From modern takes like Bridgerton to classics like Pride and Prejudice, it’s no secret that people love a good period drama.
But what is it about the period drama genre that makes these books and films so entertaining?
Could it be the elaborate fashion or perhaps the sophisticated language? Or is there something more that gives period dramas the “it” factor?
An Introduction to the Period Drama Genre
In simple terms, a period drama consists of any book, show, or movie that is set in a notable period of history. Props, language, costuming, sets, and characterization are used to convey which period the piece is set in.
Lately, period dramas set in England — anywhere from the Tudor reign to the Regency Era — are exceedingly popular. This includes works like Bridgerton, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma.
However, this does not mean period dramas are exclusively Eurocentric (nor should they be)! For instance, Hulu‘s award-winning show Shogun is set in 17th-century, war-ridden Japan. Meanwhile, the movie The Woman King follows a group of all-female West African warriors in the 17th century.
Elements of a Good Period Drama
The qualifications for a period drama are very vague, allowing for many unique interpretations of the period drama genre–and many bad interpretations.
So, what are the factors that make a good period drama?
Of course, the elaborate costumes and time-specific language are important to sell the time period. Because these elements are so different from the clothes and language we use today, audiences can fall into blissful escapism.
Another aspect that makes period dramas stand out is the rich romantic plots. Typically, good period dramas contain loads of yearning. Whether it transpires through star-crossed lovers, enemies to lovers, or marriages of convenience becoming true love, something about the taboo of having true feelings during the olden days heightens audience satisfaction.
Political or social intrigue often elevates period dramas to the next level. It can be fascinating to compare how characters navigate issues in the past to how we might address similar issues in the present.
Of course, all period dramas benefit from the notion of time. Watching characters from decades past fall in love, face friendship and betrayal, grieve, and experience immense joy can be extremely touching. Knowing that those who came before us experience the same human emotions that we do (even if they are dramatized for entertainment purposes) makes us feel as though we are not alone.
With the above elements in mind, I would love to introduce some of my personal period drama recommendations.
My Lady Jane: Tudor England, Shape-shifters, and True Love
My Lady Jane was originally a young adult book by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. Recently, it has gained popularity due to the phenomenal TV adaptation by Amazon Prime, which stars Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel.
My Lady Jane rewrites the tale of Jane Grey, England’s tragic “Nine-Day Queen,” who was beheaded only nine days after her coronation. This show erases the damsel-in-distress trope in a fun, sexy, and fantastical way.
Several features make My Lady Jane deserving of a period drama gold medal. For one, the costuming is perfectly over-the-top to emulate the Tudor Period. The characterization is also executed with so much care and humor, allowing the story to remain hopeful even in dark moments.
The best thing about My Lady Jane, though, has to be the romantic plot line between Jane and Guilford. If you want a story full of hesitant but passionate yearning alongside the (possibly deadly) complications of court politics, then this series and book are perfect for you.
Lovely War: Greek Gods and Tragic Wartime Romances
I first read this book four years ago, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. Lovely War by Julie Berry is a period drama novel set during World War I. It follows four different lovers as they navigate the complications of their lives and love during the war. The best part? Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, narrates the story.
The novel makes such a good period drama because of the sheer improbability of falling in love during one of the darkest eras the world has ever seen. The stakes are high, the tension is higher, and the romances are incredibly lush and rewarding.
The fact that the book is told from Aphrodite’s point-of-view also sets it apart from other war-centric period dramas. As a reader, experiencing blossoming love from the lens of the goddess of love makes this unlike any other love story.
An additional bonus is the stunning prose. Berry is an award-winning writer, and it shows. If you are looking for a wartime romance, Lovely War is one of my top recommendations.
The Great: Unendingly Funny, Shockingly Vulgar Russian Royalty
If you are looking for a period drama that will have you laughing until you cannot breathe, look no further than Hulu’s The Great. Deemed to be “an occasionally true story,” the series follows young Catherine the Great in her not-so-ideal marriage to Russia’s Emperor Peter III.
The costuming and set design in this show are unreal. Though they may not be 100 percent accurate, the costumes and sets are so carefully constructed that it feels like you are truly in 18th-century Russia when you watch.
The Great doesn’t exactly have the pining romance of the other recommendations. However, the show is a shocking twist on the period drama genre. The writing and acting by stars Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult are ridiculously funny and jarringly vulgar. It is so unexpected that watching this show will always have you wondering: What will happen next?
As it can be seen, there is not just one element that period dramas need to be good. Often, a good period drama is an amalgamation of its own distinct elements.
If you’re looking to read up more on period dramas, be sure to check out these articles:
