Summary
Theromancegenre is defined by the couples that emerge throughout the story, whether they’re between protagonists or supporting characters on the show. Many period romance TV shows feature some of the best couples on television, and the aspirational elements of these relationships draw audiences to these types of series. Chemistry and witty banter are important in the initial attraction and courtship in period dramas. However,it’s the mutual respect and trust that demonstrate the characters' compatibilityand ultimate happiness. The evolution of a favorite couple is just as critical as the first blush of love.
Certain couples end up together quickly, giving the audience a sense of satisfaction after one season.
Thebest period romance TV shows ever madetake place in different settings and times, but they all have a few elements in common. They both rely on and subvert tropes to create their most iconic couples. The romance genre is rife with formulaic plot elements, butthe relationships that audiences and critics favor above all are the ones that keep them guessing.Certain couples end up together quickly, giving the audience a sense of satisfaction after one season. Others opt for a slow-burn romance that leaves the viewers desperate to see their beloved couple get their happily ever after.
10 Best Acting Performances In Period Romance TV Shows
Romance TV shows are underrated when it comes to the actors' performances, and the actors in period romances are some of the best in the genre.
10Catherine & Peter - The Great (2020–2023)
Watching Peter learn to be a good person and change for Catherine is a triumph.
Almost as soon as Catherine arrives in Russia, she begins plotting Peter’s assassination so she can usurp the throne.
It takes a long time for Catherine and Peter to warm up to each other,as Peter’s character is thoroughly repugnant until well into the series. Though Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult immediately have great comedic chemistry, there is no love lost between the characters when they enter into their political marriage. Almost as soon as Catherine arrives in Russia, she begins plotting Peter’s assassination so she can usurp the throne. Though their physical chemistry does start to connect them, it’s not a promising start to a relationship.
However, though the satire does take the enemies-to-lovers concept to the extreme, the character development that Peter goes through does make him a changed man. He stops being the selfish king that Catherine met and genuinely begins to care for her and her ideas to bring Russia into the new era. Additionally,The Greatdoesn’t simply forgive Peter for all he’s done or posit that all it takes to change a man is love.Peter has to work hard for his redemption and Catherine’s love,even if their union is doomed no matter what.
The Great
Cast
A drastic departure from the true story, The Great tells the story of Catherine The Great, who went from being an outsider to the most powerful and longest-ruling woman in Russia’s history. But, after assuming the throne from a coup against her husband, she soon discovers enacting her form of liberation of the country will be a challenge - and she’ll have to fight everyone she knows to get it done.
9Queen Charlotte & King George - Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
A beautiful love story that fuels Queen Charlotte’s characterization in the future.
Little is seen of King George inBridgerton, as the King keeps to his bed chambers while Queen Charlotte runs things. This begs the question ofwhat was wrong with King George and why he’s hiddenaway in the series. The miniseries prequel,Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,answers these questions and more with its well-paced and lush romantic story.The early stages of love and romance between young Charlotte and young George show the audience the deep connectionat the heart of their marriage and reveal why the Queen is so focused on love and marriage in the future.
Charlotte’s relationships with otherBridgertoncharacters, like the young Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury, flesh out the Queen’s early development and give her allies to hold on to while George combats his illness. However, the core of the series isthe ups and downs that Charlotte and George face as their arranged marriage soon blossoms into true love.Though this differs from the love matches found inBridgerton, it’s still a dream come true for Charlotte, as she feared the worst from the unknown king.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is the first spinoff series in the Bridgerton franchise from Netflix. The limited series was created by Shonda Rhimes and focuses on a 17-year-old Queen Charlotte as she rises to power and marries King George. India Ria Amarteifio plays the young Queen Charlotte, who was originally played by Golda Rosheuvel in Bridgerton.
8Sybil & Tom - Downton Abbey (2010–2015)
Class differences and family expectations couldn’t keep them apart.
Their love openly defies the strict class structure that was adhered to in Britain during this period.
ThoughMary’s relationships often took center stage inDownton Abbey,since her will-they-won’t-they dynamic with Matthew soon turned to tragedy. However, her sisters, Sybil and Edith, are just as compelling and have the opportunity to explore more boundary-pushing romances, as they don’t have the responsibility of being the oldest. Sybil’s relationship with Tom, who starts as a chauffeur for the Crawley family, is one of the most beautiful. Their love openly defies the strict class structure that was adhered to in Britain during this period.
Though the family has misgivings about their union, Sybil doesn’t let that stop her from marrying Tomand following her heart. Tom is undeniably loyal and caring and has strong political and moral ideologies, making him the perfect match for Sybil. Though their happiness is short-lived, Tom is fully accepted in the Crawley family and finds his place there, even without Sybil present. Her passion and spirit live on through their child and the memories Tom has of their budding relationship.
Downton Abbey
Set in the early 20th century, Downton Abbey follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the fictional Yorkshire estate. The series explores themes of social change, romance, and intrigue against the backdrop of historical events, including the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, and the rise of the working class.
7Tim & Hawk - Fellow Travelers (2023)
This sweeping romantic thriller follows their relationship across generations.
Beginning at the height of the Lavender Scare during McCarthyism in 1950s America,Fellow Travelersfollows the doomed and beautiful relationship between two men, Tim and Hawk,who begin a clandestine partnership. Tim and Hawk are played by Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer, who are both at their best and empathetically navigate the prejudice and fear that the LGBTQ+ community faced throughout the next several decades. The audience witnesses the most tumultuous parts of the second half of the century through the eyes of two men prevented from fully being together.
Though, tragically, Tim and Hawk can’t take their relationship out into the open at the start of the series, the forbidden love aspect of the story does contribute to their already considerable chemistry. However, onceit’s clear that their feelings for each other are more than casual,it’s devastating to see them drift in and out of each other’s lives due to circumstances and timing.Fellow Travelersincorporates many political and social movements into the relationship between Tim and Hawk. It shows how external forces can impact the development of a couple’s future.
Fellow Travelers
Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey star in Fellow Travelers, a historical romantic thriller that follows two men who meet in the 1960s and begin a decades-spanning volatile romance. Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer) is a careful, financially astute man who keeps himself from romance to focus on his career - but when he meets an idealistic young man named Tim Laughlin (Bailey), the two fall for one another during one of the most tumultuous times in the nation’s history.
6Claire & Jamie - Outlander (2014–Present)
Their love consistently transcends time and space.
Even though Claire has a husband waiting for her back in her time, she and Jamie can’t deny their attraction.
From the first moment Claire is thrown back in time from the 1940s to the 1740s in Scotland, Jamie becomes her anchor and companion through the turbulent times and mind-bending time travel. Even though Claire has a husband waiting for her back in her time, she and Jamie can’t deny their attraction. Though their marriage begins out of necessity,they soon realize there are few people they can trust in their changing nation.While the attraction and intimate moments between them are enough to keep audiences engaged, this is only the tip of the iceberg of their connection.
Despite the aggressively patriarchal and sexist period,Jamie always treats Claire with respect, and their relationship is one of equals.Throughout the series, Jamie and Claire are pulled apart across hundreds of years and multiple oceans, but this can never keep them separated for long.Outlanderhas been going on for many years, and Claire and Jamie’s children have now begun to have their own romantic plot lines, but they all pale in comparison to the central relationship between the fated lovers.
Outlander
Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst political intrigue and danger, she navigates life in the past and becomes torn between loyalty to her husband and the love for a dashing young warrior.
5Jane & Guildford - My Lady Jane (2024)
Both tortured in their own ways, Jane and Guildford support each other through their worst moments.
Jane and Guildford go through every phase of a relationship. They begin as enemies, become begrudging friends, and end up passionate lovers. In a devastatingly romantic turn of events, Guildford wants to marry Jane because of her intellect. Her entire life, Jane has wanted to be valued for more than her marriage prospect, andGuildford is one of the first people to see her as a smart and valuable leader.Additionally,Jane is the first to tell Guildford that he doesn’t need to be fixedand is accepted and loved the way he is.
Despite the epic love story that unfolds between them and the tastefully steamy scenes the series provides,My Lady Janewas canceled after season 1. Unfortunately,My Lady Jane’s ending is worse without season 2. However, disappointed fans have consolation in the fact thatJane and Guildford escaped and are on track to get their happily ever after.The pair rescue each other and literally ride off into the sunset, more prepared than ever to fight for their kingdom and each other.
My Lady Jane
My Lady Jane is a Prime Video original series created by Gemma Burgess. The story is a “what if” style story of English royal history where King Henry VIII’s son Edward, Lady Jane Grey, and her husband Guildford all survive their real-life deaths. In the retelling of history, Jane Grey takes center stage, becoming queen and immediately finding herself facing nefarious villains.
4Charlotte Heywood & Alexander Colbourne - Sanditon (2019–2023)
After an uncertain start to her time in Sanditon, Charlotte ends up finding true love.
Despite the many hiccups along the way, it’s Alexander who she’s meant to be with.
Charlotte’s first romance inSanditonseason 1 is with Sidney,and Alexander doesn’t appear in the series until season 2. However, despite the many hiccups along the way, it’s Alexander who she’s meant to be with. Though the show is loosely based on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, it takes the characters and storylines from the first season and extrapolates new endings and conflicts for them as the show progresses. This is what places Charlotte and Alexander together, even though they deny their feelings and avoid each other for much of the series.
The reason Charlotte and Alexander push each other away during most of seasons 2 and 3 is the same reason that they’re such a good couple.They share emotional baggage and a difficult relationship with love because of their pasts,but this makes them uniquely qualified to care for and understand each other. If there’s a complaint to be made about Charlotte and Alexander’s relationship, it’s thatSanditonseason 3 didn’t give them enough time to be blissfully happy together.
Sanditon
Based on Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel, Sanditon tells the story of Charlotte Heywood as she is accidentally brought to the seaside resort of Sanditon. A curious and free-spirited girl, Charlotte looks to engage with Sanditon and experience everything it offers. However, when she discovers that the town’s residents are all schemers with their secrets, Charlotte is determined to find out more about them. Stumbling into the Parker family, Charlotte begins to lean into a potential romance with the family’s charming but untamed youngest brother. At the same time, the two contend with suitors of their own.
3Kate & Anthony - Bridgerton (2020–Present)
Bridgerton’s best couple makes season 2 the highlight of the series.
Each season ofBridgertonsees a new Bridgerton sibling’s love story unfold. However, if the series could spend every season following the progression of Kate and Anthony’s relationship, it would be just as compelling. It was obvious that Anthony would need someone just as stubborn and headstrong as him to balance him out and create an equal power dynamic, and as soon as Kate entered the picture, there could be no one else. Even though Anthony is first engaged to her sister,his explosive attraction to Kate makes him do things that are most ungentlemanly.
The lack of screentime the couple got inBridgertonseason 3 was disappointing, but every second spent on their married bliss was a highlight of the season.It stands to reason that Bailey would be in two of the best couples in period romances because his chemistry with every costar is a showrunner’s and audience member’s dream. Simone Ashley gives him a run for his money, pushing his buttons and proving herself as one of the best leading ladies in the show.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton, released on August 23, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
2Emily & Sue - Dickinson (2019–2021)
As Emily’s muse, best friend, and lover, Sue checks off every box.
The letters and poetry that Emily dedicated to and wrote for Sue speak for themselves when it comes to fueling the fully realized romantic relationship between the women inDickinson.
There’s a lack of historical confirmation of the relationship between the famed poet Emily Dickinson and her friend and brother’s wife, Sue. However, the letters and poetry that Emily dedicated to and wrote for Sue speak for themselves when it comes to fueling the fully realized romantic relationship between the women inDickinson.The best part of the couple is the strong friendship and support system that they provide for each other,as Emily often feels isolated and estranged from the rest of the world because of how she sees things and her passion for learning.
The line between love and friendship is blurred in the relationship between Emily and Sue, as Sue’s marriage to Emily’s brother throws a wrench in their ability to be together. However, Sue’s reverence for Emily and her belief in her talent never wavers throughout the series. While they have difficulties and face conflict,their relationship is a great example of an LGBTQ+ couple whose lives don’t end in tragedy, as this is a frequent trope on television.
Dickinson
Dickinson is a comedy series starring Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld. Dickinson audaciously explores the constraints of society, gender, and family from the perspective of the rebellious young poet Emily Dickinson, all while putting a modern spin on the period piece era’s tone. The show takes liberties with this retelling of the Author’s life while attempting to stay faithful to her history.
The 15 Best Period Romance Movies Ever Made
The best period romance movies are ones that take audiences back to the past, engaging them in a love story with passion, tension, and anticipation.
1Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy - Pride And Prejudice (1995)
The miniseries boasts one of the best depictions of the famed couple in media.
Every lover of periodromanceTV has come across many adaptations of Austen’s classic love stories. However,Pride and Prejudiceis one the most famous and frequently remade stories in Austen’s collection, and part of the reason is the timeless relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Through a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications,the pair can’t seem to find each other at the right time for almost the entire story.However, this doesn’t stop their clear compatibility from being apparent to the audience.
Elizabeth is a timeless protagonist becauseshe’s the blueprint for the fiercely independent and quick-witted heroine that has come to define modern rom-com narratives.Additionally, Darcy is a classic leading man in the fact that he comes off as strong and impenetrable, but he is actually quite vulnerable and feels his emotions acutely. This makes him the perfect match for Elizabeth, who never considered that a man could melt her heart the way Darcy does.
Pride And Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice follows the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. They must overcome the titular sins of pride and prejudice to fall in love and marry.
