10 Best Family-Friendly Period Dramas to Watch This Weekend

Even though many great period TV shows have come out lately, half of them dip into romance in far too much detail for anyone to want to watch. If you're still traumatized by the infamous Bridgerton ladder scene, or just want to spend family night watching a period piece, check out the list below.

These 10 TV series prove that there is a way to present romance, intrigue, humor, and drama in a way that everyone can enjoy.

North and South (2004)

Although this story is romantic, there is a great emphasis on the historical background. The main character, Margaret Hale, is a southerner who is forced to move with her family to a northern city that has already been taken over by the new wave of industrialism. She must adapt to new customs and watch the world change before her eyes.

Peaky Blinders ( 2013-2022)

There are no shows quite like Peaky Blinders, and now that we live in the era of Cillian Murphy dominating the industry, everyone has at least heard of it. The story of a criminal family led by Tommy Shelby may be a bit violent, but there won't be any sudden sex scenes to make everyone uncomfortable.

Merlin (2008-2012)

Even though Merlin didn’t get an ending it deserves, many fans still find themselves returning to this show for comfort. The adventures of a young and powerful warlock Merlin and his unlikely friend King Arthur to save Albion will not leave anyone indifferent. Beautiful scenery only adds more to the intriguing plot.

All Creatures Great and Small (2020-...)

There is nothing more soothing and fun to watch together with a family like a show about an aspiring veterinarian getting to work together with a genius yet bizarre doctor. All Creatures Great and Small manages to combine humorous moments with heartwarming life lessons about friendship, romance and family.

Upstairs Downstairs (2010-2013)

The original program of the same name ran on British television in the 70s, but remembering how great it was, Heidi Thomas came up with the idea for a reboot in 2010. Just like its '70s ancestor, the show follows the members of the re-established 1930s family and their servants through their daily struggles.

Miss Scarlet and the Duke ( 2020-...)

Even though the upcoming season will lose the Duke from the equation, the show is still worth watching. Wounded by the sudden change, fans will agree that if you don’t want to feel disappointed, check out the first season and let Miss Scarlet and the Duke be a limited series. However, if you’re brave enough, dive deep into all the other mysteries to come.

Mr. Queen (2020-2021)

If you don’t mind mixing things up and checking out the period piece set afar from the Western civilizations, Mr. Queen is a K-drama that is perfect for dipping a toe into the new genre. Set in the Joseon era, this humorous and lighthearted drama follows the journey of a modern man one day trapped in the body of a Joseon empress.

The Gilded Age ( 2022-...)

Although HBO is known for its sassy and scandalous dramas that are far from family-friendly like Succession, The Sopranos or Game of Thrones, The Gilded Age is a nice change of pace. Brilliant acting and lavish costumes transport viewers back to New York in the late 1800s and the subtle fight between old money and new industrial wealth.

Anne with an E (2017-2019)

Many people don't think of Anne with an E as a show they might be interested in because of its premise, following the life of an orphaned girl. However, if you give this show a chance, it may surprise you with its upbeat pace and overwhelmingly positive outlook on life's toughest struggles. This series is an uplifting treat that everyone should watch at least once.

The Durrells in Corfu (2016-2019)

If you are looking for a family sitcom set a few decades back, The Durrells in Corfu is a perfect choice. Like many other sitcoms, it begins with a family moving to a new neighborhood. However, for the Durrells, the move is much more drastic, as they throw away their lives in the UK for a fresh start on the beautiful Greek island.