27 brand new British period drama TV series you need to watch in 2022
2022 looks set to be another wonderful year for fans of British period dramas on television.
Here, in alphabetical order, are all the brand new British historical and period drama series and mini-series you need to watch this year!
Check out our epic previews of this year’s British period drama movies and returning British period drama TV series too.
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Anne
What’s it about?
ITV’s four-part drama tells the inspirational true story of justice campaigner Anne Williams as she attempts to uncover the truth about what her son’s death in 1989’s Hillsborough football tragedy.
The Village star Maxine Peake leads the cast as Anne Williams.
What did the reviews say?
“…for all its polish, and Peake’s commanding lead, Anne sometimes verges on being too much to bear … Anne is well written, tense, beautifully acted, unrelentingly sad and angry. It does everything a drama ever could.” ★★★★ – The Independent
“Maxine Peake exudes raw horror in extraordinary Hillsborough drama.” ★★★★★ – The Guardian
Around the World in 80 Days – Season 1
What’s it about?
Doctor Who star David Tennant leads the cast of this new series based on French writer Jules Verne’s classic 1873 book.
Around the World in 80 Days follows the adventures of Phileas Fogg from London (Tennant) and his valet Passepartout (French actor Ibrahim Koma) as they attempt to circumnavigate the world in 80 days on a £20,000 wager.
What did the reviews say?’
“There is something about this time of year that demands a good, solid adaptation of a literary classic. Right on cue, here is Around the World in 80 Days for the entire family to enjoy.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
…the series is a charming festive adventure ideal for family viewing. It’s chock-full of wonder, fun, and remarkable backdrops, so promises to be the perfect antidote to any dreary January lockdowns.” ★★★★ – Evening Standard
Around the World in 80 Days is available on DVD.
Becoming Elizabeth – Season 1
What’s it about?
Starz’s eight-part Tudor drama series depicts the struggles of the young Queen Elizabeth I (Alicia von Rittberg) to control her own destiny and take real power as the men around her attempt to claim her sovereignty.
The cast of Becoming Elizabeth also includes Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) as Henry’s widow Catherine Parr, Tom Cullen (Downton Abbey) as Thomas Seymour, Romola Garai (The Hour) as Henry’s eldest child Mary, and Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones) as Lady Jane Grey.
What did the reviews say?
“This romp through the Tudor court shows a poisonous family power struggle with sex at its heart – and with so many fascinating monsters on screen, you won’t be able to look away.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“Becoming Elizabeth grants the future monarch some of the agency that she claims to have been denied — and that the inevitability of history too often robs of its most influential figures. In the process, it turns a centuries-old tale into something both timeless and fresh.” – Hollywood Reporter
The Confessions of Frannie Langton
What’s it about?
Based on Sara Collins’ acclaimed 2019 novel, ITV’s four-part murder-mystery drama is set against the dazzling opulence of Georgian London in 19th century England.
Karla-Simone Spence (Blue Story, Wannabe) leads the cast as Frannie Langton, the novel’s young protagonist born into a life of slavery who is fighting to tell her own story.
What did the reviews say?
“The Confessions of Frannie Langton is one of the first things I’ve watched for a long time where I genuinely don’t know what’s coming next. It’s high praise indeed for a big-budget drama, especially one that announces its murderous denouement in the first few minutes.” ★★★★ – iNews
“This show is a past-due exploration of historic black Britain and a celebration of the power of love; reader, it was excellent. Just don’t watch without tissues to hand.” ★★★★ – Evening Standard
Sara Collins’ novel The Confessions of Frannie Langton is available on Amazon.
The Curse – Season 1
What’s it about?
Based on an infamous real-life 1983 robbery, Channel 4’s six-part series is a comedy caper following a gang of hopeless small time crooks who, through their own stupidity and poor judgement, find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest gold heists in history.
The cast includes Father Brown star Emer Kenny, alongside Peter Ferninando (The Letter for the King), Ambreen Razia (This Way Up), Geoff Bell (His Dark Materials), and Michael Smiley (Luther).
What did the reviews say?
“However compelling the heist itself is, first and foremost this is just a brilliantly funny comedy … The strongest recommendation I can give is that I simply can’t wait to watch the remaining three instalments – this show is a real treat.” ★★★★★ – Radio Times
“A sublime crime caper with an unfeasibly brilliant cast … a finely-calibrated show about idiots planning a heist in a gorgeously rendered 1980s London.” ★★★★★ – The Guardian
Dodger – Season 1 and Specials
What’s it about?
CBBC’s comedy-drama Dodger follows the exploits of the infamous pickpocket, The Artful Dodger, and Fagin’s gang as they find ingenious ways to survive the grim and exploitative conditions of early Victorian London in the 1830s.
The ten-part family adventure series stars Billy Jenkins (The Crown) as Dodger, and Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who) as Fagin.
It returned at the end of 2022 with three new specials.
What did the reviews say?
“A boisterous and amusing drama that will get the kids into Dickens … CBBC channels the energy of Horrible Histories into this daft Oliver Twist spin off, which follows pick-pocketing rascal Artful Dodger.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
1899 – Season 1
What’s it about?
From the creators of Netflix’s award-winning Dark, this new mystery period drama follows the mysterious circumstances around the voyage of an immigrant ship from Europe to New York at the end of the 19th century.
1899 is a multi-language series, with British cast members including Emily Beecham (Cruella), Anton Lesser (Endeavour), and Aneurin Barnard (War & Peace).
What did the reviews say?
“This painfully slow sci-fi show is absolutely agonising … It’s dour, obtuse and oppressive – enjoy!” ★★ – The Guardian
“1899 is Event Horizon meets Titanic. You won’t have a clue what’s going on, but you’ll be too hooked to care.” ★★★★ – Den of Geek
The English
What’s it about?
The Young Victoria star Emily Blunt leads the cast of this six-part high-octane epic western from award-winning writer Hugo Blick and the producers of Doctor Foster.
Set in the mythic mid-American landscape in the year of 1890, The English follows Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), an Englishwoman who arrives into the new and wild landscape of the West to wreak revenge on the man she sees as responsible for the death of her son.
What did the reviews say?
“Emily Blunt’s operatic Western is brilliant – if you can overlook its flaws … Hugo Blick follows up Black Earth Rising with this bold homage to Spaghetti Westerns.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
“Emily Blunt’s sweeping western is a rare, sensational masterpiece … Hugo Blick’s revelatory series is a gorgeous, glorious new take on the old west – a lawless land where no one can hear you, or anyone in your way, scream.” ★★★★★ – The Guardian
The English is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
The Essex Serpent
What’s it about?
Adapated from Sarah Perry’s 2016 novel by the writer of Mrs Wilson, this Apple TV+ mini-series stars Claire Danes (Homeland) and Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager).
The Essex Serpent follows newly widowed Cora (Danes) who, having being released from an abusive marriage, relocates from Victorian London to the small village of Aldwinter in Essex, intrigued by a local superstition that a mythical creature known as the Essex Serpent has returned to the area.
What did the reviews say?
“Although it takes an episode or two to settle into The Essex Serpent’s intellectual, dialogue-driven groove, Clio Barnard’s first foray into the world of TV is ultimately every bit as enthralling, meticulously detailed, and beautifully human as any of her big screen offerings.” ★★★★ – Empire
“The Essex Serpent becomes a drama that treats its subjects with a refreshing kind of honesty that makes them all the more interesting. Falling in and out of love is always messy, but especially when the world around you is also a complete mess. The Essex Serpent captures that perfectly.” – The Verge
Sarah Perry’s novel The Essex Serpent is available on Amazon.
The Gilded Age – Season 1
What’s it about?
Not strictly British at all, but it is created by Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes, this long-delayed series is set in New York in 1882 and focuses on the emerging rich and the working class.
The Gilded Age follows Marian Brook, the wide-eyed young scion of a conservative family who embarks on infiltrating the wealthy neighboring family dominated by ruthless railroad tycoon George Russell.
What did the reviews say?
“A glossy but bloated American Downton Abbey … Set in 19th-century New York, Julian Fellowes’ new offering is as lavish and watchable as you’d expect – but lacking the humour and charm of its predecessor.” ★★★ – The Independent
“Fellowes’ patented brand of soapy period drama is not for everyone, and watching The Gilded Age will probably only further entrench what you thought about his work in the first place … The Gilded Age is comfortably shaping up to be his most ambitious, if not his best series since Downton.” ★★★★ – Evening Standard
The Gilded Age is available on DVD.
Hotel Portofino – Season 1
What’s it about?
Set during the ‘Roaring 20s’, BritBox’s new six-part period drama follows a British family who open a hotel for upper class travellers on the magical Italian Riviera.
Leading the cast are Natascha McElhone (Ladies in Lavender), Anna Chancellor (Downton Abbey), Adam James (Vigil), and Mark Umbers (Home Fires).
What did the reviews say?
“1920s period drama tries, and fails, to copy Downton and The Durrells … but the show’s setting is undeniably beautiful.” ★★ – The Telegraph
“A romantic costume drama that’s as blissful as a good gin cocktail.” ★★★★ – Daily Mail
Hotel Portofino is available to watch on PBS Masterpiece.
House of the Dragon – Season 1
What’s it about?
Based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood, the new Game of Thrones spin-off is set 200 years before the events of HBO’s previous hit series.
House of the Dragon tells the story of House Targaryen, exploring the events leading to the ‘Dance of the Dragons’ civil war, with a huge cast that includes Paddy Considine (Peaky Blinders), Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill), Olivia Cooke (Vanity Fair), and Matt Smith (The Crown).
What did the reviews say?
“A worthy successor to Game of Thrones’ crown … ambitious, visually arresting, and endlessly captivating. It’s good to be back.” ★★★★ – iNews
“This epic Game of Thrones prequel is a roaring success … it’s every bit as great as its predecessor in its heyday. It’s fun, fantastic-looking and seems set to get us hooked all over again.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
House of the Dragon is available to watch on HBO Max.
The Ipcress File
What’s is about?
ITV’s new six-part adaption of Len Deighton’s classic espionage novel stars Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders) as Harry Palmer, alongside Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), and Tom Hollander (The Night Manager).
Set against the backdrop of Cold War Europe in Berlin and London during the 1960, The Ipcress File is a stylish and tense tale of abducted scientists, brainwashing, inter- departmental rivalry, treason, and a possibly unwise romance.
What did the reviews say?
“The miniseries is best enjoyed when you watch it as a standalone story without reference to the 1965 movie. That said, it does manage to maintain the realism and grit that made the film so highly acclaimed.” – Collider
“Whether or not you’re a fan of the Michael Caine film, this TV version has both the pedigree and big-budget feel to recommend it. And even if you’re familiar with the famous plot, there may just be some surprises in store.” ★★★★ – Radio Times
The Ipcress File is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Life After Life
What’s is about?
Based on Kate Atkinson’s acclaimed novel, this four-part mini-series stars Sian Clifford (Fleabag), James McArdle (Man In An Orange Shirt), Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey), and Jessica Hynes (Up the Women).
Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) plays Ursula Todd, who is born one night in 1910, but dies before she draws her first breath. On that same night in 1910, Ursula is reborn and survives. Time and time again, living and dying in different circumstances, Ursula is reborn into a new, alternative iteration of life once more.
What did the reviews say?
“Kate Atkinson’s brilliant ‘unadaptable’ multiverse novel has been turned into a tender and wise TV drama … Grief abounds, but the necessarily painful path this drama takes leads to an ultimately uplifting and worthwhile conclusion.” ★★★★★ – Den of Geek
“Life After Life combines much of what appeals to British viewing audiences – a rose-tinted English countryside of old, a wartime setting, a stellar cast – but with its mind-bending, time-looping twist, it is entirely its own beast.” ★★★★ – Radio Times
Kate Atkinson’s novel Life After Life is available on Amazon.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power – Season 1
What’s it about?
Exploring previously unseen parts of JRR Tolkien’s fantasy world and set thousands of years before the Lord of the Rings movies, Amazon’s new TV series brings to life the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history.
The Rings of Power features His Dark Materials star Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir, Sophia Nomvete as Disa, and Robert Aramayo as Elrond, alongside Joseph Mawle (Ripper Street), Maxim Baldry (Years and Years), and Lenny Henry (The Long Song).
What did the reviews say?
“So astounding it makes House of the Dragon look amateur … this is enormously enjoyable TV, a cinematic feast.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“The most expensive TV show ever made rummages around in JRR Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ appendices and comes up with gold … it’s a spectacle-filled return to a lovingly rendered Middle-earth that promises to deliver an awfully big adventure.” ★★★★ – The Independent
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Magpie Murders – Season 1
What’s it about?
From the creator of Foyle’s War and based on his acclaimed 2016 novel Magpie Murders, BritBox’s new crime series is a murder mystery within a murder mystery, spanning two time periods (1950s and contemporary Britain) with cast portraying multiple characters in different literary dimensions.
World on Fire star Lesley Manville leads the cast, alongside Matthew Beard (Vienna Blood), Tim McMullan (Foyle’s War), Daniel Mays (Ashes to Ashes), Pippa Haywood (Bridgerton), and Conleth Hill (Game Of Thrones).
What did the reviews say?
“Lesley Manville is a superb twist on Miss Marple.” ★★★★ – The Times
“Finding a fresh twist on the traditional detective mystery is virtually impossible, but Anthony Horowitz made a bold stab at it with Magpie Murders.” ★★★★★ – The Arts Desk
Magpie Murders is available on DVD.
Marie Antoinette
What’s it about?
Produced by the team behind Versailles, this eight-part series comes from Oscar-winning screenwriter Deborah Davis, who co-wrote The Favourite.
Marie Antoinette was barely 14 years old when she left Austria to marry the Dauphin of France. Growing from a stubborn young princess navigating the rules of the French court under pressure to continue the Bourbon line, to a true fashion icon, she impressed with her natural charisma, and recreated life in Versailles in her image: free, independent and feminist ahead of time.
What did the reviews say?
“Sex, snark and stropping – it’s Love Island en Versailles.” ★★★ – The Telegraph
“If you loved The Favourite, you’ll adore this fun period drama … Strange, funny, grotesque in places, this drama from the writer of the Olivia Colman movie portrays the French queen as a naive and playful teenager – and it’s hugely entertaining.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
Versailles is available on DVD on Amazon.
Mayflies
What’s it about?
Martin Compston (Line of Duty) and Tony Curran (Doctor Who) star in the BBC’s two-part Scottish drama based on the 2020 novel by Andrew O’Hagan.
Described as “a memorial to youth’s euphoria and to everyday tragedy,” Mayflies introduces us to friends Tully and Jimmy in a small Scottish town in the summer of 1986. Thirty years on, Tully has the worst kind of news, and a request that will test their friendship, love, and loyalty to the limit.
What did the reviews say?
“A devastating, daring ode to life, death and friendship … Terminal cancer isn’t the most cheerful of festive subjects, but this adaptation of Andrew O’Hagan’s novel is a hymn to lifelong friendship.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
“Martin Compston reveals hidden depths in this drama of death and betrayal.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
Andrew O’Hagan’s novel Mayflies is available on Amazon.
Our Flag Means Death – Season 1
What’s it about?
From the team behind Flight of the Conchords and What We Do in the Shadows, HBO’s new historical comedy series stars Rhys Darby as legendary kind-hearted pirate Stede Bonnet.
After trading in his comfortable life for one of a buccaneer, Stede becomes captain of a pirate ship, but struggles to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew. Stede’s fortunes change after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard, played by Taika Waititi.
The cast also includes Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Nathan Foad (Bloods), Samson Kayo (Timewasters), Rory Kinnear (Skyfall), Con O’Neill (Chernobyl), Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting), and Joel Fry (Cruella).
What did the reviews say?
“Bolstered by a terrifically eclectic ensemble with some well-cast guest appearances, Our Flag Means Death is one of the most unique comedies bobbing out in the ocean of scripted television right now. It brings the laughs, the subversion, and the misty eyes in equal measure.” – IGN
“Our Flag Means Death won’t be the deepest show you’ve seen about a midlife crisis, or the most dramatic — but should you find yourself in the mood to relax on mostly warm, mostly gentle waters with an adorable group of weirdos, it’ll hit the spot.” – Hollywood Reporter
Our Flag Means Death is available to watch on HBO Max.
Pistol
What’s it about?
Based on guitarist Steve Jones’ memoir Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol, Danny Boyle’s six-part biopic of English punk rock band the Sex Pistols explores “the moment that British society and culture changed forever” in the 1970s.
Pistol stars Toby Wallace (Babyteeth) as Steve Jones, Anson Boon as Johnny Rotten, Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes) as Sid Vicious, Jacob Slater as Paul Cook, and Christian Lees as Glen Matlock. The cast also includes Thomas Brodie-Sangster (The Queen’s Gambit), Talulah Riley (Westworld), and Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones).
What did the reviews say?
“Pistol captures the culture and context of London’s burgeoning punk scene in the ‘70s but the members of The Sex Pistols suffer from a series that isn’t interested in digging too deeply into who they are as people … It’s an attractive resurrection of the times and the eclectic personalities who made the punk era so indelible, but the series itself doesn’t have the same fire and brimstone.” – IGN
“Danny Boyle’s series never achieves the rollicking kineticism we associate with the Sex Pistols.” ★★★ – The Independent
Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol by Steve Jones is available on Amazon.
SAS: Rogue Heroes – Season 1
What’s it about?
Created by Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight, this action-packed six-part BBC series tells how the world’s most renowned and ruthless Special Forces unit, the SAS, came to exist.
SAS: Rogue Heroes is set during darkest days of World War Two and is based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book Rogue Heroes.
The cast includes Connor Swindells (Sex Education), Jack O’Connell (Skins), Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones), Sofia Boutella (Atomic Blonde), and Dominic West (The Hour).
What did the reviews say?
“The show’s spirit of adventure proves hard to resist … ultimately, SAS Rogue Heroes has the makings of another hit for Knight and the BBC.” ★★★★ – Financial Times
“It’s rare for a new TV drama to come roaring out of the blocks like a fully-formed beast, but there’s a swagger about SAS Rogue Heroes that’s hard to resist … even if war dramas aren’t your normal kit bag, give it a go.” ★★★★★ – Metro
SAS Rogue Heroes is available to watch on EPIX.
The Serpent Queen – Season 1
What’s is about?
Set in 16th century France, this new Starz period drama series stars Samantha Morton (Harlots) as the nefarious Catherine de Medici.
A historical drama with an edge, The Serpent Queen puts a contemporary spin on the rise to power of Catherine de Medici, who, against all odds, became one of the most powerful and longest-serving rulers in French history.
What did the reviews say?
“Samantha Morton is perfectly cast in this darkly satirical period drama.” ★★★ – The Guardian
“Filled with conflicted characters, intrigue, poisonings, torture, throat-slitting, religion and rock music, The Serpent Queen is a happy excursion into another time and space where the problems remain the same.” – The Hindu
The Serpent Queen is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Sister Boniface Mysteries – Season 1
What’s it about?
Based on the character of Sister Boniface from Father Brown, this spin-off series stars Lorna Watson (Watson & Oliver), reprising her role as the sleuthing nun in ten new light-hearted murder mysteries.
Created by Father Brown writer Jude Tindall and set in 1960s England, Sister Boniface Mysteries sees Sister Boniface using advanced techniques for tracking down killers.
What did the reviews say?
“The show is beautifully shot and includes plenty of quirky rural characters and scenarios. If you like period British mystery shows like Grantchester or Father Brown, you will not be disappointed.” – America Magazine
“It’s all terribly jolly, as if Enid Blyton had turned her hand to writing Agatha Christies. Well worth sniffing out.” ★★★★ – Daily Mail
Sister Boniface Mysteries is available to watch on BritBox.
A Spy Among Friends
What’s is about?
Based on Ben Macintyre’s book, Cold War espionage thriller A Spy Among Friends stars British actors Damian Lewis (The Forsyte Saga) and Guy Pearce (Memento).
The six-part mini-series from the executive producer of Homeland tells “one of the greatest spy stories ever.”
What did the reviews say?
“Stick with it – if you can bear the doom and gloom … The spy drama takes a long while to get going, but underneath the misery lurks a compelling tale of sleuthing, festering secrets and class angst.” ★★★ – iNews
“A cerebral and fiendish remix of the Kim Philby tale … Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce are magnificent in a satisfyingly complex drama which focuses on Philby’s escape to Beirut in 1963.” – The Telegraph
Ben Macintyre’s book A Spy Among Friends is available on Amazon.
Vikings: Valhalla – Season 1
What’s is about?
Netflix’s Vikings follow-up series stars Leo Suter (Sanditon), Sam Corlett (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Frida Gustavsson (Swoon), and Bradley Freegard (Keeping Faith).
Set over a thousand years ago in the early 11th century, Vikings: Valhalla chronicles the heroic adventures of some of the most famous Vikings who ever lived — the legendary explorer Leif Eriksson, his fiery and headstrong sister Freydis Eriksdotter, and the ambitious Nordic prince Harald Sigurdsson.
What did the reviews say?
“Picking up where the epic series Vikings left off, there’s still plenty of Vikinging to do, and if you can pick out the characters from all the beards and hides it’s a lot of fun.” ★★★ – The Guardian
“Less history lesson and more theme park ride, Valhalla should absolutely appeal to fans of the original show, and might even end up making a few new ones.” – RogerEbert.com
Vikings is available on DVD on Amazon.
Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?
What’s it about?
From the makers of Endeavour and World on Fire, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? is based on Agatha Christie’s 1934 story.
An all-star cast features Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility), Jim Broadbent (War and Peace), Will Poulter (The Revenant), Lucy Boynton (Bohemian Rhapsody), Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones), Miles Jupp (The Durrells), and Amy Nuttall (Downton Abbey).
What did the reviews say?
“Hugh Laurie’s all-star caper is a delight … this unabashedly old-fashioned Agatha Christie adaptation is exactly what it needed to be.” – Radio Times
“Will Poulter and Lucy Boynton share fizzing dialogue and terrific chemistry in Hugh Laurie’s directorial debut.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? is available to watch on BritBox.
The Witchfinder – Season 1
What’s it about?
Created by Alan Partridge writers Neil and Rob Gibbons, The Witchfinder stars Daisy May Cooper (The Personal History of David Copperfield) and Tim Key (Alan Partridge).
BBC Two’s new six-part comedy series follows a witchfinder and his suspect on a road-free road trip through an England gripped by civil war, famine and plague in the 1647.
What did the reviews say?
“Some of the finest comedy talents have produced something strangely mediocre.” ★★★ – The Independent
“A comedy with so much wasted potential it makes you sad … Daisy May Cooper, Tim Key and other stellar talents are hamstrung by this period comedy’s thin story and unimpressive jokes.” ★★ – The Guardian
The Witchfinder is available on DVD.
Take a look back at our list of 2021’s best British period drama TV series here!