What I love about historical dramas, is how they are particularly effective at disconnecting you from reality, far from anything modern day related. “Drama” is a very large word, since the genre is as diverse as any others ones, gathering every topic you can think of. In this list, you’ll find five underrated period dramas, exploring different themes : action, fantasy, crime, alternate history and suspense !
Anne with an E
Anne Shirley is a young orphan girl, overflowing with imagination and optimism. One day, when she’s adopted by Marilla and Matthew, two old siblings living in a small town, she sees the opportunity to finally live her happily ever fantasy : being part of a loving family. However, the day of her arrival at Green Gable is a disaster. Marilla and Mathew were expecting a boy to help them with their farm, not a little girl. As Marilla insist to bring her back to the orphanage, Anne is motivated to show them that she’s worthy of being a Cuthbert. At last, she will win them over with her sensibility and endearing personality.
Anne with an E was an incredible journey. We grow with Anne (and every character she met in her route) as she navigates between reality and her imagination. She will learn about family, friendship, love and all the hardship and joy in between. Watching Anne in her new life will felt like a dream. Once you part ways with the story, the endearing characters, the beautiful landscapes, the soft music and cozy ambiance… You’ll wish to go back into the show. Or read the books !
All three seasons are available on Netflix !
The Artful dodger
You have certainly heard about Oliver Twist ? Well, the Artful Dodger starts in 1850, 15 years about the events of Dickens’ novel. To cut short : Fagin, leader of the gang, is hanged and every boy return to an honest life... Jack Dawkins (alias Dodger) included.
The fellow comrade of Oliver has, in fact, establish himself as a one the most skilled surgeon in Australia. However, everything he has built on is threatened when an old acquaintance is back in his life. You have guessed it : Fagin’s back (not dead) and doesn’t have one inch of good intention in his mind. His plan ? Steal 500 sovereigns1… with Jack help, whose skills exceed the use of a scalpel. With his gambling debts and Fagin’s threat of revealing his past to the authority weighting on him, Jack accepts the ultimatum. At the same time, has to put up with Lady Belle Fox, seeking his help as a mentor, to become the first female surgeon of the colony.
Between his nearly impossible plan with Fagin and his ambigus relationship with Belle, Jack is soon overwhelmed by the situation.
The Artful Dodger is one of my best discovery of 2023 (and most certainly one of my favorite period dramas). The plot will captivate you from beginning to end, the alchemy between both pair of characters (Fagin & Jack and Belle & Jack) is just PERFECT and… A season 2 is on the way !
Meet Jack, Fagin and Belle on Disney+ and Hulu !
Renegade Nell
Renegade Nell is set in 18th century, England. In this fantasy universe, magic and black magic entangle in the darkest corners of the Kingdom. We follow Nell Jackson, a young woman with a combative spirit, as she goes back home, to her village, after the death of her husband. However, Nell is not the same anymore. Since her husband’s death, she’s accompanied by a strange sprite task to help her when she’s in trouble. Her powers will find use when an accumulation of events puts her in a complicated situation. Soon, she’s falsely convicted of a murder and is forced to flee with her sisters, a stable boy and a highway robber. Then began the tale of Renegade Nell, one of England most feared highwaywoman.
As she try to prove her innocence, her path lead finally lead her to bigger picture : a conspiracy set to against the crown.
Even if Renegade Nell hasn’t been renewed for a second season, the ending doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger. Every matter is set and a happy ending awaits you on the finale. The story and the characters definitely deserve your attention !
Embark with Nell and her gang on Disney+ !
My lady Jane
The promise of My Lady Jane is different from the historical version of what happened in 15532. In this period drama, sprinkle with some fantasy, Jane is married to Guildford Dudley after his father skillfully arranged the union with the intention of making his son a king. In fact, shortly after the wedding, Jane will unexpectedly access to the fragile throne of her cousin. Indeed, outside of the palace, the kingdom is shaken, not by Protestants, but by strange beings : Ethians, human who have the ability to change into animals. Between Mary (her cousin), and her intrigues to kill her, her sensibility to the Ethians cause and a deadly secret she’s keeping… You would think Jane has no chance to finish the show alive. But what if history was different ?
I hesitate a lot about whether or not putting My Lady Jane in this list, since it was, unfortunately, the victim of the cancelation plague. However, I really enjoyed the original approach in which the life of Jane Gray was addressed and the fantasy touch of the story. The ending technically leaves you with a cliffhanger BUT is not sad. It actually gives free reins to your imagination. You can also comfort yourself with the book ! For my part, I’ve set that Jane and Guildford have succeeded to overthrow Mary and restore peace in the kingdom.
My Lady Jane is available on Prime Video !
Medici : The Master of Florence / The Magnificent
The Medici were a real family which had existed from the 13th to the 18th century in Florence3. Hence, some events happening during the three seasons of the show were fictionalized for the sake of the plot.
In season one (Master of Florence), we follow Cossimo Di Medici, a young man from a rich family who, against his father will, wants nothing do with the family business, preferring art. However, when the latter suddenly dies, Cossimo, as the oldest child, become head of his wealthy house and is forced to focus on his family well being. Specially when he discover that his father didn’t died of natural causes but was, in fact, murdered. But the circumstances surrounding Giovani Di Medici murder is not the only event threatening the Medici family. The first season also explores the political tension between Cossimo Di Medici, Rinaldo Degli Albizzi and their “famous” conflict. To consolidate the house position and supremacy, Cossimo will have to use all necessary means.
The second and third season (The Magnificent) mainly focuse on Lorenzo Di Medici, Cossimo’s grandchildren. The Medici has gained such a power under Cossimo lead that Lorenzo has to face one of the biggest challenges : maintaining the family prestige and power against all his enemies.
I stumbled into Medici completely by chance. Richard Madden made me curious, but the plot ultimately made me stay until the end. The story mirrors what we imagine the life of a rich family in the time period looked like : full of intrigues, mystery, affairs and trahison. The whole story and characters will hook you from the first second, starting from the incredible opening theme song you will not want to skip.
I hope you I’ll find your next watch. Enjoy !
- Sovereign were gold coins used in Australia from 1855 to 1931 and establish in 1489, Britain. One gold sovereign is the equivalency of one pound banknote. ↩︎
- My lady Jane is inspired of the true story of Jane Grey, a young queen who was on the throne of England for exactly nine days (10 July to 19 July 1553) as a scheme to refrain the accession on the throne of her cousin, Mary Tudor. Her reign was brutally cut by the latter who succeed to charge her with high treason… an accusation that will lead her, and her husband to beheading ↩︎
- The House of Medici was an Italian banking family and one of the most powerful in Europe at the time ↩︎
