an insight into the British aristocracy and even though the story of Crawleys is fictional, there are certain elements of the show that are based on real life. In fact, the palace where the Crawleys live exists in real life and is called Highclere Castle!

Watch Online Here | Downtown Abbey 

These are just some of the many shows available online and that they should be on your watchlist for sure. So, get your binge-watching snack ready and dive right into the past!