Beyond the Abbey: 5 Period Dramas That Rival Downton Abbey's Grandeur

For a decade, Downton Abbey reigned as the undisputed monarch of period drama—a lavish, tear-soaked saga of aristocratic intrigue and below-stairs scheming that captivated millions. But with the Crawley clan’s cinematic finale now firmly in the rearview, fans are left wandering a gilded, empty hall. Fear not: streaming platforms are brimming with historical treasures that don’t just echo Downton’s magic—they surpass it. From Gilded Age opulence to Tudor court machinations, these five series offer richer storytelling, sharper performances, and a deeper dive into the past. Here’s why they’re even better than the Abbey.

The Gilded Age: Fellowes’ American Triumph

Created by Downton Abbey architect Julian Fellowes himself, The Gilded Age transplants his signature blend of class warfare and corseted drama to 1880s New York. The series, which debuted on HBO in 2022, pits the nouveau riche Russell family—led by a ferocious Carrie Coon—against the old-money van Rhijn clan, anchored by the sublime Christine Baranski. The result is a sumptuous, fast-paced feud that one viewer on Facebook declared “even better than Downton Abbey.” Indeed, where Downton often romanticized aristocracy, The Gilded Age revels in the raw, unapologetic ambition of America’s industrial revolution. With a cast that includes Cynthia Nixon, Harry Richardson, and a scene-stealing Louisa Jacobson, the show has become a critics’ darling. The Guardian called it “a visual feast with teeth,” and its second season only deepened the tension. For fans craving more of Fellowes’ wit without the British restraint, this is the next essential binge.

The Forsyte Saga: Victorian Obsession, Modern Heart

Long before Downton, there was The Forsyte Saga—a 2002 ITV adaptation that remains “incredible” and “phenomenal” according to Reddit devotees. Based on John Galsworthy’s Nobel Prize-winning novels, the series follows the wealthy Forsyte family through three generations of love, betrayal, and property disputes in Victorian and Edwardian England. Damian Lewis delivers a career-defining performance as the possessive, tragic Soames Forsyte, while Gina McKee radiates quiet rebellion as his wife Irene. Unlike Downton’s sprawling ensemble, The Forsyte Saga zeroes in on a single toxic marriage with laser focus, making its emotional payoff devastating. Stream it now on Netflix, where a new generation is discovering why this series originally earned BAFTAs and a devoted cult following. It’s not just a period piece—it’s a masterclass in character study.

A Spy Among Friends: Cold War Intrigue Meets Period Drama

Who says period dramas must be confined to ballrooms? A Spy Among Friends (2022, ITVX) proves that 1950s espionage can be just as gripping as any drawing-room romance. Starring Damian Lewis and Anna Maxwell Martin, this six-part thriller tells the true story of MI6 officer Nicholas Elliott, who discovers his closest friend and colleague, Kim Philby (played by Lewis), was a Soviet double agent. The Guardian hailed it as “full of excitement,” and viewers on IMDb praised its “classic 60s spy thriller” vibe. What sets it apart from Downton is its taut, psychological tension—every conversation is a chess match, every glance a betrayal waiting to happen. For those who loved the political maneuvering behind Downton’s interwar storylines, A Spy Among Friends offers a sharper, more dangerous version of high-stakes loyalty.

Upstairs, Downstairs: The Original Blueprint

Before Julian Fellowes dreamed of Downton, there was Upstairs, Downstairs—a 1970s BBC classic that pioneered the “upstairs/downstairs” formula. Set in a Belgravia townhouse from 1903 to 1930, the series chronicles both the wealthy Bellamy family and their devoted servants. Running for five seasons, it earned multiple Emmys and became a cultural touchstone. On Reddit, fans routinely recommend it as the show that “gives you the exact same vibes” as Downton, especially in its later seasons. The key difference? Upstairs, Downstairs was grittier and more socially critical, reflecting the class upheavals of its own era. It’s now streaming on ITVX, and for purists, it’s the essential progenitor—a reminder that the genre’s true roots lie in 1970s television.

Wolf Hall: Tudor Majesty, Unmatched Depth

If Downton Abbey is comfort food, Wolf Hall is a seven-course tasting menu. Adapted from Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prize-winning novels, this BBC series (available on iPlayer) immerses viewers in the treacherous court of Henry VIII through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. Mark Rylance’s Cromwell is a quiet, calculating genius, while Damian Lewis portrays Henry as a mercurial, dangerous king. Claire Foy’s Anne Boleyn is both vulnerable and ambitious. The Guardian famously declared that its “writing, acting and direction might as well come from an entirely different island” from Downton, adding: “It is so much better.” Indeed, Wolf Hall eschews Downton’s soapy melodrama for a haunting, intimate realism. Its second series aired in 2024 to rave reviews, and for viewers who crave historical rigor with emotional punch, this is the gold standard.

The Legacy and What Comes Next

Downton Abbey’s influence on the period drama landscape is undeniable—it revived a genre and made it globally bankable. But these five series prove that the genre’s best days aren’t behind us. From the opulent railroad fortunes in The Gilded Age to the shadowy corridors of MI6, each show expands what a period drama can be. As streaming platforms continue to invest in historical storytelling, expect more ambitious projects that challenge, thrill, and transport. The Abbey may have closed its doors, but the past—rich, messy, and endlessly fascinating—is wide open.

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