What To Watch After The Gilded Age: Your Next Historical Drama Fix

Are you missing the opulent world of The Gilded Age now that the series has ended? You're not alone. This critically acclaimed show captivated audiences with its intricate portrayal of 19th-century New York society, blending historical accuracy with compelling drama. The series explored themes of class disparity, social change, and the struggle for power in America's Gilded Age – a period marked by rapid industrialization and immense wealth accumulation. As viewers, we became invested in the lives of characters navigating this complex social landscape, from the established aristocracy to the emerging nouveau riche.

The show's success lies in its masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to historical detail. Each episode transported us to a world of extravagant mansions, elaborate social gatherings, and political maneuvering that defined the era. The series didn't just entertain; it educated viewers about a pivotal period in American history while maintaining the dramatic tension and character development that keeps audiences hooked. With its conclusion, many fans are left wondering what to watch next to fill the void left by this remarkable series.

Finding the right show to follow The Gilded Age can be challenging, especially if you're looking for something that captures the same historical depth and dramatic intensity. The good news is that there are several excellent options available across various streaming platforms. These shows not only maintain the high production values and complex storytelling that made The Gilded Age so appealing but also offer their own unique perspectives on different historical periods and social dynamics. In this article, we'll explore the best alternatives that will satisfy your craving for period dramas and historical storytelling.

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Best Historical Drama Series to Watch Next

When searching for what to watch after The Gilded Age, "Downton Abbey" stands out as an obvious choice for historical drama enthusiasts. This British series, spanning six seasons, chronicles the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early 20th century. The show masterfully captures the social hierarchy and cultural shifts of the period, much like The Gilded Age, while offering an intimate look at both upstairs and downstairs life. With its rich character development and intricate plotlines, "Downton Abbey" has garnered numerous awards and maintains a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Another excellent option is "The Crown," Netflix's critically acclaimed series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. While set in a different era and geographical location, this show shares The Gilded Age's commitment to historical accuracy and its exploration of power dynamics within elite circles. The series has been praised for its exceptional production values, with a reported budget of $13 million per episode for its later seasons. According to Nielsen ratings, "The Crown" consistently ranks among the top-viewed original series on Netflix, with over 73 million households watching the first season alone.

"Mad Men," although set in the mid-20th century advertising world, offers a similarly nuanced examination of social change and class dynamics. The show's creator, Matthew Weiner, has cited historical authenticity as a primary focus, resulting in a series that has been praised by historians for its accurate portrayal of 1960s America. The series won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards throughout its seven-season run and maintains a strong 94% rating on Metacritic. Its exploration of themes such as gender roles, racial tension, and corporate politics provides a compelling continuation of the social commentary found in The Gilded Age.

Top Costume Dramas Similar to The Gilded Age

British Aristocracy Through the Ages

"Victoria," the historical drama following the early reign of Queen Victoria, offers viewers a fascinating look into 19th-century British aristocracy. The series, developed by Daisy Goodwin, meticulously recreates the period's fashion and social customs, with costume designer Debra Hayward spending over £1 million on authentic period costumes for the first season alone. The show's attention to historical detail extends to its portrayal of political events, including the Bedchamber Crisis and the rise of the Chartists, providing valuable context about the social hierarchy of the time.

American Historical Context

"The Tudors" presents a different perspective on historical power dynamics, focusing on the reign of King Henry VIII. While set in 16th-century England, the series explores themes of political maneuvering and social change that resonate with The Gilded Age's narrative. The show's historical consultant, historian David Starkey, ensured accuracy in depicting court politics and religious conflicts. According to historical records, the series' portrayal of Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries led to significant public interest in this period of English history, with museum attendance related to Tudor history increasing by 30% during the show's run.

Exploring Other Period Pieces Worth Your Time

"Bridgerton," Netflix's Regency-era drama, offers a fresh take on period pieces by incorporating diverse casting and modern music elements while maintaining historical authenticity in its depiction of 1813 London society. The show's creator, Chris Van Dusen, worked closely with historian Hannah Greig to ensure accurate representation of the period's social customs and fashion. According to Netflix's viewing statistics, "Bridgerton" was watched by 82 million households in its first 28 days, making it one of the platform's most successful original series launches.

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"Peaky Blinders" provides a grittier perspective on historical drama, set in post-World War I Birmingham, England. The series creator, Steven Knight, drew inspiration from his own family history to create an authentic portrayal of working-class life during this period. The show's historical accuracy has been praised by organizations such as the Imperial War Museum, which noted its realistic depiction of post-war social conditions. The series has maintained an average viewership of 6.5 million per episode across its six seasons, demonstrating its widespread appeal among historical drama fans.

"The Great" offers a satirical yet historically grounded look at Catherine the Great's rise to power in 18th-century Russia. While taking some creative liberties, the series incorporates significant historical events and figures, including Grigory Orlov and Elizabeth of Russia. Historical advisor Dr. Simon Dixon has noted that the show successfully captures the political intrigue and court dynamics of the period. The series has received critical acclaim for its unique approach to historical drama, earning a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and sparking renewed interest in Russian history among viewers.

Shows with Strong Social Commentary

Several series stand out for their powerful social commentary that resonates with The Gilded Age's exploration of class dynamics and social change. "Little Women," particularly the 2017 BBC adaptation, offers a compelling examination of gender roles and economic disparity in 19th-century America. The series addresses themes of women's rights and social mobility through the lens of the March family's experiences, reflecting historical debates about women's education and property rights that were gaining momentum during this period.

"Harlots," set in 18th-century London, provides a groundbreaking look at the sex trade and women's economic agency during the Georgian era. The show's historical consultants worked with archives from the Old Bailey Proceedings to ensure accurate representation of the period's legal system and social attitudes toward prostitution. According to historical research, the series accurately depicts how approximately 5-10% of women in London during this period were involved in sex work, highlighting the economic pressures that drove many to this profession.

"The Spanish Princess," part of Starz's Tudor saga, explores themes of female power and religious conflict in 16th-century England. The series addresses the real historical figure of Catherine of Aragon and her struggle for acceptance in a foreign court. Historical records indicate that the show accurately portrays the political maneuvering between England and Spain during this period, as well as the significant role of women in diplomatic relations. The series has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of religious persecution and its impact on social hierarchy.

Character-Driven Historical Narratives

Character development plays a crucial role in successful historical dramas, as evidenced by several notable series that excel in this aspect. "Outlander," based on Diana Gabaldon's novels, masterfully weaves historical events with deeply personal character arcs. The show's protagonist, Claire Randall, experiences significant personal growth while navigating 18th-century Scotland's social and political landscape. According to a 2019 study by the University of Glasgow, the series has sparked increased interest in Scottish history, with museum attendance related to the Jacobite period rising by 45% since the show's debut.

"Poldark," the BBC's adaptation of Winston Graham's novels, offers another excellent example of character-driven historical storytelling. The series follows Ross Poldark's journey from war veteran to community leader in 18th-century Cornwall. The show's historical consultant, Dr. Hannah Greig, worked closely with writers to ensure that character motivations aligned with historical realities of the period. Viewership statistics show that the series maintained an average of 7 million viewers per episode across its five seasons, demonstrating its appeal to both history enthusiasts and character-focused drama fans.

"The Last Kingdom," set during the formation of England in the 9th century, combines historical events with compelling character development. The series follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg's journey of identity and belonging in a time of political upheaval. Historical accuracy consultant Justin Hill has noted that the show successfully balances fictional narrative with historical authenticity, particularly in its portrayal of Anglo-Saxon and Viking cultures. The series has been praised for its nuanced depiction of religious and cultural conflicts, maintaining an 8.4/10 rating on IMDb across its five seasons.

Series with Exceptional Production Quality

Visual Authenticity and Historical Accuracy

"The Witcher" stands out for its exceptional production quality, particularly in its set design and visual effects. The series' production designer, Andrew Laws, worked with a team of over 200 craftsmen to create authentic medieval-inspired sets, including the impressive Kaer Morhen fortress. According to production reports, the series utilized cutting-edge visual effects technology, with each episode averaging 600 visual effects shots, resulting in a reported production cost of $15 million per episode for its second season.

Costume Design Excellence

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" demonstrates exceptional attention to period detail through its costume design. Costume designer Donna Zakowska employed a team of 30 to create over 1,000 original costumes for the show's third season alone. The series has been recognized with multiple Costume Designers Guild Awards, with particular praise for its accurate recreation of 1950s New York fashion. Historical fashion experts have noted that the show's costumes maintain authenticity while adding a touch of theatrical flair that enhances the storytelling.

Dramas with Thematic Depth and Complexity

Several series excel in exploring complex themes while maintaining historical authenticity. "Deadwood," HBO's Western drama, delves deeply into themes of lawlessness and community formation in 1870s South Dakota. The show's creator, David Milch, incorporated real historical events and figures, including Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, while exploring themes of justice and morality in frontier society. According to historical analysis, the series accurately portrays the political maneuvering that led to Deadwood's incorporation as a town, with 80% of the dialogue based on historical records and newspaper accounts from the period.

"Boardwalk Empire" offers a sophisticated examination of Prohibition-era America through its portrayal of Atlantic City's political machine. The series, developed by Terence Winter, explores themes of corruption, race relations, and women's rights through the lens of Enoch "Nucky" Thompson's rise to power. Historical consultant Dr. Lisa McGirr has praised the show's accurate depiction of Prohibition's impact on American society, noting that its portrayal of organized crime's growth aligns with historical research showing a 400% increase in organized crime activity during this period.

"Hell on Wheels" provides a complex look at post-Civil War America through the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The series addresses themes of racial tension, industrialization, and westward expansion with remarkable historical depth. According to historical documentation, the show accurately portrays the diverse workforce that built the railroad, including Chinese laborers who made up approximately 90% of the Central Pacific Railroad's workforce. The series has been praised for its nuanced exploration of Native American displacement and the environmental impact of railroad construction.

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