Originally by Ranker TVList RulesTelevision series set in a specific historical period. Upvote the best period piece series that have not been cancelled.
List of the best period piece television series, of any genre and from any network, that truly capture the feel of their time. From the Medieval Era, to the Roaring Twenties, to the Cold War, period series often deal with historical events, though some simply use their era as a backdrop. The top period series listed here are those currently on television only, whether period dramas or period comedies.
What are the best period TV shows ever? Period pieces are usually historical dramas and feature period costumes, sets, and dialogue. They tackle issues that would have been relevant in their period's time, such as the many changes faced by Lord Grantham as the world moves into a new age on Downton Abbey, or Peggy's battle to make her way in a male-dominated business on Mad Men.
Period TV shows are known for their success during awards season, often taking home Emmys and Golden Globes for their incredible set design and gorgeous costumes, and are regularly listed among the best television shows of all time.
Whether you love Boardwalk Empire, Masters of Sex, The Americans, or Penny Dreadful, many TV fans agree that period piece TV shows are some of the best. Don't see your favorite period series below? Add it to the list for a truly comprehensive ranking of the best period shows on television right now and see if it is one of the best period piece shows of all time.
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1,034480Anne with an E
Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine JamesPremiered: 2017
Anne with an E (2017, Netflix) is a Canadian television series created by Moira... more on Wikipedia2
1,142943Outlander
Caitriona Balfe, Sam HeughanPremiered: 2014
Outlander (Starz, 2014) is a historical drama television series developed by Ronald D. Moore,... more on Wikipedia3
663445Poldark
Aidan Turner, Eleanor TomlinsonPremiered: 2015
Poldark (BBC One, 2015) is a British-American drama television series created by Debbie... more on Wikipedia4
600538The Crown
Claire Foy, Matt SmithPremiered: 2016
The Crown (Netflix, 2016) is an American-British biographical drama series created by Peter... more on Wikipedia5
504396Victoria
Jenna Coleman, Tom HughesPremiered: 2016
Victoria (ITV, 2016) is a drama television series created by Daisy Goodwin. The show depicts ... more on Wikipedia6
346386The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Rachel Brosnahan, Michael ZegenPremiered: 2017
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Video, 2017) is an American period comedy-drama web... more on Wikipedia7
303341Peaky Blinders
Cillian Murphy, Helen McCroryPremiered: 2013
Peaky Blinders (BBC Two, 2013) is a British television action drama created by Steven Knight,... more on Wikipedia8
403474Call The Midwife
Jessica Raine, Miranda HartPremiered: 2012
Call the Midwife (BBC, 2012) is a British period drama series created by Heidi Thomas. The... more on Wikipedia9
10All Creatures Great and Small
Nicholas Ralph, Anna MadeleyPremiered: 2020
All Creatures Great and Small (PBS, 2020) is a British comedy drama series based on the book... more on Wikipedia10
348425The Last Kingdom
Alexander Dreymon, David DawsonPremiered: 2015
The Last Kingdom (BBC America, 2015) is a British historical fiction television series based... more on Wikipedia11
00Miss Scarlet and The Duke
Kate Phillips, Stuart MartinPremiered: 2021
Miss Scarlet and The Duke (PBS, 2021) is a British-Irish period crime drama created by Rachael... more on Wikipedia12
99243The Alienist
Daniel Brühl, Luke EvansPremiered: 2018
The Alienist (TNT, 2018) is an American television period drama event series created by Cary... more on Wikipedia13
135227The English Game
Edward Holcroft, Kevin GuthriePremiered: 2020
The English Game (Netflix, 2020) is a historical drama series created by Julian Fellowes, Tony... more on Wikipedia
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