When it comes to TV shows, there are certain genres that pull us in more than others. Period dramas are popular for many, as it gives us a look at what life was once like. There’s just something about seeing men and women breaking the norms while dealing with events that we know happen.
Every year there are new period dramas on their way. There are also some great returning shows. We’re looking forward to both, with these five period dramas at the top of our list at claireandjamie.com. This list is in release date order.
Miss Scarlet
If you love murder mysteries, then you will want to turn your attention to Miss Scarlet, which was formally known as Miss Scarlet and the Duke. In the sixth season, Eliza needs to deal with her feelings for Inspector Blake, while she tries to ensure her private investigator business is thriving.
One of the exciting elements of season 6 is the return of Moses. That leads to Clarence proving he is every bit as competent as his predecessor, fearing that Moses is back to take his job. However, there’s a reason Moses is here to see Eliza, and it’s not necessarily for work.
Miss Scarlet season 6 is available on PBS Passport right now, but it will premiere on PBS on Sunday, Jan. 11 at 8/7c.
Bridgerton
Let’s start with a romance show that doubles as a period drama. We’ve already included this one on our romance shows we can’t wait to see return, but it’s also a historical fiction. And we’re just so darn excited! It’s been a long time coming, and we finally get to see Benedict Bridgerton’s love story play out.
Bridgerton season 4 will arrive in two parts. The first part is later this month, and then the second part is in February. There are also two more seasons (at least) confirmed, so this is a show to get invested in.
The series itself follows the love life of a Bridgerton sibling each season, and as mentioned, the fourth season is all about Benedict. This is a Cinderella love story, with an element of breaking societal norms with Ben’s choice of bride.
Bridgerton season 4 part 1 will be released on Thursday, Jan. 29 on Netflix.
Outlander
When it comes to period dramas, there is one that comes to mind first for everyone at claireandjamie.com. We’re all about the epic love story of Claire and Jamie Fraser. Then there are the romances of Brianna and Roger, Fergus and Marsali, and Young Ian and Rachel, among others. This is a story that spans generations, bringing in the way marriages work.
On top of that, there are the topics of the past. Outlander season 8 continues the period of the Revolutionary War, with Claire and Jamie fighting for America to become the country that it is today. However, there are threats against them, especially as they head back to the Ridge, where not everyone wants to break from Britain.
Outlander season 8 premieres on Friday, March 6 on STARZ.
Call the Midwife
If you haven’t already, you’ll want to check out the Call the Midwife 2025 Christmas special on PBS Masterpiece. After that, you’ll certainly be ready for the next season of the series. Season 15 arrives in early 2026, and we couldn’t be more excited, especially as we get further into the 1970s.
We don’t know a lot about the individual storylines of Call the Midwife season 15, but there is more change coming for Nonnatus House. There are continued threats against the Order, as people want to focus more on hospital births and they want to take religion out of childbirth. Then there are threats against the non-Catholic midwives, who fear that they may no longer be needed. Of course, those in the UK now know that midwives are still an important part of pregnancy and childbirth.
Call the Midwife season 15 premieres on Sunday, March 22 at 8/7c on PBS.
The Forsytes
Finally, we stick with PBS for the new series The Forsytes, a reimagining of the bold drama from John Galsworthy’s novels. The series follows a wealthy Victorian-era stockbroker and his family, with generations of men and women torn between tradition and the pursuit of love.
Of course, societal norms state one thing, but the changing times state another. Miss Scarlet fans will be excited to see Tom Durant-Pritchard as Monty Dartie, and there are many other familiar faces to look out for, including Millie Gibson and Eleanor Tomlinson.
A second season has already been confirmed and is in production. This is most definitely a show to get immediately invested in.
The Forsytes premieres on Sunday, March 22 at 9/8c on PBS.
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