9 Shows like Mary & George to Watch Next
The British historical drama miniseries Mary & George starring Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue, Bottoms) and Julianne Moore (May December, Still Alice), made its UK debut March 5th on Sky TV. It will debut in the US and Canada April 5th on Starz, and anticipated viewers outside of the UK have been getting previews of what to expect from scenes posted on Sky TV’s social media.
Described as a “historical psychodrama,” Mary & George follows a mother and son who “schemed, seduced and killed to conquer the Court of England and the bed of King James I.” The series is inspired by historical events and based on Benjamin Woolley’s 2017 book, The King’s Assassin: The Fatal Affair of George Villiers and James I.
Filled with (many) steamy scenes, drama, and elaborate costumes, Mary & George is the perfect binge session for fans of period pieces. After you’ve watched the 7-episode miniseries, here are 9 period drama shows like Mary & George to check out next.
The Borgias (2011-2013)
Cast: Jeremy Irons, François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, Joanne Whalley, Lotte Verbeek, David Oakes, Sean Harris, Colm Feore, Gina McKee
Synopsis: “In the fifteenth century, Pope Alexander VI tries to control all power in Italy with the help of his several sons, through murder, intrigue, war, and marriage alliances.”
Where to watch: Fubo, Paramount+, Showtime
The Empress (2022 – )
Cast: Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, Elisa Schlott, Jördis Triebel, Almila Bagriacik, Svenja Jung, Hanna Hilsdorf, Runa Greiner
Synopsis: “When rebellious Elisabeth falls for Emperor Franz and becomes his unlikely bride, she enters a world of tension and intrigue at the Viennese court.”
Where to watch: Netflix
Gentleman Jack (2019-2022)
Cast: Suranne Jones, Sophie Rundle, Joe Armstrong, Amelia Bullmore, Rosie Cavaliero, Gemma Whelan, Timothy West, Gemma Jones, Tom Lewis
Synopsis: “A dramatization of the life of lesbian trailblazer, voracious learner, and cryptic diarist Anne Lister.”
Where to watch: Max, Spectrum
Harlots (2017-2019)
Cast: Samantha Morton, Lesley Manville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Eloise Smyth, Dorothy Atkinson, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Kate Fleetwood, Holli Dempsey, Douggie McMeekin, Edward Hogg, Danny Sapani, Liv Tyler
Synopsis: “Margaret Wells struggles to reconcile her roles as brothel owner and mother to daughters Charlotte and Lucy. When her business comes under attack from Lydia Quigley, a rival madam with a ruthless streak, Margaret must fight back even if it means losing her family and possibly her life.”
Where to watch: Hulu
The Spanish Princess (2019-2020)
Cast: Sai Bennett, Alicia Borrachero, Andrew Buchan, Laura Carmichael, Daniel Cerqueira, Aaron Cobham, Elliot Cowan, Antonio de la Torre, Charlotte Hope, Alba Galocha, Philip Cumbus, Chloe Harris
Synopsis: “Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon navigates the royal lineage of England with an eye on the throne.”
Where to watch: Prime Video, Spectrum, Starz
The Tudors (2007-2010)
Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Anthony Brophy, Sarah Bolger, Nick Dunning, Rod Hallett, Maria Doyle Kennedy, James Frain, Max Brown, Natalie Dormer, Jane Brennan, Emma Hamilton, Simon Ward, Pádraic Delaney
Synopsis: “A dramatic series about the reign and marriages of King Henry VIII.”
Where to watch: Fubo, Paramount+, Prime Video, Showtime
Vanity Fair (2018 miniseries)
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Claudia Jessie, Tom Bateman, Johnny Flynn, Charlie Rowe, Simon Russell Beale, Anthony Head, Martin Clunes, Frances de la Tour
Synopsis: “A period drama series adapted from William Makepeace Thackeray’s classic novel. Olivia Cooke is heroine Becky Sharp, who attempts to claw her way out of poverty and scale the heights of English society; against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.”
Where to watch: Prime Video
Versailles (2015-2018)
Cast: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan, Stuart Bowman, Amira Casar, Evan Williams, Noémie Schmidt, Anna Brewster, Catherine Walker, Elisa Lasowski, Pip Torrens
Synopsis: “Set in France during the reign of Louis XIV, Versailles is a lavish 10-episode production that tells the riveting story of the “Sun King,” the building of his opulent palace, and all the sex, murder, and power plays that roiled his court. Watch the drama unfold as Versailles becomes a battleground for romantic intrigue, power grabs, and declarations of war.”
Where to watch: Apple TV, Prime Video
The White Princess (2017 miniseries)
Cast: Jodie Comer, Jacob Collins-Levy, Michelle Fairley, Rebecca Benson, Kenneth Cranham, Essie Davis, Rossy de Palma, Suki Waterhouse, Caroline Goodall, Patrick Gibson, Richard Dillane
Synopsis: “Drawn from the novel of the same name by Philippa Gregory, The White Princess is a tale of power, family, love and betrayal, charting one of the most tumultuous times in British history uniquely from the point of view of the women. The tempestuous marriage between Elizabeth of York (Lizzie) and King Henry VII, officially marks the conclusion of The War of the Roses, but the real battle for the throne is far from over.”
Where to watch: Prime Video, Spectrum, Starz
_