27 returning British period drama TV series back in 2023
2023 looks set to be another brilliant year for British period drama fans.
Here, in alphabetical order, we’ve listed all the British historical and period drama series that have been renewed for the coming year!
Take a look at our huge previews of 2023’s latest British period drama movies and brand new British period drama mini-series too.
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All Creatures Great and Small – Season 4
When’s it back?
Season 4 is expected to premiere on Channel 5 in September, then on PBS in January 2024.
All Creatures Great and Small is available on DVD on Amazon.
Around the World in 80 Days – Season 2
When’s it back?
Season 2 will premiere on BBC One and PBS later in 2023 or in 2024.
Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days novel is available on Amazon.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter
What’s it about?
Belgravia: The Next Chapter is a follow-up to ITV’s 2020 period drama series, based on the bestselling 2016 novel by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.
The new series will be set in 1871, three decades after the events of the original series, telling the love story of Frederick Trenchard and his new love interest, Clara Dunn, who is a newcomer to London society.
When’s it back?
Belgravia: The Next Chapter will premiere this winter on MGM+ in the US, and on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX in the UK.
Belgravia is available to watch on MGM+.
Bridgerton – Season 3
When’s it back?
Season 3 is expected to premiere on Netflix in mid-2023.
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels are available on Amazon.
Call the Midwife – Season 12
What did the reviews say?
“Call the Midwife isn’t just an uplifting and moving show; it also gives a voice to those real life women whose stories have been lost to the sands of time.” – Stylist
“The beloved drama only continues to grip us all. From fiery relationships to traumatising cases and surprise exits, the BBC series has returned with a bang … Call the Midwife has continued to captivate viewers this season with a slew of powerful storylines and eye-opening medical cases.” – Radio Times
Call the Midwife is available on DVD on Amazon.
Carnival Row – Season 2
What’s it about?
Set in a Victorian fantasy world where humans and creatures clash, Amazon’s hit series is led by Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom and British model turned actress Cara Delevingne.
The second and final season picks up with former inspector Rycroft Philostrate aka Philo investigating a series of gruesome murders stoking social tension. With humans and fae folk divided and freedom on the line, each hero will face impossible dilemmas and soul-defining tests in the epic conclusion of Carnival Row.
What did the reviews say?
“….the series still has a lot going for it — the costume design, the fantastical premise, the setting, power and political dynamics, and interesting characters — but it is somehow still missing a spark of intrigue that would keep viewers hooked.” – Screen Rant
“So much of what makes this world so appealing on paper is its potential, but the ideas are never fully fleshed out … without a clear, focused story to make its universe feel believable and inhabited, Carnival Row never fulfills its initial promise.” ★★ – Slant
Carnival Row is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
The Crown – Season 6
When’s it back?
Season 6 is expected to premiere on Netflix in November or December.
The Crown is available on DVD on Amazon.
The Curse – Season 2
What did the reviews say?
“The Curse is genuinely funny … If you haven’t seen The Curse, check it out: the first series (just) edges it, but it’s still (pun intended) comedy gold.” – The Guardian
Dalgleish – Season 2
What’s it about?
Bertie Carvel (Doctor Foster) returns as Detective Chief Inspector Dalgliesh in three new two-part stories based on the books by P.D. James.
The second season of Dalgliesh sees the enigmatic investigator and poet tackle even more mind-boggling mysteries in the grubby heart of ’70s England, with guest stars including Daisy Waterstone (The Durrells), Sorcha Cusack (Father Brown), and Jeremy Irvine (War Horse).
What did the reviews say?
“Some viewers may remain attached to old Dalgliesh Roy Marsden, but Bertie Carvel’s spin on the detective-slash-poet is worth a watch.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
“If you like puzzle-policiers where a gory murder draws you into a protracted game of cat and mouse, this set will see you through nights when the TV schedules don’t appeal. If you yearn for a new Endeavour, keep looking.” ★★★ – The Arts Desk
Dalgliesh is available to watch on Acorn TV with a free 7-day trial.
Doctor Who – 60th anniversary specials
When’s it back?
Doctor Who returns on BBC One and Disney+ in November.
Season 13 is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Endeavour – Season 9
What did the reviews say?
“The Morse prequel’s final series scales heights the original never reached.” ★★★★★ – The Guardian
“Young Morse departs in a highly emotional finale.” ★★★★★ – Independent.ie
Father Brown – Season 10
What did the reviews say?
“The BBC’s highest-rating daytime drama returns with its winning formula – bucolic village life plus homicidal naughtiness – firmly intact.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
Father Brown is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Grantchester – Season 8
When’s it back?
Season 8 will air on ITV this summer, and on PBS in July.
Grantchester is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Hotel Portofino – Season 2
When’s it back?
Season 2 will arrive on PBS and BritBox in early 2023.
Leonardo – Season 2
What’s it about?
From Sherlock writer Steve Thompson and The X-Files writer Frank Spotnitz, this historical drama series stars Aidan Turner (Poldark) as Italian inventor, scientist, and artist Leonardo da Vinci.
The show’s producer has hinted that fans will see Leonardo during his time in Rome in Season 2, encountering other talents of the day such as Raphael and Michelangelo.
When’s it on?
Season 2 is expected to premiere in the UK on Amazon Prime Video in early 2023, then on The CW in the US.
Moonflower Murders
When’s it back?
The follow-up to Magpie Murders will air later this year or in early 2024.
Malory Towers – Season 4
What did the reviews say?
“The CBBC adaptation of Enid Blyton’s boarding-school classic bowls along so smoothly and sweetly, it’s hard not to love it.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“A thoroughly modern take on a classic Enid Blyton series.” ★★★★ – The Independent
Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers books are available on Amazon.
Miss Scarlet and the Duke – Season 3
What did the reviews say?
“It’s an easy-to-take show that does most everything well, looks good, has a lively pulse. The mysteries are suitably twisty but not so obscure that you won’t solve a few before the detectives do … A romp with murder, and bustles.” – Los Angeles Times
Miss Scarlet and The Duke is available on DVD on Amazon.
Our Flag Means Death – Season 2
What’s it about?
From the team behind Flight of the Conchords and What We Do in the Shadows, HBO’s historical comedy series returns for a second season.
After trading in his comfortable life for one of a buccaneer, legendary kind-hearted pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby) has is now captain of a pirate ship, struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew.
The cast also includes Taika Waititi (Thor Ragnarok), 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).
When will it air?
Season 2 premieres on HBO Max in 2023.
Outlander – Season 7 Part 1
What did the reviews say?
“Season 7 boasts a renewed energy missing from the last outing, and although nothing is ever easy for the inhabitants of Fraser’s Ridge, this time around the storytelling spark and action has been excitedly reignited.” ★★★★ – Metro
“For the devoted fans who have made it this deep into the journey, Outlander‘s seventh season delivers on everything they’ve come to know and love about this epic romance while setting the stage for its ultimate finale.” Collider
Outlander is available on DVD on Amazon.
Sanditon – Season 3
What did the reviews say?
“The final season of Sanditon is absolutely enchanting and a fitting farewell for a beloved show.” – Decider
“They have given the Sanditon fandom the best of everything that will leave you teary-eyed, filled with thanks, and yet sorrowful that this beautiful series has come to an end.” – Sanditon Seaside
SAS Rogue Heroes – Season 2
When’s it back?
Season 2 will air on BBC One and EPIX in late 2023 or (more likely) in 2024.
The Serpent Queen – Season 2
When’s it back?
Season 2 will premiere on Starz in late 2023.
Sister Boniface Mysteries – Season 2
What did the reviews say?
“Hidden hordes love British period murder mystery series, and Sister Boniface Mysteries is the latest. The kindly nun with great instincts, forensic capabilities, has a nose for investigation trumps local police detectives. Terrific comfort viewing.” – What She Said
Taboo – Season 2
What’s it about?
Created by actor Tom Hardy and Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight, Taboo launched way back in January 2017 and a second season could finally be on the way this year.
Set in 1814, the first season followed James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy), believed to be long dead, who returned home to London from Africa to inherit what is left of his father’s shipping empire and rebuild a life for himself.
Eight new episodes of the dark period drama will see our anti-hero “continue to explore many realities as he takes his band of misfits to a new world.”
When will it air?
It’s hard to predict at this point. One day!
The first season of Taboo is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Vikings: Valhalla – Season 2
When will it air?
Season 2 will premiere on Netflix on 12th January.
World on Fire – Season 2
What’s it about?
The BBC’s epic international World War II drama series was renewed for another season back in 2019, but the pandemic resulted in significant filming delays.
Beginning in October 1940, Season 2 takes us from the streets of Britain into occupied France, Nazi Germany, and to the sands of the North African desert, where British troops struggle alongside Indian Sappers and Australian Diggers to adapt to a very different kind of combat.
What did the reviews say?
“This epic second world war drama is totally gripping … This hugely ambitious attempt to show the war through the lives of ordinary people has an immaculate grasp of tension and character.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“…if you were a big fan of the first season or are an avid connoisseur of World War Two dramas, then you’ll still almost certainly find a lot to like here.” – Radio Times
World on Fire is available on DVD on Amazon.
Take a look back at our list of 2022’s best returning British period drama TV series here!