31 brand new British period drama mini-series coming in 2024
2024 looks set to be another spectacular year for British period drama fans.
Here, in alphabetical order, we’ve listed all the new British historical and period drama series that are heading to our TV screens next year!
You can also check out our epic previews of 2024’s new British period drama movies and find out which British period dramas are returning with new seasons too.
For all the latest updates on British period dramas, don’t forget you can like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, sign up for our newsletter, or subscribe to our YouTube channel!
The Ballad Of Renegade Nell
What’s it about?
Gentleman Jack and Last Tango in Halifax writer Sally Wainwright has created this new Disney+ period drama series, starring Louisa Harland (Derry Girls), Adrian Lester (Hustle), and Craig Parkinson (Line of Duty).
Set in the early 18th century, The Ballad of Renegade Nell follows swashbuckling highwaywoman Nell Jackson, who begins a life of robbery when she’s framed for murder.
When will it air?
The Ballad of Renegade Nell will premiere exclusively on Disney+ around the world in 2024.
The Battersea Poltergeist
What’s it about?
This television drama is based on the BBC’s Battersea Poltergeist podcast, which tells the true story of one of Britain’s strangest hauntings.
63 Wycliffe Road is an ordinary house on a quiet South London street, but in 1956 it becomes famous as the site of an alleged poltergeist. The strange events focus around teenager Shirley Hitchings – but is it a haunting or hoax?
When will it air?
The Battersea Poltergeist will premiere on Peacock in 2024.
Brideshead Revisited
What’s it about?
The BBC and HBO are developing a new version of Brideshead Revisited, based on Evelyn Waugh’s classic 1945 novel.
Set in the 1920s through to the early 1940s, Brideshead Revisited tells the story of Charles Ryder and his friendship with the Flytes, an aristocratic family of English Catholics who live in a palatial mansion called Brideshead Castle.
This mini-series comes from the makers of Parade’s End and Poldark, with Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name) writing and directing.
When will it air?
The new Brideshead Revisited is expected to premiere on BBC One in the UK and on HBO in the US in 2024.
The Christie Affair
What’s it about?
Based on Nina de Gramont’s novel The Christie Affair, this series starring Daisy Ridley (Star Wars) dramatises the real-life 11-daay disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926.
The Christie Affair is described as “part sweeping love story, part exploration of the bonds of womanhood, and part murder mystery to rival one of Christie’s own, now very famous stories.”
When will it air?
The Christie Affair is expected to air in 2024.
Nina de Gramont’s novel The Christie Affair is available on Amazon.
A Column of Fire
What’s is about?
Following The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, A Column of Fire is the third book in Ken Follett’s successful Kingsbridge series.
A Column of Fire follows the 1558 romance between Ned Willard and Margery Fitzgerald, continuing on through half a century of political intrigue and turmoil.
When will it air?
A Column of Fire will hopefully premiere on MGM+ in the US in 2024.
Ken Follett’s A Column of Fire novel is available on Amazon.
The Count of Monte Cristo
What’s is about?
Based on the 1844 novel by The Three Musketeers author Alexandre Dumas, this European mini-series from Danish director Bille August stars Peaky Blinders actor Sam Claflin in the lead role, alongside Jeremy Irons (Brideshead Revisited).
When will it air?
The Count of Monte Cristo is expected to premiere in late 2024 once a broadcaster has been confirmed.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin
What’s it about?
Noel Fielding (The Great British Bake Off, The IT Crowd) stars as legendary British highwayman Dick Turpin in this new AppleTV+ comedy-adventure series.
In this irreverent retelling, Dick is the most famous, but least likely of highway robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship and great hair.
When will it air?
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin will premiere exclusively on Apple TV+ on Friday 1 March 2024.
The English Patient
What’s it about?
Emily Ballou (Taboo, Scott & Bailey) is writing a new adaptation of Michael Ondaatje’s novel for the BBC.
Set during the North African/Italian Campaigns of World War II, The English Patient was published in 1992 and previously adapted into an Oscar-winning movie in 1996.
When will it air?
The English Patient could premiere on BBC One in the UK in 2024.
Fash
What’s it about?
ITV’s drama series Fash tells the story of footballers Justin and John Fashanu, and comes from the executive producers of A Very English Scandal.
When will it air?
Fash will premiere in the UK on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX in 2024.
A Gentleman in Moscow
What’s it about?
The writer of All Creatures Great and Small has adapted Amor Towles’ hit 2016 book A Gentleman in Moscow for television.
Ewan McGregor leads the cast as Count Alexander Rostov who, in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, finds that his gilded past places him on the wrong side of history.
When will it air?
The series premieres in March 2024 on Showtime in the US, and on Paramount+ in the UK and internationally.
Amor Towles’ novel A Gentleman in Moscow is available on Amazon.
The Hardacres
What’s it about?
From the makers of All Creatures Great and Small, this heart-warming new period drama series is based on CL Skelton’s best-selling The Hardacre Saga novels.
The Hardacres chronicles the sweeping rags to riches story of a working class family in 1890s Yorkshire.
When will it air?
The Hardacres will premiere in the UK on Channel 5 in 2024.
CL Skelton’s The Hardacre Saga books are available on Amazon.
Joan
What’s it about?
Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones) stars as Joan Hannington in this six-part ITV drama inspired by the UK’s most notorious jewel thief.
Set in the fun, brash, aspirational world of 1980s London, Joan comes from the writer of Mrs Wilson.
When will it air?
Joan will premiere on ITVX in the UK in early 2024, then on ITV1 at a later date.
King and Conqueror
What’s it about?
James Norton (Grantchester) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) star as Harold, Earl of Wessex and William, Duke of Normandy in this eight-part historical drama about the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
King and Conqueror tells the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years.
When will it air?
King and Conqueror is expected to premiere in late 2024 on BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Paramount+ internationally.
Lord of the Flies
What’s it about?
The first ever TV adaptation of William Golding’s iconic book about a group of young boys stranded on a tropical island has been written by Jack Thorne (Enola Holmes, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).
When will it air?
Lord of the Flies is expected to premiere in the UK on BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies is available on Amazon.
Mary & George
What’s it about?
Based on Benjamin Woolley’s non-fiction book The King’s Assassin, this new historical drama sees Julianne Moore (The Hours) bring to life the extraordinary true story of Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham.
Born in 1570, Villiers moulded her beautiful son, George, to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful royal favourite. Through outrageous scheming, the pair rose from humble beginnings to become the richest, most titled, and influential mother and son England had ever seen.
When will it air?
Mary & George will premiere in early 2024 on Starz in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and India, while in the UK and Ireland, it’ll air on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW.
Miss Austen
What’s is about?
Set in 19th-century Britain, Miss Austen is inspired by Jane Austen’s sister Cassandra’s infamous burning of Jane’s letters.
This four-part adaptation is based on Gill Hornby’s acclaimed novel, which was hailed as one of the books of 2020 by the Financial Times and The Times.
When will it air?
Miss Austen will premiere on PBS in the US and on the BBC in the UK in 2024.
Miss Austen: A Novel is available on Amazon.
Mr Loverman
What’s it about?
Lennie James (Line of Duty, The Walking Dead) leads the cast of the BBC’s adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s 2013 novel as the story’s exuberant protagonist, Barrington Jedidiah Walker.
The “life-affirming story about family, love, and being true to yourself” is set over half a century between 1960 and 2011.
When will it air?
Mr Loverman is expected to premiere in the UK on BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer in 2024.
Bernardine Evaristo’s novel Mr Loverman is available on Amazon.
Mrs. Churchill
What’s it about?
This new five-part drama series exploring the public and private life of Clementine Churchill, wife of British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, comes from the executive producer of World on Fire and Grantchester.
Mrs Churchill tells the untold story of a fiercely independent and very modern heroine who risked everything to save her country and the world from fascism–and her husband from himself.
When will it air?
Mrs Churchill is expected to premiere on PBS in 2024.
Nautilus
What’s it about?
This new 19th century adventure series stars Shazad Latif (Spooks, Star Trek: Discovery) as Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, French author Jules Verne’s classic science fiction adventure story.
Described by executive producer Joanna Devereaux as “breathtaking, action-packed and a huge amount of fun,” Nautilus tells the origin story of Captain Nemo and his legendary submarine, the Nautilus.
When will it air?
Nautilus will premiere on AMC+ in 2024.
Jules Verne’s novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is available on Amazon.
Outlander: Blood Of My Blood
What’s it about?
With the eighth season of Outlander set to be the time-travelling period drama’s last, Starz has ordered a brand new spin-off.
Blood of My Blood explore the lives and love story of Jamie’s parents, Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser.
When will it air?
Outlander: Blood of My Blood will make its debut on Starz in 2024 or 2025.
Rivals
What’s it about?
Based on the novel by Jilly Cooper, part of the English author’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles, this eight-part Disney+ thriller is set in the ruthless world of 1980s television “where the shoulder pads are big and ambitions even bigger.”
Rivals boasts a great cast, including Aidan Turner (Poldark), David Tennant (Doctor Who), Alex Hassell (The Tragedy of Macbeth), and Danny Dyer (EastEnders).
When will it air?
Rivals looks set to premiere in 2024 on Disney+ in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, and on Star+ in Latin America.
Roads to Freedom
What’s it about?
SAS Rogue Heroes writer Steven Knight has adapted Sir Antony Beevor’s books in this World War II series, dramatising the conflict from several international perspectives.
Ridley Scott (Gladiator) is directing the first episode.
When will it air?
Roads to Freedom is still in development, but the series may arrive later in 2024.
Shardlake
What’s it about?
Created by The Last Kingdom writer Stephen Butchard and the producers of Becoming Elizabeth, this new Disney+ series is based on the first novel in C.J. Sansom’s series of Shardlake books.
Shardlake is set in 16th century England during the dissolution of the monasteries, with Arthur Hughes (The Innocents) as Shardlake and Sharpe star Sean Bean playing Thomas Cromwell.
When will it air?
Shardlake will premiere on Disney+ in 2024.
C.J. Sansom’s Shardlake novels are available on Amazon.
Shuggie Bain
What’s it about?
Scottish-American author Douglas Stuart has adapted his Booker Prize-winning debut novel for the BBC.
Described as “a heartbreaking story of addiction, sexuality, and love,” Shuggie Bain is inspired by Douglas Stuart’s own childhood and mother-son relationship in Thatcher-era working class Glasgow in the 1980s.
When will it air?
Shuggie Bain will premiere in 2024 on BBC One.
Douglas Stuart’s novel Shuggie Bain is available on Amazon.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
What’s it about?
Based on the bestselling Holocaust novel of the same name by Heather Morris, Sky’s adaptation of The Tattooist of Auschwitz stars Jonah Hauer-King (World on Fire), Anna Próchniak (Baptiste), and Harvey Keitel (The Piano).
The book is inspired by the heart-breaking true-life story of Lale and Gita Sokolov during World War II.
When will it air?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is set to premiere in May 2024 on Peacock in the US, and on Sky Atlantic and streaming service Now in the UK, Ireland, Italy and Germany.
Heather Morris’s The Tattooist of Auschwitz novel is available on Amazon.
This Town
What’s it about?
Set in the early 1980s, This Town tells the story of an extended family and four young people who are drawn into the world of ska and two-tone music, which exploded from the grass roots of Coventry and Birmingham.
Leading the cast of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s new BBC drama are Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Nicholas Pinnock (Marcella), Geraldine James (Anne with an E), and David Dawson (My Policeman).
When will it air?
This Town will premiere in the UK on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2024.
A Thousand Blows
What’s it about?
Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight and actor Steven Graham are reunited in this 12-part period drama for Disney+ and Hulu.
Set against the backdrop of Victorian London’s illegal boxing scene, A Thousand Blows tells the story of two best friends newly arrived from Jamaica who encounter a dangerous veteran boxer.
When will it air?
A Thousand Blows will premiere on Disney+ globally, Star+ in Latin America, and Hulu in the US.
Towards Zero
What’s it about?
The latest Agatha Christie adaptation from the BBC and BritBox brings to life Towards Zero, the classic 1944 detective novel featuring the murder of an elderly widow at a clifftop seaside house, linking a failed suicide attempt, a schoolgirl wrongfully accused of theft, and the romantic life of a famous tennis player.
When will it air?
Towards Zero is expected to premiere on BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer during Christmas 2024 in the UK, then on BritBox internationally at a later date.
Agatha Christie’s novel Towards Zero is available on Amazon.
The Warlock Effect
What’s it about?
The makers of Sherlock are adapting Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s 2023 novel The Warlock Effect, a twist-filled Cold War espionage thriller set in the 1950s, blending magic tricks and spies.
When will it air?
The Warlock Effect will probably arrive in late 2024 or 2025.
The War Rooms
What’s it about?
Victoria star Jenna Coleman leads the cast (and is also an executive producer) of this new Second World War drama, playing Joan Bright, the woman who ran Winston Churchill’s secret Whitehall bunker.
Based on Joan Bright’s memoir, The Inner Circle: A View of War at the Top, the series has been written by David Chidlow (Moving On).
When will it air?
The War Rooms will hopefully premiere sometime in 2024.
Winter Palace
What’s it about?
Set in 1899, Netflix’s lavish new period drama series follows a British aristocrat and Swiss hotelier who introduce the concept of winter tourism in the Alps.
When will it air?
Winter Palace will premiere in late 2024 in Switzerland on RTS1 and streaming on Play Suisse, before streaming around the world on Netflix.
Take a look back at our list of last year’s best new British period drama mini-series here!