The Best Historical Dramas and Romances for Fans of Outlander
For viewers seeking the sweeping romance, historical intrigue, and time-bending narrative found in Starz’s Outlander, several television series offer similar thematic depth. The best shows for fans of the Diana Gabaldon adaptation include The Last Kingdom, Poldark, and The Gilded Age, each providing a unique blend of period accuracy and character-driven drama. These selections are based on their shared elements of epic storytelling, intense emotional stakes, and detailed period production design.
What makes a show similar to Outlander?
Shows that resonate with Outlander fans typically feature a strong central romance, high-stakes political conflict, and a distinct sense of place. According to Starz, the series centers on the collision of 18th-century Scottish history and mid-20th-century sensibilities. Programs like The Last Kingdom, available on Netflix, capture this intensity by focusing on the formation of England amidst Viking invasions, grounding the fiction in the brutal reality of the 9th century. Similarly, Poldark, which aired on BBC, mirrors the focus on rugged landscapes and the personal toll of societal change, following a British army officer returning to Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War.
Historical Dramas with Epic Scope
When looking for grand-scale historical narratives, critics often point to productions that prioritize authentic period detail. The Gilded Age, streaming on Max, provides a different setting—1880s New York—but maintains the social maneuvering and romantic tension that drive Outlander’s plotlines. While Outlander uses time travel to bridge eras, The Gilded Age uses the rigid class structures of the late 19th century to create conflict. Both shows rely on high-budget costume design and intricate set pieces to immerse the audience in a specific historical moment.
Character-Driven Romances
The emotional core of Outlander remains the relationship between Claire and Jamie Fraser. Other series that emphasize this level of romantic commitment include:
- The Empress: A German production on Netflix that explores the life of Elisabeth of Bavaria and her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph I.
- Victoria: A PBS Masterpiece series that chronicles the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign and her complex marriage to Prince Albert.
- Bridgerton: While more stylized than Outlander, this Shondaland production focuses heavily on romantic entanglements within a strict Regency-era social hierarchy.
Comparing Historical Period Dramas
| Series | Primary Setting | Core Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Outlander | 18th Century Scotland | Time Travel & Romance |
| The Last Kingdom | 9th Century England | Warfare & Nation Building |
| Poldark | 18th Century Cornwall | Social Class & Resilience |
| The Gilded Age | 19th Century New York | Status & Ambition |
What should fans watch next?
The choice between these series depends on which aspect of Outlander the viewer values most. According to IMDb ratings and audience trends, those who prefer the political and military aspects of the show often gravitate toward The Last Kingdom. Viewers who prioritize the romantic drama and the focus on domestic life in a changing world tend to favor Poldark. As the Outlander franchise approaches its conclusion, the depth of the historical drama genre ensures that audiences have access to high-production narratives that explore similar human experiences across different centuries.
Worth a look