Late in the first year of the pandemic, the Regency-era romantic dramedy Bridgerton (Metascore: 73) took the world by storm. Based on the acclaimed series of novels by New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn, the Netflix adaptation soared to the streamer's most-watched list with the ease of a diamond of the first water breathtakingly gliding onto the ballroom floor. (Its record was later broken by Squid Game.)
Produced by Shonda Rhimes' Shondaland, narrated by Julie Andrews, and featuring bodice-ripping eroticism, it's unsurprising that the show fulfilled audiences' desire for whimsical, yet substantive, escapism. Bridgerton both modernizes its setting — through classical renditions of hit pop songs, inclusive casting, and a distinct female sexual gaze — while fully giving into its historical, lavish environments — showcasing wigs, palaces, corsets, and even more wigs.
The wildly popular first season of the Emmy-winning series effectively launched the careers of breakouts Regé-Jean Page, who portrayed the rakish bachelor unwilling to assume domestic duties, and Phoebe Dynevor, who played the Mayfair ton's most-prized (and envied) noblewoman of the season. Season 2 is poised to do the same for stars Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey — whose characters, the assured Kate Sharma and boyish Anthony Bridgerton, engage in an enemies-to-lovers storyline.
Given the breadth of its success and the fervor with which fans awaited its second season release (delayed several times due to COVID), it is not entirely presumptuous to assume that most have already devoured the entirety of Season 2's eight episodes. And while the series has already been renewed for two more seasons, it will likely be at least a year before one can get their fill of longing glances and period-appropriate commentary.
So, without further ado — dearest reader — Metacritic is highlighting 10 shows and movies (ranked by Metascore) to fulfill your post-Bridgerton binge needs.
Metascore: 82
Best for: Keira Knightley fans
Where to watch:
, Google Play, HBO Max, iTunes, Vudu
Runtime: 127 minutes
Arguably Jane Austen's magnum opus, this Oscar-nominated adaptation of the author's classic novel follows the headstrong heroine Elizabeth Bennett (Knightley) who — much to her surprise and chagrin — finds herself falling for the closed-off Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). As they engage in a battle of wits, they must both learn to overcome their (ahem) pride and prejudice to take a chance on true love. The Joe Wright-directed film also features Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Talulah Riley, Jena Malone, and Carey Mulligan. For another worthy adaptation, check out 1995's BBC1 miniseries starring Colin Firth as Darcy.
"It is historically evocative, visually transporting and an exuberant romantic comedy that adheres to its source while spinning its own artful energy." — Debera Carlton Harrell, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Metascore: 77
Best for: Fans ofDickinsonand whimsical plotlines
Where to watch:
, Google Play,
, iTunes,
Seasons: 2 (so far)
With the humorous and self-aware tagline "an occasionally true story," The Great takes the lore of Catherine the Great and Peter III of Russia and runs with it. Elle Fanning stars as the wide-eyed and optimistic Catherine, fresh off the boat from Germany and eager to ingratiate herself with Slavic culture. But she quickly realizes she got more than what she bargained for with her husband Peter (Nicholas Hoult), an incompetent and cruel despot with no semblance of what it takes to run a great nation. Created by The Favouritewriter Tony McNamara, this genre-bending, modernized tale of how Catherine became a formidable empress takes no prisoners in its dubious historical approach.
"The series is a strange, funny, ridiculous, trundling carnival of ideas, genres, and characters. It is great in both size and quality — ambitious, reckless, and always a joy." — Allison Keene, Paste
Metascore: 76
Best for: People who are hopeless romantics and fans of Fleabag's Hot Priest
Where to watch:
, iTunes
Seasons: 1
This easily digestible three-part dramatic miniseries follows the exploits of best friends and cousins Linda Radlett (Lily James) and Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham) as they search for an all-consuming love and good sex in pre-World War II Europe. Based on Nancy Mitford's novel of the same name, the charismatic duo soon realizes that finding their ideal husband will be much harder than initially thought. The show also includes Dominic West, Andrew Scott, and Emily Mortimer.
"This is a period drama that makes fun of its period's stuffiness, playing on its stilted conventions." — Anna Russell, The New Yorker
Metascore: 73
Best for: Those looking to replace the steamy scenes and feminist perspective offered by Bridgerton
Where to watch:
,
,
Seasons: 3
Power, sex, greed, and scandal abound in this Hulu Original series, about 18th century London brothel owner Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton) who struggles to reconcile her work with raising her daughters Charlotte (Jessica Brown Findlay) and Lucy (Eloise Smyth). When Margaret's business is attacked by a merciless rival madam Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville), a brewing war breaks out over the city's top commercial product. Unwilling to cede her enterprise, Margaret is determined to fight back, risking everything from her status to her family's safety.
"Gripping, surprising, at times humorous and even a bit thought-provoking when it comes to exploring how sex is just as valuable as money or power." — Mark A. Perigard, Boston Herald
Metascore: 71
Best for: People who prize production and costume design
Where to watch:
, Google Play,iTunes, Vudu
Runtime: 124 minutes
Oscar-nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Costume Design, Emma. is a rich, colorful, and vibrant adaptation of a beloved Austenian tale. Anya Taylor-Joy portrays Emma Woodhouse, a well-intentioned yet ultimately meddlesome and self-important young woman who always seems to create more mess than she can hope to fix. Only after erroneously trying to set up her newest protégé Harriet Smith (Mia Goth) with eligible bachelor Mr. Elton (Josh O'Connor) does she learn to step back from others' affairs. Bill Nighy, Johnny Flynn, and Gemma Whelan also star.
"Witty, wry, spry, and deliciously and effortlessly romantic, this is Austen as she is supposed to be." — Richard Whittaker, The Austin Chronicle
Metascore: 70
Best for: Austen fanatics
Where to watch:
, Google Play,
,
Seasons: 2 (so far)
Loosely based on Austen's unfinished manuscript Sanditon and The Watsons, the drama series follows Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she relocates from her rural home to a bustling seaside resort. While staying with the hospitable Parkers (Kris Marshall and Kate Ashfield), the spirited young woman — intent on reinventing herself — unexpectedly finds herself enthralled by the rakish, Mr. Darcy-esque Sidney Parker (Theo James). Created by Bridget Jones's Diarywriter Andrew Davies from 11 chapters of Austen's work, the underrated series is already renewed for a third season.
"Sanditon is sexy escapism for winter, tart and political, gorgeous and honest. Austen would have loved it." — Ann Donahue, IndieWire
Metascore: 70
Best for: Fans of whip-smart leads and witty dialogue
Where to watch:
,
,Google Play, iTunes, Vudu
Runtime: 97 minutes
Part of the crop of '90s high school-set romantic dramedies that took inspiration from William Shakespeare, 10 Things I Hate About You is a loose adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) is an intelligent, no-nonsense teen, which means that she tends to intimidate her fellow peers — particularly her ill-educated, insolent boy classmates. But house rules dictated by her father mean her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) can't date until Kat has a boyfriend. Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), crushing hard on the younger sister, teams up with the brooding, handsome Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to manipulate the situation to his liking.
"What really elevates it, though, is the film's sharp wit and tender heart, both of which are conveyed beautifully by the fresh-faced cast." — Mary Elizabeth Williams, Salon
Metascore: 68
Best for: People who are curious what a Harry Potter-meets-Game of Thrones show looks like
Where to watch: Netflix
Seasons: 1 (so far)
A cross between Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse novels Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows, Netflix's adaptation largely follows a young soldier named Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li). Initially believing herself to be without powers, she is soon discovered to be a rare Sun Summoner, a powerful Grisha who legend says can cast out the Fold, a large darkness plaguing her country of Ravka. While she navigates her newfound status and identity, Alina must balance conflicting feelings about her childhood best friend Mal (Archie Renaux) and her complex mentor General Kirigan (Ben Barnes). Heavily influenced by Tsarist Russia, a secondary plot traces the exploits of a cunning crew of thieves (Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, and Kit Young).
"Shadow and Bone delivers pure escapism with timely social commentary and good old-fashioned soapy storytelling. It is the next big fantasy sensation." — Meghan O'Keefe, Decider
Metascore: 68
Best for: American history buffs and fans of scandalous happenings
Where to watch:
Seasons: 1
Created by Julian Fellowes, the Oscar- and Emmy-winning writer behind Gosford Parkand Downton Abbey, The Gilded Age traces the turbulence of changing times in late 19th century America, partially drawing inspiration from the real-life wealthy families of the time. A naive young scion named Marian (Louisa Jacobson) relocates to New York City following the death of her father. Unbeknownst to her, she's quickly caught in the middle of a social war between her old-money aunts Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon) and their ruthless, new-money neighboring family headed by railroading robber baron George Russell (Morgan Spector). The Gilded Age also follows an ambitious writer named Peggy (Denée Benton), part of a prominent Black family who often clashes with her parents over her goals.
"Is the series more playful than profound, more froth than substance? Maybe. It's also perfectly irresistible." — Peter Travers, ABC News
Metascore: 64
Best for: Fans of fake dating tropes and bright pastel cinematography
Where to watch: Netflix
Runtime: 99 minutes
If fake courtship is your thing, look no further than To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Based on the eponymous novel by Jenny Han, the film features a breakout role for Lana Condor, who portrays the baking-obsessed and timid-yet-yearning-for-adventure Lara Jean Covey. Throughout the years, instead of making her feelings for various crushes known, LJ has stashed away a box of cathartic, unsent letters declaring her love for them. Her heart is protected by her well-kept secrets — that is until they're exposed to the people who were never meant to read them.
"Its heartwarming and clear-eyed approach to first love and the challenges of coming-of-age distinguishes it from its contemporaries." — Cady Lang, Time
