Period dramas have always captivated audiences with their ability to transport us into the past. Whether it’s the ornate gowns and rigid etiquette of the Victorian era, the jazz-fueled rebellion of the 1920s, or the grunge-infused angst of the 1990s, these shows let us relive—or sometimes reimagine—moments in history through the lens of compelling storytelling.

Streaming platforms have only fueled this passion. Services like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Prime Video now offer a dazzling array of period dramas spanning centuries. Some are faithful historical adaptations, while others take creative liberties to modernize themes of love, politics, and identity.

This blog will guide you through the best period dramas streaming now, arranged by era, highlighting why each resonates with audiences today. Whether you crave the elegance of 19th-century England or the cultural upheavals of the late 20th century, there’s a show waiting for you.
 

Victorian Era Dramas: Elegance, Secrets, and Social Codes
 

The Timeless Appeal of the 19th Century

The Victorian era remains one of the most popular backdrops for period dramas. This was an age of strict social rules, sprawling estates, and powerful family sagas. Viewers love the mix of elegance and scandal, often brought to life with exquisite costumes and sets.

Must-Watch Victorian Originals

Shows like Victoria (PBS) and The Gilded Age (HBO Max) offer rich portrayals of upper-class society, while Netflix’s Enola Holmes franchise brings a playful, modern twist to Victorian storytelling. The Irregulars adds a supernatural spin, showing that even gothic horror has a place in this era.

Why They Resonate Today

Audiences connect with Victorian dramas because the struggles of love, class, and ambition are still universal. Beneath the corsets and carriages lie timeless stories of human ambition, survival, and rebellion against societal norms.
 

A Time of Social Upheaval

The Edwardian era and early 20th century saw old-world traditions clashing with modern values. This period offers rich material for drama, as families grappled with changing gender roles, political unrest, and technological advances.

The Crown Jewel: Downton Abbey

No list of Edwardian dramas is complete without Downton Abbey. Streaming on Peacock and Amazon, it remains a masterpiece of storytelling that captures the complexities of class and tradition in an era of change.

Beyond Downton

Other gems like Mr. Selfridge and Parade’s End explore the rise of consumer culture and the lingering effects of World War I. These series showcase how the early 20th century shaped modern identities, making them deeply relevant today.
 

The Roaring ’20s: Jazz, Glamour, and Rebellion
 

The Allure of the Jazz Age

The 1920s were an era of glamour, liberation, and danger. Flappers, speakeasies, and jazz music defined the decade, making it one of the most visually stunning eras for television.

Iconic Series of the ’20s

Boardwalk Empire (HBO Max) offers a gritty look at Prohibition-era Atlantic City, blending crime with politics. Meanwhile, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries on Acorn TV gives us a dazzling detective heroine who embodies 1920s independence.

Why the ’20s Still Matter

Audiences today find parallels between the 1920s and our current age of disruption. Just as that decade grappled with social change and inequality, modern viewers see echoes of their own world—making these dramas as relevant as they are entertaining.
 

Mid-20th Century: War, Recovery, and Resilience
 

World War II Stories That Endure

Few eras inspire as many period dramas as the 1940s. The resilience, sacrifice, and heartbreak of wartime continue to resonate. Shows like The Pacific (HBO) and World on Fire (PBS Masterpiece) capture the human side of global conflict.

Post-War Rebuilding

The post-war years brought their own dramas, with shows like Call the Midwife (Netflix) highlighting the challenges of working-class life in London. The series blends history with heart, showing the everyday struggles of families navigating social change.

The Power of Nostalgia and Reflection

Viewers gravitate toward these shows because they blend history with deeply personal stories of courage and compassion. They remind us of resilience in the face of adversity, making them timeless.
 

The Revolution on Screen

The 1960s and 1970s brought radical change in politics, gender roles, and culture. Period dramas from this era reflect that sense of liberation and experimentation.

Iconic Titles to Stream

The Crown (Netflix) captures the transition from post-war conservatism to the cultural revolutions of the ’60s and ’70s, blending political intrigue with family drama. Mad Men (AMC, now on Prime Video) is another must-watch, painting a vivid picture of advertising culture, sexism, and ambition in the 1960s.

Why These Decades Resonate

Today’s audiences find comfort and fascination in looking back at the origins of many social movements still ongoing today. These series showcase the roots of feminism, civil rights, and the rise of modern celebrity culture.
 

The Bold ’80s: Greed, Glamour, and Big Business
 

A Decade of Excess

The 1980s brought bold fashion, booming economies, and bigger-than-life personalities. This makes the decade a favorite for period dramas filled with ambition, greed, and glittering backdrops.

Must-Watch ’80s Dramas

Series like Snowfall (Hulu) explore the rise of the drug trade in 1980s Los Angeles, while Glow (Netflix) showcases the world of women’s wrestling, combining humor and drama in an unforgettable package.

Why the ’80s Still Captivate

For many viewers, the ’80s are both nostalgic and aspirational. They represent an era of bold ambition but also highlight darker themes like inequality and corruption—issues still relevant today.
 

The Gritty ’90s: Identity, Rebellion, and Nostalgia
 

The Last “Period” Before the Internet Era

The 1990s may not seem like a traditional historical period, but nostalgia has transformed it into one. Shows set in this era capture the turbulence of a pre-digital world grappling with identity and change.

Best ’90s Period Dramas

Pose (FX, Hulu) brings to life New York’s underground ballroom culture during the late ’80s and early ’90s, while Derry Girls (Netflix) offers a comedic yet poignant look at life in Northern Ireland during The Troubles.

Why the ’90s Resonate Now

Audiences are drawn to ’90s dramas because they reflect a world on the cusp of technological transformation. They also spotlight themes of identity, inclusivity, and rebellion—issues that remain urgent today.