My Lady Janehas only been out for over a week, yet fans have already been clamoring for more. Inspired by the tragic life of Lady Jane Grey (Emily Bader), also known as the “Nine Days Queen,” this story couldn’t be less historically accurate as it completely reimagines her life as the unexpected Queen of England and blends it with an enchanting fantasy twist.
Anachronistic in every way possible,My Lady Janemixes historical fiction with adventure, feistiness, and a good amount of feminism. One of the greatest parts of this show isthe enemies-to-lovers romancebetween Jane and her arranged marriage husband, Lord Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel). Yes,My Lady Janeis littered with an obscene number of romance tropes, but who is going to complain? This show truly has it all — from its humor to its family drama to its unbelievably shocking plot twists, it would be criminal for it not to be renewed. So, as fans eagerly await news of Season 2, here are someother shows that might fill the gap thatMy Lady Janehas left.
10’The Great' (2020-2023)
Created by Tony McNamara
Analternative take on 18th-century history, this story follows young Catherine (Elle Fanning), who travels to Russia to marry its Emperor, Peter (Nicholas Hault). Upon their union, Catherine quickly realizes his foolish nature and inability to rule, leading her to plan a coup d’état to bring about a new, enlightened Russia.
Campy history and a vitriolic, lust-filled, back-and-forth relationship? Huzzah! What makesThe Greatso wonderful is its masterful welding of genres and refreshingly modern takes. Unbound by the expectations of traditional period chivalry and amiability,The Greatrevels in its playfulness. From black comedy to boisterous debauchery to tension-filled romance,The Greatis such a thrilling watch. What a shame it never got a proper ending due to its sudden cancelation.
9’Harlots' (2017-2019)
Created by Alison Newman and Moira Buffini
Set in 18th-century London, Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton) struggles to balance her role as a mother of two daughters and owner of a brothel. To make matters worse, her business comes under fire thanks to a ruthless rival madam, forcing Margaret to fight and protect her brothel, even if it comes at the cost of her family and even her life.
Spunky, vibrant, sexy, and gritty,Harlotswas the show that tracked a woman’s complicated journey of survival. But where it is seen through the lens of 18th-century society, one can’t ignore how the narrative holds an unkind mirror toward many present day’s experiences of gender-based suffering. Indeed, behind its vivaciousness,Harlotscarries a grounding heaviness to the reality of society’s grim ways. A masterful piece that clearly came from the minds of a female-centric creative team,Harlotsis revisionist history done right.
Watch on Hulu
8’Another Period' (2013-2018)
Created by Riki Lindhome and Natasha Leggero
Debaucherous, crude, and disgustingly rich, the Bellacourts live a life of outlandish luxury as Rhode Island’s first family of the Gilded Age. Offering no real substance to their fellow citizens, the family spends most of their time ogling at money, sex, socializing, and drugs. In the case of sisters Lillian (Leggero) and Beatrice (Lindhome), dreams of becoming famous plague their otherwise materialistic minds.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see a period piece mixed into the genre of reality TV?Another Periodis truly a show that defies expectations as it constantlyexceeds the surreal wackiness of every episode. Almost acting like a naughty spoof ofDownton Abbey, the comedy knows no bounds with it dangerously dancing around the lines of controversy. That said, this seems to be the point since behind all the outlandishness lies a programthat sharply satirizesupper-class privilege.
Watch on Paramount+
7’Why Women Kill' (2019-2021)
Created by Marc Cherry
Why Women Killfollows the lives of three women living in three different decades. Now, what would a housewife from the 60s, a socialite in the 80s, and a lawyer in the 2010s have in common? Well, besides living in the same Pasadena Mansion, all three wives discover their husbands' infidelity.
A dark and twisted anthology series,Why Women Killis a dramatization of what happens when a person is pushed to the absolute limits. It does not glorify murder but instead paints a complex picture of betrayal and revenge that makes its characters relatable and compelling.Why Women Killcontrasted its heavy themes with smart comedyand vibrant set and costume design. It truly was a fun show, despite all things considered. But alas, it became another unfortunate cancellation.
6’Dickinson' (2019-2021)
Created by Alena Smith
Showcasing the fictionalized life of revered poet Emily Dickinson (Hailee Steinfeld), this story follows her struggles with navigating the constraints of womanhood in 19th-century America. Riddled with revolutionary thoughts and controversial opinions, Emily decides to take on her poet aspirations, defying her family’s expectations and society’s conventions.
There’s no doubt thatDickinsonisn’t your classic biopic. Indeed, from its anachronistic dialogue and humor, this isa period piece for the modern age, as it’s really a story of a woman who tries to find a place in the world despite society’s restrictions limiting her ability.Dickinsonis fun and charming, with tons of drama and features an equally heartbreaking love story between Emily and his friend and lover, Sue Gilbert (Ella Hunt). What more could fans want?
Watch on Apple
5’Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story' (2023)
Created by Shonda Rhimes
Forced into a marriage with King George of England (Corey Mylchreest), Charlotte (India Armarteifio) begrudgingly arrives in London to face her uncertain future. Where all initially seems to go alright, Charlotte’s life turns for the worst as she’s left in a foreign land with a husband who ignores her and a cunning mother-in-law who constantly scrutinizes her every move.
WhereBridgertonmay be the easy point of comparison forMy Lady Jane, attention should really be given toQueen Charlotte. A fictionalized retelling of history and the English royals? Check. Electrifying chemistry from a will-they-won’t-they couple? Check. Iconic and modern needle drops interweaving itself within a period setting? Check.This acclaimed show left audiences craving more, even when it was obvious thatit was made to be a one-off thing. What a shame indeed.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
4’Fleabag' (2016-2019)
Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
A witty, free-spirited, but lost woman, only known to audiences as Fleabag (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), tries to navigate life and love in London while attempting to cope with tragedy and grief. On her journey of self-healing, she frequently makes dire mistakes that only force people away, even when she tries not to. Born out of the brilliant mind of Waller-Bridge,Fleabaguses its biting comedy to masterfully dress its underlying social commentary.
Unique in its symbolic use of fourth wall breaks,Fleabag looks to the audience as her therapist, expressing her genuine thoughts and feelings to them rather than those around her. Indeed, her tendency to break the fourth wall breaks places her as the all-powerful narrator, albeit one who likes to embellish the narrative.Fleabagremains one ofthe best dark comedies of all time, and that’s even before addressing the iconic and heartbreaking love story of Fleabag and The Priest (Andrew Scott).
3’The Artful Dodger' (2023)
Created by James McNamara, David Maher, David Taylor
Acting as a sequel to the classic novelOliver Twist,The Artful Dodgerfollows the life of Jack Hawkins (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), now living in 1850s Australia. Leaving his life of thievery to become a respected though exuberant surgeon, Hawkins is forced back into the criminal world when suddenly confronted by his past demons.
A severely underrated historical comedy,The Artful Dodgeris an ingenious creation. Adding a fun twist to an otherwise well-known story is just what was needed, especially at a time when book-to-screen adaptations are vast and plentiful. Not only is Brodie-Sangster roguishly charming as the show’s lead, but the verbal sparring he engages in is ever so fun, especially since it’s often against Lady Belle Fox (Maia Mitchell), a strong-willed aspiring surgeon under his tutelage. Ah yes, another glorious enemies-to-lovers couple.
The Artful Dodger
2’Our Flag Means Death' (2022-2023)
Created by David Jenkins
Struck with a midlife crisis, wealthy landowner Stede Bonet (Rhys Darby) abandons his life of luxury and aristocracy to become a pirate despite not having the aptitude for it. Now captain of the Revenge, Stede finds himself in charge of an entire crew while crossing paths with other formidable pirates, such as Blackbeard (Taika Waititi) himself.
For those who want to watch a show that resembles a bottle of joy,Our Flag Means Deathshould really be on their radar. Indeed,this show is a celebration of loveand all the manners in which one wishes to express their identity.Our Flag Means Deathisn’t entirely light-hearted, as its silliness and goofiness are wonderfully underpinned by earnest moments of drama. Darby and Waititi’s chemistry is undeniable. If only fans weren’tcruelly deprived of a third and final season.
Our Flag Means Death
1’The Serpent Queen' (2022 - Present)
Created by Justin Haythe
A reimagining of the epic life of Catherine de Medici (Samantha Morton),The Serpent Queenfollows her journey from an Italian orphan to the powerful Queen of France. Despite being stuck in a loveless marriage, Cartherine’s intelligence allows her to engage in strategic political maneuvering, forging her into one of the most prolific monarchs in the world.
Arguably sharing the most conceptual and stylistic similarities toMy Lady Jane,The Serpent Queenis another anachronistic retelling of one of history’s most famed queens. Littered with vulgarities, needle drops, and occasional fourth wall breaks, this fun modernizationbreathes new life into an otherwise traditionally serious genre. Do not fret, as the drama remains ever so gripping with Catherine at the helm as the sharp and cunning protagonist.
The Serpent Queen
Watch on Starz
NEXT:The 37 Best Period and Historical Shows on Netflix Right Now
