“Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” is a prequel series about the fan-favorite monarch from Netflix’s hit “Bridgerton” series.
The story takes fans back in time to follow a young Queen Charlotte as she is forced to marry the king of England and gets thrust into a culture she knows nothing about.
The show is unlikely to get a second season because it is a limited series, but here are nine similar shows to watch if you want more romance stories or period dramas.
1. “Bridgerton”
Jonathan Bailey in “Bridgerton” season 2. Liam Daniel / Netflix
Summary: Set in 19th-century London, the hit Netflix series follows the unconventional Bridgerton family as they try to find love. The local gossip writer, Lady Whistledown, narrates the family’s exploits. Each season focuses on a different sibling.
Why you’ll like it: If “Queen Charlotte” is the first “Bridgerton” series you have seen, you will be glad to know the main show is just as great.
“Bridgerton” is streaming on Netflix.
2. “Scandal”
Tony Goldwyn and Kerry Washington in “Scandal.” ABC
Summary: Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) is a former White House employee who started her own crisis management firm. Her firm works closely with the White House, bringing her closer to her former employer, President Fitzgerald Grant III (Tony Goldwyn).
Why you’ll like it: Shonda Rhimes, an executive producer of the main “Bridgerton” series, had a more active role with “Queen Charlotte” as its showrunner and writer. This is likely why the miniseries felt more sincere and profound than the main series. If you loved “Queen Charlotte,” you will quickly become a fan of Rhimes’ best work, “Scandal.”
“Scandal” is streaming on Hulu.
3. “Normal People”
Daisy Edgar-Jones in “Normal People.” BBC
Summary: Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal) have very different backgrounds despite coming from the same small town in Ireland. The series tracks their romantic relationship over many years.
Why you’ll like it: While “Queen Charlotte” has several characters, the central focus is the tumultuous relationship between Charlotte and King George. “Normal People” is perfect for fans who love the complicated central romance in “Queen Charlotte” and its steamy scenes.
“Normal People” is streaming on Hulu.
4. “Gentleman Jack”
Suranne Jones in “Gentleman Jack.” HBO
Summary: “Gentleman Jack” is about the real-life historical landowner Anne Lister, sometimes known as “the first modern lesbian.” In this series, Anne (Suranne Jones) heads to Halifax, England, to restore her uncle’s estate and find a wife.
Why you’ll like it: “Queen Charlotte” reveals that the queen’s head servant, Brimsley, is gay. However, his love story is kept in the background. If you would like an LGBTQ+ period romance where the queer characters take center stage, “Gentleman Jack” is the show for you.
“Gentleman Jack” is streaming on Max.
5. “Dickinson”
Hailee Steinfeld in “Dickinson.” Apple TV Plus
Summary: Hailee Steinfeld plays the real-life American poet Emily Dickinson in this coming-of-age period drama. Emily dreams of becoming the world’s greatest poet, but her family regards her as a troublemaker.
While her parents are set on finding her a suitor, she has fallen in love with her brother’s fiancé.
Why you’ll like it: “Dickinson” is more surreal than a normal drama, but it joins “Bridgerton” as part of the new wave of diverse, modern period dramas. It’s also highly regarded by audiences and critics alike.
“Dickinson” is streaming on Apple TV+.
6. “The Spanish Princess”
Charlotte Hope in “The Spanish Princess.” Starz
Summary: “The Spanish Princess” recounts the rise and fall of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of the famous King Henry VIII of England.
The young princess of Spain (Charlotte Hope) is sent to England to meet her betrothed, Arthur, Prince of Wales. However, his sudden death almost causes a war between England and Spain.
Why you’ll like it: There are numerous similarities between “The Spanish Princess” and “Queen Charlotte.” For example, both shows are loosely based on real monarchs. “The Spanish Princess” is perfect for fans interested in the royal lifestyle aspect of “Queen Charlotte.”
“The Spanish Princess” is streaming on Starz.
7. “The Great”
Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning costar in “The Great.” Hulu
Summary: “The Great” is a satire loosely based on the rise of Empress Catherine the Great of Russia. After Catherine (Elle Fanning) marries Emperor Peter of Russia (Nicholas Hoult), she realizes he is a spiteful, selfish brat. Hence, she begins to plot to overthrow him.
Why you’ll like it: “The Great” reminds us that a period drama can be really funny. The series also boasts brilliant Emmy-nominated performances from both Fanning and Hoult.
“The Great” is streaming on Hulu.
8. “Outlander”
Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe in “Outlander” season one. Starz
Summary: Based on Diana Gabaldon’s book series of the same name, “Outlander” follows a nurse who is magically sent back in time from 1945 to 1743. To survive, Claire (Caitríona Balfe) joins a group of rebels and marries a highlander, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan).
Why you’ll like it: Before “Bridgerton” came along, “Outlander” was the historical romance TV series. It is easy to fall in love with the show, its leads, and the Scottish setting.
“Outlander” is streaming on Netflix and Starz.
9. “The Buccaneers”
Alisha Boe, Josie Totah, Kristine Frøseth, Aubri Ibrag, and Imogen Waterhouse in “The Buccaneers.” Apple TV
Summary: Five young American women travel to 1870s London to find suitors. The outspoken friends struggle to succeed due to a culture clash with stuffy English society.
Why you’ll like it: “The Buccaneers” focuses on race and social class clashes, similar to “Queen Charlotte.” Both shows also feature a modern soundtrack and a diverse cast.
“The Buccaneers” breaks away from its predecessors by anchoring on the importance of friendship rather than love.
“The Buccaneers” is streaming on Apple TV+.
