Not so long ago, I created something I like to call a “to be watched list”. Essentially, it’s a very, very long list of every tv show and film I want to watch this year. It’s a Netflix or Goodreads list written down on paper. A lot of the tv shows written down on this list are period pieces and historical dramas. One of my favourite things about historical dramas is that they explore multiple periods and settings in the world. The aesthetics, the political climate, and the social hierarchy.

In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite period pieces that are worth watching on Netflix. If you love historical films and tv shows, read the rest of this post to find some exciting recommendations.

Anne with an E – 1896, Canada

I started the first season of “Anne With An E” sometime last week. My mum introduced me to it one night, and then we ended up watching nearly half of the season in one sitting. This series explores the adventures of a young orphaned girl named Anne Shirley. The idyllic, pastoral setting is often juxtaposed with dark, dreary flashback sequences detailing Anne’s horrid life before becoming a part of Green Gables and the Cuthberts. There’s an enormous sense of ‘found family’ or ‘chosen family’ throughout the narrative.

More than that, as someone who grew up in the 21st century, it’s charming and bewildering to see how children like Anne viewed and explored the world. She’s imaginative, strong-willed, and curious, and in that way, she’s very modern-minded for a drama set in the 1900s. Also, the interactions she has with her friends and family have a light comedic tone to them. There’s always an opportunity to have a laugh watching this show.

Bridgerton – 1813, England

I gave in to my own curiosity and the hype of “Bridgerton” while everyone else was watching it. Many people talk about the romantic scenes and love interests when they talk about “Bridgerton”. Instead, I’m in awe of the alternative historical setting. A world in which people of colour are Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses, and highly-sought out members of London’s upper-class society. In addition to that, the costumes, the music, the ballrooms were vibrant and elegant, reminding me of Disney’s “Cinderella” film (2017). Very decadent and lively, and pleasing to the eye regardless of the story that’s playing out.

This series is the first of many seasons centered on the Bridgerton family and how they find love in their lives. Season one follows Daphne Bridgerton, the first daughter of the family to enter the courting season. She’s graceful, intelligent, and utterly perfect, but she soon realizes that courting isn’t what she thought it would be. It focuses on the pressure she feels to marry well and also her ideal to marry for love. In cahoots with a Duke who never plans to marry, the two of them pretend to court until she finds a match she desires…Only it is the Duke that she desires.

Black sails – 1700s, Nassau

The Golden Age of Piracy is an intriguing topic throughout the 18th century. This series explores true stories, settings, and people and blends them with a work of fiction called “Treasure Island”. It is a prequel to the book, a fact which I did not learn until halfway through the four seasons. I like to call this drama “Pirates of the Caribbean” for adults since the characters don’t shy away from brutal violence and a LOT of curse words. It also challenges a very heteronormative spectrum and introduces many of the best characters as members of the LGBT community.

The story begins with the promise of a grand prize, a treasure galleon. Captain Flint and his crew want to steal this prize. They become caught up in the politics of Nassau, their pirate ship, and their crew. One of my favourite parts was legendary pirates such as Charles Vane, Anne Bonny, and Blackbeard play a key role in the lives of Captain Flint, Billy Bones, and John Silver.

(Side note: “Black Sails” is not currently available on Netflix)

Vikings – 700s to 800s, Scandinavia and England

The drama series “Vikings” is a must-watch for fans of action films and period pieces. It narrates the lives of famous Vikings and the beginning of their raids in England. The series follows Ragnar Lothbrok and his journey from being a farmer and a raider to being a king, and how his sons and more rise to power after his death.

The show explores the relationship between the Vikings and their Pantheon of Gods. It also explores their relationship with communities outside of their homeland. Every battle scene is expertly choreographed, and every music track heightens the intrigue and drama of the characters. Glory and honour seem to be key themes – at least to my eyes – and how high an individual can rise to fame above others. With every season, other historical events are woven into semi-fictitious events, like the Great Heathen Army.

The Queen’s Gambit – 1958 to 1968

I’d never expected a show like “The Queen’s Gambit” to make subject matter like a game of chess so interesting, and to explore the topic alongside greater themes of drug abuse, sexism, and coming-of-age. Elizabeth “Beth” Harmon finds herself at an orphanage after a tragic event. It is there that she discovers two things that influence her youth - the game of chess and the medicine that the staff at the orphanage gives to them.

Years later, she attends her first competition as one of 2 female competitors and her career in chess takes off from there. The limited series explores the intense study and hard work that goes into playing a game of chess and demonstrates the levels to which Beth must push herself to be a key competitor in the nationwide and international chess events, to go from being a small-town girl to an international chess champion.

These are some of my period pieces that I enjoyed watching the most. There are countless others to add to this list, so don’t expect this post to be the last. I have plenty more to say about historical dramas and films. I hope you enjoyed reading this post and feel inspired to save one of them to your own list.

Happy watching!

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