7 Wholesome Period Dramas on Prime For a Peaceful Evening Binge
It’s not always all about intrigues and scheming.
The world of historical dramas is full of beautiful stories, amazing costumes, and great palaces. But together with that there are also many evil-minded characters, societal troubles, heavy thoughts and scandalous affairs.
In a world where there’s always something bad waiting for you right around the corner, sometimes you just want to place yourself in a setting that will only bring you peace and joy.
We hope these seven wholesome period dramas will do the trick.
1. Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Where to stream: Prime
There is no way we would start the list with something different than this legendary piece of art. Based on Jane Austen's classic novel, it tells the heartbreaking story of the prejudice that took place between the 19th century classes and the pride which would keep lovers apart.
At the center of the story are fan favorite characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, whose love story became the litmus paper for young girls of many generations.
2. Northanger Abbey (2007)
Where to stream: Prime
This one is another Jane Austen classic novel, which was even her first book ready to be published. At the center of Northanger Abbey there’s a story of Catherine Morland, a young woman who finds herself confused when it comes to romances.
Catherine is staying with the childless Allen family, but in her heart she is hoping to find some romantic adventures, the ones that she always read about in Gothic novels. However, she soon comes to understand that the reality is much more complicated than what’s there in books…
“I really love Northanger Abbey and think that the novel is really underrated. I love the 2007 version. Felicity Jones and JJ Fields capture the characters perfectly for me. Felicity Jones captures Catherine's innocence and naiveté without it being grating or annoying at all,” Redditor LonkAndZolda said.
3. Emma (2009)
Where to stream: Prime
This miniseries is based on Jane Austen's brilliant novel of the same name. The title character of the British miniseries is Emma Woodhouse, a young woman so confident in her matchmaking skills that she makes it her life's work to find a husband for her best friend, Harriet Smith.
She persuades her not to marry her farmer fiancé and finds her a viscount. Only to have him fall in love with Emma... But even that does not make her quit her business, and it seems that in her desire to help others, she has simply forgotten her own happiness.
4. Little Dorrit (2008)
Where to stream: Prime
This BBC mini-series is claimed to be the best Charles Dickens adaptation ever created, and it’s hard to argue with that for many reasons. The series centers on the titular character, Amy Dorrit, played brilliantly by Claire Foy. Amy is a daughter of William Dorrit who has been trapped in Marshalsea prison for 20 years.
Despite her ill fate, Amy never lost the love to live and was a loyal, honest and genuinely great person. When her modest life was turned upside down with an unexpected surprise, she still managed to stay the way she was and help those who needed her the most.
“Claire Foy is really great in this adaptation. Her face is so expressive and conveys so much earnestness. I bet Dickens would agree she's perfect in the role,” Redditor mirrorcrackd80 said.
5. North and South (2004)
Where to stream: Prime
North and South is a four-part adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's love story about Margaret Hale, a middle-class southerner forced to move to the northern town of Milton. And needless to say, it was a tough thing to manage in the time period.
When her family is in a weak position, Margaret finds herself tied up to a man who claims he is in love with her and wants to marry her. She refused to take the proposal seriously, and that’s when the real drama started. Unwilling to say no for an answer, he will do everything to get her.
6. All Creatures Great and Small (2020)
Where to stream: Prime and Disney+
Those who have watched many historical dramas claim that this is probably the most wholesome series created in recent years. All Creatures Great and Small is a PBS series that premiered in 2020 and is still airing. It tells the story of a country veterinarian in the 1930s in Yorkshire, England.
It's a really touching show about the rather naive James Herriot who, fresh out of veterinary college, is hired by a local veterinarian. The many adventures that ensue from that moment on are well worth your attention.
7. The Durrells (2016-2019)
Where to stream: Prime
This series focuses on the family of Louisa Durrell and her four troubled children. Set in the early 1930s, the show follows her as she moves from England to the Greek island of Corfu to save her family after the death of her husband and the ensuing financial crisis.