8 Must-Watch Historical Series Like Outlander on Prime

Historical fiction and adaptations offer a glimpse into the past that many of us love. Here are 8 of the best shows to watch on Prime right now:

8. Dickensian (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%

This 20-part series brings together characters from 11 of Charles Dickens' books as Inspector Bucket (Bleak House) investigates the death of Jacob Marley.

Famous names such as Pauline Collins and Carline Quentin bring these characters to life in a show for fans of mysteries, Dickens or both.

7. The Indian Doctor (2010-2013)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%

Sanjeev Bhaskar stars as Dr Prem Sharma, who arrives in a Welsh mining village in 1963. Aside from the tensions surrounding foreigners at the time, the mining town is a world away from what he and his wife are used to.

It's a comedy-drama that explores a clash of cultures against the backdrop of Prem learning that the local colliery manager has breached health and safety regulations.

If you like a gentle, light-hearted period drama like All Creatures Great and Small, give it a go.

6. Grantchester (2014-Present)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%

In the sleepy post-war village of Grantchester, the local vicar helps DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green) solve cases.

The show tackles some of the big issues of the day through a more modern lens.

James Norton (Happy Valley) starred as Reverend Sidney Chambers for the first 4 series. In 2019, he was replaced by Tom Brittney as Rev Will Davenport, who turns out to be just as adept at catching criminals.

5. Belgravia (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

Created by Julian Fellowes and based on his own novel, Belgravia is a classic period drama.

Beginning with the Duchess of Richmond's ball in 1815, the story is largely set 26 years later. During the ball, Sophia Trenchard, a 'new money' girl, falls in love with Edmund Bellasis, the son of one of England's wealthiest and most distinguished families.

More than two decades later, the events of the ball (and its secrets) continue to affect the lives of those present.

4. Sanditon (2019-2023)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

Based on an unfinished work by Jane Austen, Sanditon follows a young girl, Charlotte, in the up-and-coming seaside town of Sanditon.

Young, adventurous but naive, Charlotte is initially eager to experience all that the town has to offer. But as her eyes are opened to the realities of the world, she finds herself at odds with much of what goes on there.

Of course, she has a love interest that is anything but simple. If you liked Pride and Prejudice, Lark Rise to Candleford or Downton Abbey, this is sure to be right up your street.

3. Vanity Fair (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

A TV adaptation of William Makepeace Thackery's famous novel. Olivia Cooke stars as Becky Sharp, a young woman at the bottom of the social ladder who dreams of climbing it.

As she sets out to 'better herself' and rise above her station, with little regard for the consequences of her actions, Becky makes a number of enemies.

2. The Village (2013-2014)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

John Simm and Maxine Peake star in a show about the trials and tribulations of an English village between 1913 and 1923.

It tackles issues such as homosexuality and mental health that were frowned upon at the time, and explores how communities cope with loss on a large scale. It's a very working-class story, quite dark but impactful.

1. The Durrells in Corfu (2016-Present)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Also known as The Durrells, this is the true story of the Durrell family who moved from Bournemouth to Corfu in 1935.

Widowed Louisa Durrell (Keeley Hawes) takes her four children to the Greek island in search of a better life after financial difficulties at home.

Life on the island is far from easy, but the family begins to adapt and enjoy it as they learn about Corfu and integrate with the other residents. If you like a Sunday night drama, you've just found one.