7 shows to watch to get you through Droughtlander

Photo credit: Knightfall/The History Channel, Acquired from A+E Networks Press Center /

Get through Droughtlander with other shows with a similar focus to Claire and Jamie’s love story.

It’s that time of year again. No more Outlander until (likely) fall 2018. That means finding ways to bide your time and finding other TV shows that will keep you entertained. There are many shows with a similar focus to Claire and Jamie’s love story, whether it’s because they’re set in the same time period or tell an epic love story between two characters.

Get through this Droughtlander with these shows. Some you’ll need to catch up on, giving you plenty of episodes to work through in the coming months.

Gunpowder (BBC/HBO)

Start with Kit Harington’s series Gunpowder. The story is about the Gunpowder Plot, which was an attempt on King James VI of Scotland/I of England’s life. While it’s already aired in the UK (aired around Bonfire Night) it is only just airing on HBO this week.

One of the great things about the story is that it’s a 3-part miniseries. This could be viewed as a negative, but it was enough for many viewers as it can be relatively gruesome in parts. Of course, Game of Thrones’ Harington is in the lead.

It’s going to be interesting for Outlander fans because of the Scottish connection. James I/VI was the great-great-grandfather of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the first Stuart king in Scotland and England. James’ mother was Mary Stewart (later Stuart), which brings us to the next series.

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Reign (The CW)

If you haven’t tried this series, it could be worthwhile. Being a CW show it was aimed at a younger audience, but there is a beautiful love story between Mary Stewart (Mary, Queen of Scots) and Francis of Valois (King Francis II of France).

Of course, there’s also the meddling mother-in-law, Catherine de Medici, and the somewhat crazy King Henri II of France. Throw in an illegitimate son, four young, excitable ladies-in-waiting and a pagan/Catholic plot, you’ve got plenty to keep you entertained for four seasons.

Not only will it tell you a very rough story of Mary, Queen of Scots, but seasons 3 (towards the end) and 4 will take you back to Scotland. The show was also filmed in Northern Ireland, bringing some of the beautiful landscapes that Outlander is known for.

Vikings (The History Channel)

Photo Credit: Vikings/History Channel by Arnaldur Halldorssor Image Acquired from A&E Networks Press /

When you want a story that has love, drama, political intrigue, and action, Vikings is definitely the place to look. Now on its fifth season (and confirmed for a sixth), it tells the story of Ragnar Lothbrok, the man who brought the Vikings to Britain.

This is another story loosely based on history. It’s Michael Hirst who has written every single episode and he has changed some of history to work with the dramatization of the storyline. However the costumes and sets are amazingly created and the landscape (set in Northern Ireland) is beautiful.

If you enjoy the brilliant acting in Outlander, you will enjoy Vikings for the same reason. Whether it’s the various expressions from Travis Fimmel or the craziness of Gustaf Skarsgård, there is something for all.

Knightfall (The History Channel)

You’ll want to give this show a couple of episodes to get into, but it’s well worth the time. It tells the story of the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail, set in the 13^th century. As with any show set in the past, there’s plenty of political powerhouses and twists throughout, even in the first two episodes.

One of the downsides is the graphics in battle scenes. They look CGI’d to the extreme. However, the costumes and acting after that are certainly worth your time.

This is an eight-part drama, airing it’s third episode this week. There’s plenty of time to catch up. Plus it’s got Tom Cullens in the lead role, who played Guy Fawkes in Gunpowder.

Victoria (ITV)

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The 19^th century was the period for huge changes to the way of life. It was the period of the industrial revolution and social norms changed. This was also the period of Queen Victoria of Great Britain; a woman still remembered and praised today.

Victoria tells the story of how the 18-year-old queen found her footing, built her council, and made some of her biggest decisions. You’ll see her face some of her hardest times, as she tries to navigate the waters and figure out just who to trust.

More importantly for Outlander fans, Nell Hudson has an exceptionally good role in the current two seasons. While you may not like Laoghaire, you’ll feel the opposite in the show and see just how excellent Hudson is in any role.

Poldark (BBC)

If you want something set after the American Revolutionary War, Poldark is the place to turn. When Capt. Ross Poldark returns to Britain after fighting in the American War of Independence, he learns that his one true love is about to marry someone else and his father has died. He goes on a quest to win his love back.

There are certainly some similarities to Outlander. One is that Poldark will rescue young Demelza from a beating and another is that he was previously an smuggler.

The series is also adapted from a novel series. The first season adapts the first two books, the second season adapts books 3 and 4, and the third season adapts books 5 and 6. There will be a fourth season, likely adapting books 7 and 8. There are 12 books in total.

The Last Kingdom (BBC/Netflix)

Photo credit: The Last Kingdom/BCC & Netflix, Acquired from Netflix Media Center /

Want another series based on the Viking period? The Last Kingdom is definitely for you. This tells the story of Uhtred, both Saxon and Dane. Saxon-born, he was sold into slavery, where his “master” became more of a father figure to him and he developed a love of Danish culture. However, he always had the goal of getting his ancestral lands back from the uncle who stole them.

There are twists and turns from all sides. Reign’s Toby Regbo appears in the second season, but is certainly not someone you will like. There’s nobody quite like Black Jack Randall, but there are certainly some questionable characters. You’ll also have your heart broken a few times.

Like Outlander, The Last Kingdom is developed from Bernard Cornwall’s Saxon series. The first two seasons cover the first four books. While season 3 hasn’t yet been confirmed, there are reports of the season currently being filmed, suggesting that it is coming.

Next: 7 burning questions we have about Outlander season 4

How will you spend Droughtlander? What shows do you recommend people watch? Share in the comments below.

Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for more tips on getting through Droughtlander until season 4.

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