12 Shows Like ‘The Gilded Age’ to Stream Right Now, From ‘Belgravia’ to ‘Sanditon’
In case you haven’t heard, HBO’s The Gilded Age is the new Downton Abbey. And given the show’s overwhelmingly positive ratings, we’d say it’s poised to become a major hit.
Set in New York during the late 1800s, the historical drama won fans over with its charming cast, compelling storylines and insight into the city’s high society. And since there are only a few episodes left to go before season one ends, it’s only a matter of time before viewers start searching for shows like The Gilded Age to fill the void. Whether you’re gearing up for the long wait before season two or actively seeking new content to stream right now, keep reading for similar shows to watch on Netflix, BritBox and more.
RELATED: HBO’s New Show ‘The Gilded Age’ Is a Must-Watch for ‘Downton Abbey’ Fans
1. ‘The Buccaneers’
Who’s in it: Carla Gugino, Alison Elliott, Mira Sorvino, Rya Kihlstedt, Mark Tandy
Rating: NR
After struggling to fit into New York society, four young and wealthy American women head to England and marry into British society during the 1870s—but not everyone gets their happily ever after. There isn’t much focus on class division, but it’s filled with stunning costumes. It also touches on a few mature themes, like homosexuality and the desire for social acceptance.
2. ‘The Duchess of Duke Street’
Who’s in it: Gemma Jones, Christopher Cazenove, Victoria Plucknett, John Cater
Rating: TV-14
We can’t resist a compelling period drama with strong feminist themes. Loosely based on the life of English cook and hotel owner Rosa Lewis (AKA the Duchess of Jermyn Street), the BBC series centers on an ambitious maid, who becomes the successful owner of an upper-class hotel in the early 20th-century.
3. ‘Downton Abbey’
Who’s in it: Hugh Bonneville, Jessica Brown Findlay, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter
Rating: TV-14
There’s no denying the clear parallels between Julian Fellowes’ Downton Abbey and his HBO series. Both share a similar tone and structure, since they focus on class divides and navigating the ins and outs of high society. But in this case, Downton follows an aristocratic family in early 20th-century Britain. The Emmy-winning series also weaves in historical events with riveting storylines, adding a bit of authenticity.
4. ‘Bridgerton’
Who’s in it: Adjoa Andoh, Lorraine Ashbourne, Jonathan Bailey, Ruby Barker, Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Julie Andrews
Rating: TV-MA
The plot isn’t very similar to The Gilded Age, but Bridgerton boasts a diverse cast, gorgeous costumes and plenty of insight for navigating relationships in high society. Based on Julia Quinn’s books, the Netflix hit show follows the members of the Bridgerton family, exploring issues like family tension, gender inequality and social class. Expect plenty of drama and steamy intimate scenes.
5. ‘Belgravia’
Who’s in it: Tamsin Greig, Philip Glenister, Harriet Walter
Rating: TV-14
The masterminds behind Downton Abbey created another winner with Belgravia, which details the ripple effects of one special event: The Duchess of Richmond's Ball in Brussels, which was held two days before the Battle of Waterloo. It’s not necessarily a carbon copy of Downton with soapy storylines, but it certainly shares similar themes from class division to troubled marriages.
6. ‘The House of Eliott’
Who’s in it: Stella Gonet, Louise Lombard, Aden Gillett, Maggie Ollerenshaw
Rating: TV-PG
Stella Gonet and Louise Lombard star as Beatrice Eliott and Evangeline Eliott, two sisters who launch their own dressmaking business in 1920s London. They’re forced to deal with quite a few challenges along the way, from limited customers to competition that continues to threaten their success. If you were mostly drawn to the lavish 19th-century costumes in The Gilded Age, then you’ll want to check this one out.
7. ‘Sanditon’
Who’s in it: Rose Williams, Theo James, Kris Marshall
Rating: TV-14
Anyone who has seen this masterpiece will agree that Andrew Davies did a phenomenal job of bringing Jane Austen’s unfinished manuscript to life. But in case you’ve yet to see it, Sanditon follows a penniless, naive young woman who’s wholly unprepared to navigate her new life after moving in with her estranged aunts during the Regency Era. (Sound familiar?) Aside from the stunning wardrobe and all-around solid performances, the series also touches on the tension between the upper and lower class.
8. ‘North and South’
Who’s in it: Daniela Denby-Ashe, Richard Armitage, Sinéad Cusack
Rating: TV-14
Similar to The Gilded Age, North and South focuses on a young woman who’s introduced to a new world. Margaret Hale and her family move from the South to an industrial town up North, and when they arrive, Margaret finds herself falling for a well-off mill owner. It’s a fascinating romance that shows how love can transcend all barriers—including wealth and social class.
9. ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’
Who’s in it: David Langton, Rachel Gurney, Simon Williams, Nicola Pagett
Rating: NR
Upstairs, Downstairs chronicles the everyday lives of a well-to-do family and their servants in central London during the 1900s. It speaks to the clear divide between upper and lower class, and the characters are very well-developed. Plus, it brilliantly layers history into these narratives, incorporating real-life events like World War I, the Wall Street Crash and women's suffrage.
10. ‘The Forsyte Saga’
Who’s in it: Damian Lewis, Rupert Graves, Gina McKee, Corin Redgrave
Rating: TV-PG
Inspired by John Galsworthy's trilogy, the series follows the lives of an upper-middle-class family, but the bulk of the series focuses on Soames Forsyte and his rebellious cousin, Jolyon. Like The Gilded Age, there’s more than enough gossip, schemes and love affairs to reel you in, but one of its greatest strengths is its commentary about family dynamics and materialism.
11. 'Versailles'
Who’s in it: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan, Stuart Bowman
Rating: TV-MA
Set in 17th-century France, this period drama follows King Louis XIV as he attempts to build the largest and most decorated palace in the world after the French nobility loses respect for the monarchy. Of course, it’s no easy task. You’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery and ornate costumes, but it’s the characters and intense scandals that will keep you invested.
12. ‘Lillie’
Who’s in it: Francesca Annis, Peter Egan, Denis Lill, Anton Rodgers
Rating: 13+
Allow us to introduce the fabulous Lillie Langtry, a complex woman who goes from being trapped in a failing marriage to winning the hearts of famed admirers, from Oscar Wilde to the Prince of Wales. As she deals with several huge scandals and problematic romances, Lillie continues to climb the ladder of success as an actress, eventually becoming one of the most popular figures of her time.
RELATED: 21 Shows Like ‘Downton Abbey’ to Add to Your Queue ASAP
