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Downton Abbey may be over, but these Netflix period dramas are giving fans plenty to enjoy

Downton Abbey may have drawn the curtain on the beloved ITV saga, however, Netflix offers a wealth of period dramas.

For viewers eager to fill that void, the streaming giant is renowned for its vast collection of original and licensed content spanning numerous genres, and boasts an impressive selection of costume and historical productions perfectly suited to Downton Abbey devotees, reports the Express.

Much like the beloved ITV period drama that became a worldwide phenomenon after American audiences became utterly captivated by every twist and turn in Julian Fellowes’ fast-paced series, Netflix has three spectacular costume dramas that could arguably surpass Downton Abbey itself.

Here’s a closer look at each one and what viewers have had to say about them.

1. The Crown

Netflix’s magnificent House of Windsor epic The Crown is unrivalled in its excellence, according to devoted fans since its debut in 2016.

The series, crafted by The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan, chronicles the British monarchy from the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign through to the 2005 wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.

The Crown underwent several cast changes to reflect the passage of time, with Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton each taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown amassed a remarkable collection of awards, including 24 Emmys and two Golden Globes for best series, while Netflix disclosed back in 2020 that 73 million households had tuned in since its launch in 2016, according to BBC News.

Given that the series concluded in December 2023, considerably more viewers would have caught the show since that point.

Furthermore, a notable spike in viewership followed the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, as 17.6 million hours of The Crown were streamed on Netflix, the platform confirmed to CNN.

Viewers on Reddit have drawn comparisons between Downton Abbey and The Crown, weighing in on which they favoured.

One wrote: “I watched them both. I personally liked The Crown better although both are exceptionally well-done shows.”

A second chimed in: “The Crown. I could never fully get into Downton Abbey.”

A third Redditor observed: “Depends what you like. I prefer downton as The Crown is too slow sometimes. Downton also shows the life of all the staff in the Abbey as well as the rich people. The Crown has a way bigger budget, better cinematography and is about real historical characters [sic].”

2. Bridgerton

Regency bodice-ripper Bridgerton, adapted from the much-loved historical romance novels by American author Julia Quinn, stands as another hugely popular period drama on Netflix.

Each series centres on a different lead couple and explores various romantic storylines, amongst them friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers and fake courtship blossoming into genuine romance. Bridgerton proved a runaway success following its arrival around Christmas 2020, transforming into a massive pop cultural sensation much like Downton Abbey.

The opening season accumulated 113,300,000 views within the initial 91 days of release, while the third season attracted 106,000,000 viewers upon its debut.

The programme stands as Netflix’s ninth most watched English-language series ever, Variety reported earlier this year.

Since its original launch and following subsequent seasons, it’s been viewed by hundreds of millions of devotees – and the figure continues climbing.

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Bridgerton.

The programme is set to return for a fifth and sixth season, meaning these viewing statistics will climb even higher.

Opinion remains divided on whether Bridgerton surpasses Downton; nevertheless, one Redditor commented: “Hard to say. Bridgerton is an alternative history romantic fantasy as compared to a period drama. I watch it, but to me it’s not nearly as good as Downton Abbey.”

Another stated: “I love both Downton Abbey and Bridgerton, but they are very different shows.

“I loved “Bridgerton,” but an attempt to draw similarities and differences to “Downton Abbey” is a proverbial apples-to-oranges comparison. I enjoy both for the space they occupy in entertainment,” a third observed.

3. The Empress

Lastly, sweeping German period drama The Empress has captivated audiences and draws from the actual life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Devrim Lingnau). The programme first launched in 2022 and charts the struggles and triumphs of a ruler navigating her romance with her husband, his conniving family, and the treacherous world of court politics.

The series ranks amongst the most watched non-English language programmes on Netflix, having amassed over 76 million views, according to What’s on Netflix.

One viewer took to IMDb to share their thoughts: “If you like The Crown, you’ll like this.”

They went on to say: “Just a couple of scenes at the first half. Romantic would be something like Pride and Prejudice or Bridgerton. This was more like Downton Abbey or The Crown, where in the drama is the focus.”

A second viewer enthused: “The acting is superb. I simply cannot believe how amazing this series is, and it easily rivals ‘The Crown’, ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘Outlander’, ‘Poldark’ and ‘Vikings’, and surpasses many others. It’s more serious than contemporary feeling shows like ‘Bridgerton’. In my opinion it is a contender with all the top historical dramas.”

The Crown, Bridgerton and The Empress are all available to stream on Netflix now

The hit period drama has been hailed by fans as ‘even better than Downton Abbey’ – and both were created by the same person.

A period drama branded “superior” to Downton Abbey has totally captivated audiences.

The star-studded series, which fans are describing as “pure binge-worthy escapism”, has already secured renewal for an additional season.

Historical drama enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the acclaimed new programme was crafted by Julian Fellowes, the creative force behind international hit show Downton Abbey.

Taking place several decades prior to the ITV drama, this series unfolds in the USA, with an IMDb synopsis stating: “The conflicts surrounding the new money Russell family and their old money neighbors, the van Rhijn family, in 1880s New York City high society.”

The Gilded Age debuted its inaugural season in 22, with season 3 landing just last year in 2025, reports the Express.

Fans are already clamouring for additional episodes, as the most recent instalment delivered more “nail-biting drama” than previously seen.

The impressive ensemble also boasts numerous recognisable talents, including The White Lotus’ Carrie Coon, Poldark’s Harry Richardson, Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon and Mamma Mia! star Christine Baranski.

Numerous devotees have championed the period drama, with one posting to The Gilded Age Fan Page on Facebook: “The Gilded Age is even better than Downton Abbey.”

In the comments section, multiple viewers expressed their views, with one agreeing: “Listen up! I just wrapped up the first season of Downton Abbey to carry me over until tonight, and let me tell you, it’s a solid show. However, The Gilded Age is on a whole different level.”

“The Gilded Age is indeed superior!” a second declared, as another contributed: “I actually agree but only because I’m American and this history is more close to home personally. Very interesting!”

Nevertheless, others disagreed, with one person stating: “I love The Gilded Age BUT Downton Abbey stands alone no comparison.”

Another added: “Sorry but Downton Abbey is better in my eyes but I do love the Gilded Age too.”

Others couldn’t decide, with another viewer explaining: “They are equally wonderful. A pair of timeless masterpieces.”

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Meanwhile, some enthusiasts recalled one of Britain’s most celebrated period dramas, observing: “But not as good as the original Upstairs, Downstairs, on which it was based.”

Another concurred: “Oh guys, Upstairs Downstairs from the 70’s was deeply wonderful.”

The Gilded Age boasts an impressive 89% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with season 3 in 2025 achieving its highest score yet of 96%.

Taking to the comments section on the review aggregator platform, one enthusiast remarked: “Amazing series! Can’t wait for season 4.

“The show keeps getting better!” another gushed, as a third penned: “One of the best series on TV.. I and my daughter absolutely loved it. All 3 seasons. The nail biting drama at the end of each episode, kept us on the edge of our seats. Nicely done. The acting was superb.”

“I have been watching this show since the 1st season and it just gets better and better,” another concurred, as another contributed: “Love it!!! the Gilded Age is pure binge worthy escapism!!”

One enthusiastic viewer wrote: “Best show on TV right now! I am from India and I freaking low this show. Been a fan of Downton Abbey and this show just gives more drama, power issues and love lessons. Beautiful to the core! Love it.”

The Gilded Age is currently available to watch on Sky, while Downton Abbey can be streamed on ITVX.

The beautiful town will see a total transformation with the multi-million pound regeneration project — and work is expected to kick off in full force at the end of May.

A northern town that’s home to a famous 950-year-old historic abbey is all set for a massive £32million regeneration this May.

The North Yorkshire town already has a ton going for it — a majestic abbey, artisanal shops, cute cafes, countless craft beer joints, and picturesque green trails along the River Ouse. Now, it’s set to see a total transformation with the multi-million pound regeneration project.

Selby in North Yorkshire will be undergoing massive change by the end of May, with the long-awaited Selby Station Gateway project finally kicking off in the latter half of the month according to latest updates.

Spearheaded by North Yorkshire Council with support from Department for Transport, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Network Rail, Active Travel England, and Trans-Pennine Express, the £32million regeneration project is a joint effort aimed at boosting investment and encouraging sustainable travel in the town.

The project is being funded by the larger government-back Transforming Cities Fund, which was set up in a bid to encourage people to walk or cycle seamlessly between railway stations and town centres.

The multi-million pound regeneration will see the national civil engineering and highways contractor, Galliford Try Ltd, commence demolition work at the end of this month to make space for a brand-new car park and improved walking and cycling routes.

Demolition work of unused buildings around the site will start with James William House on Cowie Drive, followed by the former Railway Social Club and Selby Business Centre.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, local councillor Malcolm Taylor, said of the project: “It represents a major investment to enhance the area and improve routes leading to the railway station, and we are confident that the project will act as a catalyst for further investment for Selby.”

Taylor added: “I’m pleased to announce that after many months of development, and through close working with partners and the community, we are ready to begin the scheme. We will keep the public updated when details of further phases come forward.”

The station will also become equipped with new accessible platform access, a completely remodelled bus station and a brand-new plaza which will connect it to the neighbouring Selby Park.

Over the next year, the first phase of the regeneration scheme is expected to deliver:

• New accessible platform access to the rear of the station building
• A brand-new station car park.
• A completely remodelled bus station.
• Major improvements to local walkways and cycleways.

This phase, which comprises the removal of existing unused buildings, is expected to take roughly 12 months to complete. While the initial timelines had completion set for autumn 2028, the unexpected delays have made it difficult to pinpoint exactly when work is expected to finish.

The first public consultation on the regeneration project’s plans was held back in 2019, with work touted to commence in October last year, however those plans were delayed and postponed due to bats living on parts of the site. Plans were then put in place for the project to kick off in March 2026, however it was met with delays once again.

With this £32million regeneration project, the town of Selby hopes to boost its appeal to both visitors as well as residents.