The Gilded Age And 7 Other Lavish Period Dramas To Binge If You Miss Downton Abbey

Are you still mourning the end of the Crawley family’s saga? You’re not alone. The unique blend of aristocratic glamour, intimate staff drama, and sweeping historical context that defined *Downton Abbey* has left a void in the world of television. Finding a suitable replacement—a show that captures the same essence of opulence and the compelling 'upstairs, downstairs' dynamic—can be a challenge. Fortunately, the realm of period dramas is rich with alternatives, many of which have premiered recently or are direct thematic successors to the beloved ITV series, offering fresh narratives and just as much historical intrigue as of December 2025.

The key to a true *Downton Abbey* replacement lies in its ability to balance the lives of the elite with the struggles of the working class, all while navigating a tumultuous era of social change. From the glittering ballrooms of 1880s New York to the royal palaces of the 20th century, this curated list focuses on the most lavish and dramatically compelling historical dramas, ensuring your next binge-watch is filled with all the corsets, class conflict, and captivating plot twists you crave.

The Direct Successors: Julian Fellowes’ Universe and Its Newest Chapter

For fans seeking the most direct connection to the world of *Downton Abbey*, turning to the works of its creator, Julian Fellowes, is the logical first step. These shows carry his signature style: sharp dialogue, intricate social commentary, and a masterful handling of multiple storylines across the class divide.

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1. The Gilded Age (HBO)

This is arguably the most essential watch for any *Downton Abbey* devotee. Set in 1880s New York City, *The Gilded Age* transports Fellowes' signature themes across the Atlantic to explore a different kind of aristocracy: "old money" versus the newly wealthy industrialists. The series centers on Marian Brook, who moves from rural Pennsylvania to live with her formidable old-money aunts, Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook.

The show perfectly captures the period of rapid economic growth and social upheaval in America. The central conflict revolves around the attempts of the new-money Russell family, led by railroad magnate George Russell and his ambitious wife Bertha Russell, to break into the established New York high society. Much like *Downton*, the series features a compelling downstairs narrative, detailing the lives of the servants who run the lavish Fifth Avenue mansions and their own aspirations for social mobility.

• Time Period: 1880s (The American Gilded Age)
• Thematic Link: Old vs. New Money, Upstairs/Downstairs dynamic, Social Change.
• Key Entities: Julian Fellowes, Marian Brook, Agnes van Rhijn, Bertha Russell, George Russell, New York High Society.

2. Belgravia: The Next Chapter (MGM+)

If you are looking for the absolute freshest content in the Fellowes-verse, look no further than *Belgravia: The Next Chapter*. Premiering in 2024, this show is a direct sequel to the 2020 miniseries *Belgravia*, which was also created by Julian Fellowes.

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The story is set 25 years after the original, in 1844, and focuses on the Trenchard family. The main plot follows Frederick Trenchard, the third Lord Trenchard, and his new wife, Clara. The series delves into the scandalous secrets and emotional distance plaguing their marriage, all stemming from a long-held family mystery. It maintains the intricate web of relationships between the British aristocracy and their servants, offering a condensed, high-stakes viewing experience.

• Time Period: 1844 (Early Victorian Era)
• Thematic Link: Family Scandal, Aristocratic Secrets, High Society Drama.
• Key Entities: Frederick Trenchard, Clara Trenchard, Trenchard Family, MGM+, Victorian London.

The Royal & Political Powerhouses

These historical dramas shift the focus from a single aristocratic family to the highest echelons of power—the monarchy—providing a broader political and historical scope while retaining the lavish production values and character-driven drama of a classic period piece.

3. The Crown (Netflix)

For sheer scope and production quality, *The Crown* is an unparalleled choice. It chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her early marriage in the late 1940s through to the early 2000s, offering a multi-generational look at the British Royal Family.

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While it lacks the traditional 'upstairs/downstairs' structure of a country house, it explores a similar theme of duty versus personal desire, as the Queen and her family grapple with the enormous pressures of the crown and the inevitable social changes of the 20th century. The series is a masterclass in costume drama, featuring stunning historical reconstructions and powerful performances that embody figures like Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, and Winston Churchill.

This show is perfect for those who enjoyed the historical moments in *Downton Abbey*, such as the impact of World War I and the Spanish Flu, as *The Crown* places its characters directly at the center of global events.

• Time Period: 1940s to Early 2000s (Post-War Era)
• Thematic Link: Monarchy, Duty vs. Personal Life, Political History.
• Key Entities: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Peter Morgan, Winston Churchill, Buckingham Palace, British Royal Family.

4. Victoria (ITV/PBS)

Focusing on a slightly earlier period than *Downton Abbey*, *Victoria* stars Jenna Coleman as the young Queen Victoria, beginning with her accession to the throne at the age of 18 in 1837.

The series is a beautiful exploration of her early reign, her political education, and her passionate marriage to Prince Albert. Crucially, *Victoria* features a compelling downstairs staff, including the head steward Mr. Penge and the footman Archibald Brodie, who provide the necessary perspective on life below the royal apartments, echoing the class dynamics that made *Downton* so captivating.

• Time Period: 1837 onwards (Victorian Era)
• Thematic Link: Royal Romance, Political Intrigue, Servant Life.
• Key Entities: Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Jenna Coleman, Daisy Goodwin, Mr. Penge, Archibald Brodie, Kensington Palace.

Sweeping Sagas and Romantic Escapism

For viewers who enjoyed the romantic sweep and the focus on a family's struggle to maintain their legacy against a changing world, these shows offer grand narratives set against stunning British landscapes.

5. Poldark (BBC)

*Poldark* provides a rugged, romantic escape from the drawing rooms of the aristocracy. Set in late 18th-century Cornwall, the story follows Captain Ross Poldark, who returns home after fighting in the American War of Independence to find his estate in ruins, his father dead, and his sweetheart engaged to his cousin.

While the focus is on Ross Poldark’s efforts to revive his family’s collapsing mining dynasty and his complicated relationship with his maid, Demelza, the series is rich with themes of social justice, class inequality, and the fight for survival among the working-class miners and farmers. It offers a more visceral look at the economic struggles of the era, contrasting sharply with the opulent lives of the landed gentry.

• Time Period: 1781–1801 (Late 18th Century)
• Thematic Link: Social Justice, Mining Industry, Romantic Saga, Class Conflict.
• Key Entities: Ross Poldark, Demelza, Cornwall, American War of Independence, Winston Graham (author).

6. Call the Midwife (BBC)

A perennial favorite, *Call the Midwife* offers a different, but equally powerful, perspective on British life and social history. Set in the impoverished Poplar district of East London in the 1950s and 60s, the series follows a group of nurse midwives and Anglican nuns.

The show's connection to *Downton Abbey* is its deep dive into the lives of ordinary people and its focus on the dramatic shifts in British society, particularly the rise of the National Health Service (NHS) and changing attitudes toward birth, poverty, and community. It is a powerful, character-driven series that substitutes aristocratic drama for heartwarming and heartbreaking human stories.

• Time Period: 1950s and 1960s (Post-War London)
• Thematic Link: Social History, Community, Healthcare, Women's Lives.
• Key Entities: Poplar, East London, Nurse Midwives, Anglican Nuns, National Health Service (NHS).

More Period Drama Gems for Topical Authority

To further expand your viewing options and topical authority in the genre, consider these additional, highly-rated *Downton Abbey* alternatives:

• Upstairs, Downstairs (1971 & 2010): The original 'upstairs, downstairs' series that inspired *Downton Abbey*. It follows the affluent Bellamy family and their servants at 165 Eaton Place in London from 1903 to 1930.
• Outlander (Starz): A blend of historical drama, romance, and fantasy, following a WWII nurse who is transported back to 18th-century Scotland. It offers a grand, sweeping romance and incredible historical detail.
• The Buccaneers (Apple TV+): A more recent (2023) and youthful take on the period drama, following a group of wealthy American heiresses who travel to London in the 1870s to secure aristocratic husbands, echoing the "new money" themes of *The Gilded Age*.
• Mr. Selfridge (ITV): Set in the early 20th century, this series focuses on the life of Harry Gordon Selfridge, the charismatic American founder of the famous London department store, Selfridge & Co. It highlights the changing roles of women and the rise of consumer culture.

Whether you prefer the high-society clashes of the Victorian era, the political intrigue of the post-war period, or the intimate struggles of the working class, the landscape of historical drama offers a wealth of content that perfectly captures the spirit of *Downton Abbey*. By focusing on the works of Julian Fellowes and other high-quality costume dramas, you can easily fill the void left by the Crawley family until the next movie installment arrives.