Top 10 Steamy Period Dramas to Watch After Wuthering Heights
Whether you are a devoted fan of Emerald Fennell or a traditionalist who cherishes the Brontë classics, the latest adaptation of Wuthering Heights has undoubtedly sparked widespread conversation. If you left the cinema craving more passionate and romantic period dramas, you are in luck. There is an abundance of captivating options to explore. From scandalous narratives set in 18th-century France to chaotic adventures in Russia, here are ten of the steamiest period dramas to satisfy your desires. Settle in, get comfortable under a blanket, and prepare, as Fennell might say, to come undone.
Bridgerton
No compilation of raunchy period dramas would be complete without mentioning Bridgerton, Netflix's record-breaking series based on Julia Quinn's novels. Set in Regency-era London, each season follows a different member of the Bridgerton family as they navigate the competitive marriage market and the watchful eye of the anonymous gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown. Essentially, it is Gossip Girl transported to the 19th century. With the second part of Season 4 arriving in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to start binge-watching.
The Great
With a generous dose of chaos and minimal regard for historical accuracy, The Great offers a gloriously mad interpretation of Russian history. Loosely chronicling Catherine the Great, portrayed by Elle Fanning, and her ascent from a wide-eyed outsider to a formidable empress, the series immerses viewers in a decadent Russian court where sex and scheming are daily occurrences. Nicholas Hoult delivers a ludicrous and hilarious performance as Peter, Catherine's often-estranged husband. Despite the political machinations and murder, the laughter never ceases. This is an absolute must-watch.
Mary & George
Julianne Moore stars as the deliciously dark Mary Villiers in this scandalous drama about a fiercely ambitious matriarch who schemes to propel her handsome son George, played by Nicholas Galitzine, into the orbit and bed of King James I. It features everything period drama enthusiasts adore:
- Court politics
- Manipulation
- Extravagance
- Seduction
The Guardian described it as ludicrously good fun, and we wholeheartedly agree.
My Lady Jane
If you believe the Tudors are dull, My Lady Jane will prove you wrong. This cheeky reimagining of Lady Jane Grey transforms the nine-days queen into a quick-witted heroine who refuses to go quietly. She is thrust into a nightmare of scheming courtiers, arranged marriage chaos, and one very inconvenient husband. The central romance possesses genuine bite, and while it may not satisfy history purists, fans became so invested that they initiated a petition for a second season.
The Buccaneers
The Buccaneers is a glossy, high-drama romp through 1870s high society, following a group of wealthy, rebellious American girls sent to London to secure titled husbands and, inevitably, ignite general chaos among the British aristocracy. The series includes:
- Love triangles
- Culture clashes
- Swoony longing
- Plenty of sex
Set against the glamorous backdrop of late-19th-century high society, think of it as Bridgerton with a swanky American twist and numerous stylish corsets.
Outlander
Epic and intensely steamy, Outlander follows WWII nurse Claire, portrayed by Caitriona Balfe, who is mysteriously transported back to 18th-century Scotland and into the path of the brooding Highlander Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan. Their chemistry is immediate and ignites a sweeping saga of love, war, and survival amid religious turmoil. Claire struggles to return to her original time without altering the course of history. Based on Diana Gabaldon's novels, this is one of the most streamed series ever, which speaks volumes about its appeal.
Poldark
For something a bit moodier, Poldark's epic romantic tale is every bit as turbulent as Cornwall's rugged landscape. It follows war veteran Ross Poldark, played by Aidan Turner, as he returns to 18th-century Cornwall to rebuild his life and becomes entangled with the fiercely loyal Demelza, portrayed by Eleanor Tomlinson. Less glossy than Bridgerton, it is equally addictive. If you need further convincing, simply search for Poldark scything scene. You will not be disappointed.
The Tudors
If you think Bridgerton is sexy, wait until you experience The Tudors. The series begins with a young, impulsive Henry VIII, portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and follows as he tears through wives, allies, and the English court in pursuit of love and a male heir. It includes:
- Political manoeuvring
- Religious upheaval
- Jousting accidents
- Extensive bed-hopping
Not suitable for watching with your parents, but if you seek a rompy period romance, you will struggle to find a more fitting choice.
Harlots
For something less glossy, Harlots exchanges high society and ballrooms for the working classes and brothels in 18th-century London. It narrates the story of madam Margaret Wells as she battles rival houses and strives to secure a better future for her daughters in a world where sex is business and power is everything. Messy and unapologetically blunt about the realities behind the corsets, it serves as a stark reminder that period history is not all about chaperones and niceties.
The Seduction
The Seduction is set against the dangerous political backdrop of 18th-century Paris, where Isabelle Dassonville, played by Anamaria Vartolomei, is tricked into marriage by the Vicomte de Valmont. What begins as flirtation rapidly transforms into something far more unsettling, as power, manipulation, and blurred boundaries come into play. Isabelle discovers that her relationship with her new husband is not quite what it seems. While not necessarily a swoony romance, it offers plenty of passion, power play, and intrigue.
