Period pieces are a genre of film and television with a loyal fan base. Viewers anticipate learning about a different era, whether it’s through the walls of an opulent castle or in a shoddy village. Some of these shows depict the lives of real historical figures, while others create fictional characters as their lens through the story. Despite the vast amount of period dramas out there, there is still a disappointing lack of variety in the countries represented.
Most period dramas that get attentionfeature British royalty, real or imagined. While these shows are great, there’s also a great desire for shows outside of this country or the English language in general. Luckily,Netflixhas several series in their catalog that do not take place in England. While there’s still a lot of work to be done in terms of representation, continue reading to celebrate the excellentnon-Englishperiod dramas available on Netflix.
10Las Villamizar (2022)
Las Villamizar, orBlood Ties, is a Colombiantelenovela on Netflixset in the early-1800s. Carolina, Isabela, and Leonor are sisters in the upper crust of society. For years, they lived a pampered, relatively sheltered life. But the Spanish Reconquest that resulted in the death of their mother opened up an entirely new reality for them. Now, the women join the efforts of the Liberator Army to work as spies to get revenge on those who killed their mom. And who better to train them than good ol' dad, who has a military background?
What Makes It Great
Some critics roll their eyes when women are depicted as spies in television and film because, often, their spying relies solely or mostly on them using their looks and sexuality to infiltrate the enemy organization. Here, while the women’s beauty and social skills are assets, they are also trained in and utilize other tactics. Each sister has a unique personality and individual storylines that are just as captivating as their joint goal. There’s political intrigue, familial relationships, romance, and action within this exciting drama.
9Mr. Queen (2022)
Mr. Queenis a South Korean drama based on a web series. It follows a man named Jang Bong-hwan, who goes through his life as a head chef and ladies' man. But when a meal he serves almost injures a Chinese ambassador, he’s chased and falls into a body of water. When he awakes, he isn’t exactly himself. In fact, he’s living in thehistorical Joseon period(which lasted from the late-1300s to the late-1800s) and in the body of Queen Cheorin. In his quest to get back to his life, Bong-hwan discovers secrets about the ruling royalty that make his stay even more interesting.
ThoughMr. Queenis often categorized as a drama, it’s surprisingly funny. Some fish-out-of-water stories show characters in the body of another gender, while others depict characters as someone in a higher social class than them. But this show does both, and the ancient time period puts an entirely new spin on how Bong-hwan will learn to adapt. Period dramas often have a serious, melancholy tone, so it’s refreshing to watch one that will make you laugh while also educating you a bit on the era.
8Las Chicas del Cable (2017-2020)
Las Chicas del Cable, orCable Girls, is a historical romantic drama set in Madrid, Spain. Lots of women are drawn to work at the National Telephone Company. Among them is Alba, a thief who was accused of murder and whose freedom is held against her by a cop who wants her to infiltrate the company. So, she adopts an alias of Lidia and begins to form friendships with three of her co-workers, as well as a potential romance with the son of the company’s founder and the director of the company. “Lidia” and her new friends each have secrets they want to protect, but the harsh conditions for working women in the 1920s will make it challenging to keep them.
The period drama is a fantastic look into the history of a place that doesn’t look glitzy from the outside. But it’s not just the 1920s fashion that makes the world glittering, the telecommunications company itself is full of social politics, backstabbing, and secrets, making it an unlikely but effective backdrop. Lidia may be the protagonist, but her friends are also fun to follow. And while the romance takes up more screen time as the series continues, the complicated friendship between the women is still an important element.
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7All the Light We Cannot See
All the Light We Cannot Seeis a historical drama setduring World War II. Based on the bestselling novel by Anthony Doerr, it follows two parallel stories that interconnect in a heartwarming way. Marie-Laure Leblanc is a French girl, who is blind. When she was young, her father taught her to be resourceful, which she now needs after his disappearance and being trapped in a war-torn country. She illegally reads a story on the radio and is hunted by the Nazis. Werner is a German soldier who was forced to join the war effort and feels a connection to Marie through her broadcasts.
The series (and novel) could’ve easily slipped into a gross Nazi-sympathizing tale, but instead showed a portrait of two young people forced into precarious situations. While there’s an argument that European-centric World War II stories are oversaturated, this miniseries offers a fresh perspective. Additionally, casting blind actresses for the parts of both young and current Marie, as well as a German actor for Werner, adds a layer of authenticity. The series is beautifully shot, sad, but ultimately hopeful. And while it’s technically in English,All the Light We CannotSeeemploys the language in accents that are true to its French and German leads' culture.
6Medici the Magnificent (2016-2019)
Medici: The Magnificentis technically the second season of theMediciseries, though watching the first season isn’t necessary to get a full understanding. It follows Lorenzo de' Medici, ruler of Florence, Italy in the 1400s. With the power Lorenzo inherited comes a great deal of stress. The Medici Bank is not doing well, and he has to try to win the favor of the Pope, whose support or lack thereof can greatly help or threaten Florence. There are also rivals in Italy that would like to see Lorenzo and the Medicis as a whole dead. With a mix of political maneuvering and combat, the series shows Lorenzo’s unstable rule.
The family’s name is in the title, and they indeed have great sway on the plot, butMedici: The Magnificentexcels due to its weaving in of all the side characters. Commoners, castle workers, religious figures, enemies. So many people have a part in the main plot, making the world complex and real. Each character has their own agenda, which is fantastic because viewers get a sense they are real people who have their own lives rather than existing solely in the main characters' stories.
5The Empress (2022-Present)
The Empressis a German period drama about the Austrian empress Elisabeth. When her sister’s fiancé, Franz Joseph the Emperor of Austria, instead chooses Helene, it shocks everyone. Many people doubt Elisabeth’s ability to rule alongside her new husband, given her reckless nature and her lack of discipline. She doesn’t want to conform or agree to things she believes are wrong. This causes conflict with Franz, but even more so with her mother-in-law, Sophie, who doesn’t like Elisabeth from the start. She must learn when to bend the rules and when to break them.
Austria’s rich history isn’t documented enough in film or television. The period drama on Netflix sheds light on a lesser-known figure in both Elisabeth and Franz, and viewers will immediately be drawn in by Elisabeth (or “Sisi”) and her dynamic personality. She is both headstrong and insecure, a dichotomy present in many people. The love story between her and Franz is sweet, and their gentle moments make for some of the best moments in the show. Despite their marriage being the catalyst for the show, each of them stand on their own as fully-realized people.
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4Les Combattantes (2022)
Les Combattantes, orWomen at War, is a French-Belgian historical drama set during World War I. Four very different women’s lives come together when they become more involved in the war. Marguerite left Paris for reasons unknown to others and finds employment as a sex worker in a brothel. Mother Agnès is the head nun of a convent that now serves as a war hospital. Caroline is set to take over the family factory but faces resistance from her brother-in-law. Suzanne is a nurse who believes women should be in control of their bodies and her belief puts her in grave danger.
Each of the main four women could have a Netflix show dedicated solely to them. Luckily for viewers, we get to witness how their individual plights intertwine with one another. This series proves there is no singular way to craft a “strong female character.” Whether we’re watching Caroline outwit her brother-in-law or Marguerite using her wide social connections to aid the war effort, these women are fascinating. Women’s contributions to the war are becoming more popular in war films and shows, andWomen at Waris a great addition.
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3Versailles (2015-2018)
Versaillestakes place in the titular city in the late-1660s, when civil wars were brewing throughout France. Louis XIV is dissatisfied with the lack of respect the French nobility show him. In an act of dominance, he uproots them from their glamorous home in a château to a hunting lodge. The power play did not do him any favors in terms of their fondness for him. As the Palace of Versailles is being constructed, Louis will struggle to wrangle the support of those within his court as well as the country as a whole.
Part of theallure of period dramasis the aesthetic, andVersaillessure is beautiful to look at. The stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and prim costuming make for an incredibly immersive viewing experience. So many period dramas depict royalty already commanding the devotion and respect of others, which makes Louis' struggle for control all the more thrilling. He isn’t always a likable character, which makes us relate to those around him. Yet viewers will witness the trials and constant betrayals he faces, making him more sympathetic.
2Bolívar (2019)
Bolívaris a Colombian drama on Netflix based on the real-life historical figure Simón Bolívar. He is known for liberating countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, among others. The series covers a wide range of his life, from his time as a young boy to his death. He was born into a Venezuelan family with money, but a greedy uncle is looking to exploit his riches. As he grows up, he spends time in the military, goes to Spain, falls in love, and eventually finds his way back to South America.
Simón’s story is fast-paced and jam-packed with lots of information. For a show focused on a man who contributed to large political events, it manages to give great time to his personal life. Just as prominent in the show are the ups and downs of the relationships he pursues. Of course, given the period, politics factor into whom one person can marry. It’s fascinating to see the difference in Simón’s social standing in Spain versus Peru, as well as his cunning and charm that aided him in his life.
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1Luna Nera (2020)
Luna Nera, orBlack Moon, is a historical fantasy set in 17th-Century Italy. In the village of Serra, Ade assists her grandmother who is a midwife with a birth. However, when the baby dies, the grieving mother spreads word that the twowomen are witches. Which, to be fair, is right. Ade’s grandmother is captured by the Benandanti, a group of witch hunters. One of those witch hunters has a son named Pietro who studies medicine. He believes the baby died of natural causes, but his father and others reject the idea. Pietro’s father not only believes witches killed the baby, but that they also plague his wife with a disease.
Unless it’s a series regarding the Salem Witch Trials, few shows have tackled the fantastical elements present in the lore and culture of previous times. Europe, and particularly countries with strong Catholic roots, have a long history of a fear of witches. Ade must fight against prejudice and learn about the power she possesses if she wants to survive in a world where it seems everyone is against her. Viewers learn about the coven of witches alongside Ade, and the rich tapestry of history never bores.Luna Neramixes magic, fantasy, and romance together in the best way.
