If you’re a fan of period pieces and don’t yet have a Prime Video subscription, subscribe. The Amazon streaming service has a wide range of great historical dramas that’ll satisfy you whether you’re a history buff or you’re just watching for the incredible sets and costumes. With both original series and acquired titles, Prime Video’s selection rivals any service in exceptional period piece options, and these four shows are just a taste of what it has to offer.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Finishing this year after five remarkable seasons, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is in a comedy class all its own. Created by the supremely talented Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls), Maisel has progressive themes with retro scenes. Its writing is fantastic, and the performances by Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, and Tony Shalhoub only make it further outstanding. If the 1950s interest you in the slightest, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will blow you away.
The Chosen
Based on the life of Jesus Christ, The Chosen has captivated audiences. Its third season finished airing in January 2023, the season’s final episode featuring the story of Jesus and his disciples facing a storm while in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. A fourth season is impending, and since it was allowed by SAG-AFTRA to continue filming during the actors’ strike, it might return sooner than many of your other favorites.
Downton Abbey
Anyone who’s a fan of historical dramas needs to watch Downton Abbey. Considered by many to be a blueprint for the genre, the show won 15 Emmys during its run, making it one of the most awarded shows in the ceremony’s history. Downton Abbey was so popular it spawned two subsequent feature films: Downton Abbey and Downton Abbey: A New Era, the latter of which is also available on Prime Video. The episodes are lengthy, but with only 52 total, it’s not too great a commitment to avoid starting this iconic show.
Poldark
If Downton Abbey is just a little too long for you to watch, try Poldark instead. The episodes are about the same length, but there aren’t quite as many. It takes place in an entirely different era – right after the end of the Revolutionary War – but it’s still in England and it’s still acclaimed. Full of drama and romance, Poldark has everything there is to love about period pieces.
Each of these period pieces is streaming now on Prime Video.