ComScore

14 Shows Like ‘Outlander’ to Add to Your Queue

Droughtlander is nearly over, with Claire and Jamie’s newest chapter finally premiering on Starz on March 6.

Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht previously talked about Outlander's return in a statement, where he said, "Fans can rest assured their beloved Claire and Jamie will be back facing new challenges, adversaries and adventures in seasons five and six as we delve into American history and continue the story of the Frasers as they settle in the New World."

And while we're counting down the hours until the season six premiere (and since we've already rewatched the first five seasons so many times), we decided to round up a few shows like Outlander to keep us occupied while we wait. From Poldark to The Spanish Princess, here are 14 period dramas to add to your queue.

20 Shows Like Downton Abbey to Add to Your Queue ASAP


1. ‘Black Sails’

Who's in it? Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Luke Arnold, Jessica Parker

What’s it about? Created as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, Black Sails follows the adventures of Captain Flint and his crew of pirates as they fight for survival and hunt for treasure on New Providence Island during the Golden Age of Piracy in the 18th Century. This show is a treat for anyone who enjoys the action sequences and complex storylines in Outlander.

2. ‘Victoria’

Who’s in it? Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Peter Bowles, Catherine Flemming

What’s it about? The series tackles royal family drama while following the reign of Queen Victoria (Coleman), who begins to rule at the young age of 18. Victoria’s sweet romance with Albert and their visit to Scotland will definitely make you think of Claire and Jamie. (It’s also worth noting that Nell Hudson, aka Laoghaire, appears on the series as the queen’s loyal maid, Mrs. Skerrett.)

3. ‘Poldark’

Who’s in it? Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed, Ruby Bentall, Heida Reed

What’s it about? When Captain Ross Vennor Poldark returns home from the American War of Independence, he's crushed to see his home in ruins and his one true love, Elizabeth (Reed), in the arms of his cousin. But things start to look up when he meets and falls for his scullery maid, Demelza (Tomlinson).

4. ‘The White Princess’

Who's in it? Jodie Comer, Rebecca Benson, Jacob Collins-Levy, Kenneth Cranham

What’s it about? Inspired by Philippa Gregory's novel of the same name, The White Princess centers on the marriage of Elizabeth of York (Comer) and Henry VII (Collins-Levy), which ends the Wars of the Roses by creating unity among the houses of Lancaster and York. Still, as things appear peaceful on the surface, bitterness and conflict within the palace walls suggest that the kingdom is still divided.

5. ‘The Spanish Princess’

Who’s in it? Sai Bennett, Alicia Borrachero, Andrew Buchan, Charlotte Hope, Ruairi O'Connor, Laura Carmichael

What’s it about? Created as a sequel to The White Princess, this historical drama revolves around the infamous Catherine of Aragon (Hope), navigating her personal life before marrying King Henry VIII (O'Connor) and becoming the queen of England. Watch for the fascinating storylines, drama and romance.

6. ‘Reign’

Who’s in it? Adelaide Kane, Megan Follows, Torrance Coombs, Toby Regbo

What’s it about? ​​Set during the 16th century, the historical drama series tells the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, as she gains power in the French court. We follow her very complicated love life, as well as the romantic pursuits of her handmaidens.

7. ‘Vikings’

Who’s in it? Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgård

What’s it about? Fantasy, bloody battles and scandalous love affairs abound in this historical drama, which follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok as he explores new territory and becomes the King of the Viking tribes.

8. ‘Downton Abbey’

Who's in it? Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith

What’s it about? The popular British drama centers on an aristocratic family and their servants during the early 1900s, and reveals how their lives are influenced by several historical events, including World War I and the sinking of the Titanic. Outlander fans will enjoy the historical aspect and compelling characters.

9. ‘The Tudors’

Who's in it? Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Sam Neill, Callum Blue

What’s it about? The Tudors chronicles the reign of King Henry VIII (Meyers) in 16th century England. It not only follows his multiple romantic pursuits, but it also examines his political relationships. Like Outlander, there's no shortage of love scenes and violence.

10. ‘Luna Nera’

Who’s in it? Antonia Fotaras, Giorgio Belli, Manuela Mandracchia

What’s it about? In this historical fantasy, a teenager named Ade (Fotaras), is forced to run away from home with her younger brother after their grandmother is murdered for being a witch. In a thrilling twist, the show also channels Romeo and Juliet with a forbidden romance between Ade and Pietro (Belli), the son of a determined witch hunter.

11. ‘Game of Thrones’

Who's in it? Sean Bean, Mark Addy, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Michelle Fairley

What’s it about? Adapted from George R. R. Martin's fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones follows different royal families as they fight to secure the Iron Throne of the fictional continent of Westeros. Similar to Outlander, it’s packed with bloody war sequences and raunchy love scenes (especially in the first few seasons).

12. ‘Catherine the Great’

Who’s in it? Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, Rory Kinnear

What’s it about? Set during the 18th century (the same time period that Claire travels to), this four-part miniseries follows Catherine the Great’s (Mirren) reign in Russia, with a specific emphasis on her final years. Outlander fans will especially enjoy her passionate affair with military commander Grigory Potemkin (Clarke), which leads to some controversy.

13. ‘Bridgerton’

Who’s in it? Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Golda Rosheuvel, Jonathan Bailey, Adjoa Andoh, Nicola Coughlan, Julie Andrews

What’s it about? Based on Julia Quinn's bestselling book series of the same name, this show follows the children of the fictional Bridgerton family as they search for love in Regency-era London. While far less violent than Outlander, Bridgerton has no shortage of steamy scenes and period piece politics (and Andrews provides incredible Gossip Girl-esque narration).

14. ‘Rome’

Who’s in it? Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, James Purefoy, Tobias Menzies, Lindsay Duncan

What’s it about? This HBO series may have only lasted for two seasons, but during its short run, Rome won seven Primetime Emmy Awards and received high ratings. Set in the 1st century B.C., the show follows two soldiers named Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo who are living through a period of significant change for Ancient Rome. Similar to Outlander, this show explored volatile periods of history and all the battles and love affairs that came with them.



nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
  • Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
  • Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics

calfee

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

Joel is the former Associate Editor for News & Entertainment and has been reporting on all things pop culture for over 5 years. Before working at PureWow, he served as a Features Editor at ROCKET Magazine. When he's not dissecting the latest trends in entertainment (or guiding you on what to watch), he covers all the hottest red carpet looks and fashion movements. When he steps away from the keyboard, you can likely find him at an NYC concert, thrift store or LGBTQ+ bookstore happily perusing the shelves.