Who said it’s not possible to travel back in time? TV series make the task incredibly easy for those seeking a story anchored in power plays and aristocratic drawing rooms. Fans of period pieces certainly won’t have missed the return of The Gilded Age with a fourth season available on Sky and streaming on NOW and HBO Max, but anyone looking for tales that wind through the walls of historic mansions, stories steeped in unconfessable secrets, and destinies that shift with the changing seasons will be delighted to discover these three must-watch titles for this time of year.
What to watch after The Gilded Age: 3 historical TV series perfect for autumn
Downton Abbey
Anyone who appreciated The Gilded Age certainly cannot be unfamiliar with Downton Abbey. The creator, after all, is the same (Julian Fellowes), even if the setting is a touch different. While The Gilded Age is set toward the late 1800s in New York, Downton Abbey unfolds in the United Kingdom just before the outbreak of World War I. Downton Abbey is the name of the famed manor that hosts the Crawley family and its extensive staff working on the lower floors. Between formal dinners, tea time, and corridor intrigues, Downton Abbey enriches the charm of period dramas by offering an elegant reassurance both in aristocratic wardrobe and in the scenery. This period drama consists of six seasons, available for streaming on Disney+, followed by three sequel films.
Outlander
Between the wild moorland and the burning passion of a love that has even transcended the barrier of time, Outlander is among the most beloved historical romance series of recent years. Spanning eight seasons and available for streaming on Prime Video, the tale is adapted from the eponymous book series by Diana Gabaldon and follows Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who ends up traveling back in time to 18th‑century Scotland where she meets the striking Jamie Fraser. A simple touch to one of the standing stones in Scotland is enough to hurl her into the past, precisely in 1743. The allure of the Scottish Highlands, paired with the sultry romance between Claire and Jamie, quickly captivated audiences who watched their misadventures unfold season after season, up to the finale.
The Crown
Among the most acclaimed historical series streaming on Netflix in recent years stands The Crown, whose story draws inspiration from the real life of Queen Elizabeth II. Created by Peter Morgan, The Crown comprises six seasons that trace Elizabeth’s reign, from her coronation to the birth of her children, without neglecting secondary characters such as Princess Margaret, Lady Diana, and Margaret Thatcher. In addition to recounting the real events that unfolded beneath her crown, the series also delves into private backstage moments, and the political and personal crises that have shaken Buckingham Palace over the years. Behind that flawless facade lie disappointments and sacrifices. As a series that has chronicled much of Queen Elizabeth II’s life, the role has been portrayed by three different actresses: Claire Foy in the first two seasons, Olivia Colman in the third and fourth, and finally Imelda Staunton in the fifth and sixth.
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