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What’s your all-time favorite period drama and why?

So I know that there are a lot of gangster films like the Goodfellas, Scarface, and the Godfather that end up glorifying the Mob.

But I have been wondering, are there any period dramas set in the 70-90s about how the law busted the mob? So far the only one I'm familiar with is Donnie Brasco (1997).

Edit: Preferably ones where the protagonists are Law enforcement and/or Attorneys who went after the mob.

I’ve seen this recommended on here, is it good? How about upbeat or at least not tragic? Like a lot of you, I’m in my Winter depression and need shows that cheer me up (comedy depresses me more, weird, I know)

I am very interested in mental health treatment and how it has evolved over time and it’s portrayal in the media. I have a particular interest in mental health facilities in the time period before deinstitutionalization in the US, the treatment of women in the psychiatric realm, and how mental illness was handled by families in eras before treatment was widely available or understood. I’d love your recs on anything you can think of that fits those parameters; I’m good with movies or shows (even just singular episodes of a show) and documentaries too. I’ve seen Ratched and Escaping the Madhouse already.

The Leopard - Netflix

Don Fabrizio Corbera, the Prince of Salina, leads a life surrounded by beauty and privilege. But as Italy moves towards unification and the old aristocratic order is threatened, he realizes that his family's future is in jeopardy. New allegiances must be made, each one a threat to his principles.

The Leopard, featuring Kim Rossi Stuart, Benedetta Porcaroli, Deva Cassel and Saul Nanni is coming on March 5th 2025, only on Netflix.

OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-aZV95YSr0

WEBSITE: https://www.netflix.com/title/81392676

I’m hoping someone here can help me! Somewhere about 10-15 years ago I used to watch an anthology of period dramas that were mostly romance, if i recall correctly. They were on netflix, however were definitely older, probably filmed in the 90s or possibly earlier. Each episode was a different story, and one thing i liked was it wasnt always centered around wealthier couples. It was something like “Mrs/Miss [something]’s stories” or something to that effect. These have long been taken off Netflix and I want to find the name so badly so I can watch them over again. They were a comfort show. If anyone has any remote idea of what i’m referring to, it would be a huge help! Thank you!

In my opinion, SISI is WAY better! I watched The Empress on Netflix and I like it but then discovered SISI on PBS Masterpiece. Wow! How did I not know about it sooner?! It’s soooo good. It’s the period piece fix I needed. Everything about it is better. I don’t even want to watch anymore of the Netflix version.

I just finished reading The Cause of All Nations which was about diplomacy during the American Civil War.

The book talks a lot about that time of neo-enlightenment and the liberalization of the Old World Dynasties (or back-slide)

Any good series to get me started on about this time period in European history. I don’t really care where it’s set and I don’t care about needing subtitles or not.

I came across this veiled vestal virgin bust that reminds me of the Darcy’s house in Pride and Prejudice that I think I’ll buy.

I was thinking it’ll make me happy to see it every day and was wondering (besides books) do any of you have any objects in your home that make you think of your favorite period pieces?

I’m looking for period dramas that are relatively low stakes and overall cheerful to watch. Some shows such as Dickens adaptions or even Call The Midwife can be too upsetting.

Here’s some examples of the kind of shows I’m looking for more of! (I know a few of these aren’t period pieces, but they have the vibe I’m looking for!)

When Calls the Heart Little Men Cranford and Return to Cranford Doc Martin All Creatures Great and small The Vicar of Dibly Dr Quinn

Thank you!

THE EMPRESS is coming back for a final third season.

Did anyone else watch this show before Covid? It follows a group of Canadian espionage recruits and their operations overseas during WW2.

I'm looking for shows set during the Progressive Era in the U.S... the Knick is one of my FAVORITE shows because of how it showcases social issues that are becoming more mainstream during the early 1900s (e.g., poverty being addressed through social programs, and not dismissed as a moral failing). Bonus points if thr show is not about the upper class.

I've seen the Alienist, which I also enjoyed, but I found the Gilded Age to be extremely boring.

Looking for a movie or series/mini series that has an opening scene where a businessman is going about his business at a desk, and then after a couple of minutes into the scene, he opens his window (which is right above his desk?) and steps out/commits suicide. There’s then a title card stating the date, and its when the stock market crashed in 1929 in America. I don’t remember if then the action of the show is related to the character, or if it was just included to show the background of when the story is taking place.

Ive been racking my brain trying to figure this out - my spouse has no idea either, and my internet search has only brought me to reddits with someone asking the same question. Part of me feels like it could even be one of those highly produced documentaries on the History channel (US) with actors and dramatic scene interwoven with the talking heads/historians, but I am also thinking it could be a mini series bc it was the beginning of an episode. It could be a movie too, I really am not sure! I looked at my viewing history but nothing has come up that would be close to that time period. It entered my mind recently, and bc I haven’t been able to figure out its bugging me! Any help is appreciated!

I know it’s currently on Prime UK

It’s set during the time of Lawrence of Arabia (as he makes a guest appearance)

The premise is based on the powers that be in Britain requiring advice from someone, in this case an eccentric aristocratic white woman, who is based in, and has immense knowledge of what we would now call Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Our blonde female lead speaks many of the local dialects, is familiar with tribal elders and is hugely instrumental (to the British government) in advising them how to carve up Persia along tribal lines

Please, I’m driving myself bonkers. I’ve watched it before but I want to recommend it to someone else

Thank you very much

Spoilers! If you haven't seen it, look away.

I watched the 4 part BBC adaptation of Tess this weekend and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I thought I'd seen it before, but I must've missed the last episode because the ending absolutely broke me! I was not expecting that. Poor Tess! What a cruel and terrible life. I know it's fiction, but I suppose Thomas Hardy got the premise from real life at the time. I was sure I had an audiobook of the story as a child, but it must have missed out the more grisly details. Anyway, I think I'll go and watch some Jane Austen with a happy ending to recover.

Oh my here goes I just finished watching pride and prejudice. This is the best show iv ever watched. I dident think anything could top Dr who,but holy moly this one did.

A couple of days ago I was asking for period dramas and this one was warmy recomebded. At first i was a little heistant. Jane Austen? Isent she super boring i thought,but om my was i wrong.

From the amazing storyline,that has so much emotional stregth,to the amazing fashion of the show. As a fan of fashion,I dont know how many pictures i snapped of their outfits.

This show made me laugh,cry and be angry more times then I can imagine. From the struggles to the happiest moments. This show has introduced me to the Wonderfull world of Jane Austen,ans im so happy to start it with such a good start. Also THANK YOU FOR RECOMENDING THE SHOW TO ME

Hello all, I’m looking for a film I seen fairly long ago. It’s about a wedding at a country house of sorts (if I remember correctly). It isn’t “Cheerful Weather For The Wedding” , although it’s similar but it has a different atmosphere altogether.. I don’t quite remember the time period per se but it is likely late 1800s early 1900s. All I remember is it involved a wedding within a family and some drama ensues. If anyone knows of any similar movies would appreciate it!

I've watched a number of period drama's and whilst i cannot argue with the obvious enrichment found within the love stories , dynastic pride and social graces However there is one element or should i say character missing from all of them The furniture maker . With the amount of fine inlaid pieces , tableware and scupltured bureau's ,the air of stuffiness and care taken by the owners and the staff .The children and pets are never allowed to climb all over the chairs and tables , the servants spend hours waxing and polishing . Yet to have these exquisite pieces in the possession of a family for generations inspiring most of the etiquette and refined behaviour of the landed gentry , no mention of whether it was gifted or commissioned .

Why do we never see the craftsman at work or in proximity to the Manor house .? Why are pieces never damaged or chewed like in normal life when chair legs collapse under the weight of a rather fat dinner guest .