5 period dramas you need to watch instead of Super Bowl 2024

Reign

You need a modernized period drama, and Reign is the one for you. Take all the costumes with a pinch of salt when it comes to something that’s right for the time period. The same applies to some of the names. It’s also rather loose with the historical story.

It follows the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. After spending her youth in a Catholic orphanage, she is sent back to the French Court to marry the Dauphin of France, Francis. However, she ends up falling for his illegitimate half-brother, Sebastian. Who will Mary end up choosing, and what is going on with the girl in the castle walls? Mary has a lot to learn and a lot to figure out.

Watch Reign on Prime Video.

The Crown

Want a period drama that is slightly more closer to our time? You’ll want to turn your attention to The Crown. This six-season series follows the Royal Family. Yes, the Royal Family you hear about a lot in the British gossip mags.

We follow Queen Elizabeth II as she is crowned and has to figure out what this means for her in life. She has a husband who likes to play away, and a family she needs to raise ready to take over the throne from her when the time comes. On top of that, she is the face of the British people, and she needs to lead the country by example. She doesn’t always get it right, though.

Watch The Crown on Netflix.