From royals to lovely book adaptations, period drama enthusiasts have a lot to be thankful for in 2019.
Another Thanksgiving has arrived! To celebrate the season, we thought it a great time to talk about the 2019 period dramas we’re thankful for over this past year.
RELATED | 12 OF THE BEST ROMANTIC PERIOD DRAMA MOVIES ON DISNEY+ TO WATCH
But this article is also about you. We want to know what period dramas you enjoyed watching this year. What romances made you swoon? Are you looking forward to any period dramas to watch over the Christmas season like Call the Midwife or When Calls the Heart? The new Little Women? Talk about your favorite moments as we celebrate the holiday with you.
But first, here are the ten 2019 period dramas I am most grateful for.
10 2019 PERIOD DRAMAS TO BE THANKFUL FOR
#1: Call the Midwife
Credit: Courtesy of Neal Street Productions 2019
Call the Midwife never slows down, and the writing never falters. Every season the show pulls at our heartstrings and has us fall in love with the people of Poplar. Plus, I always appreciate the yearly Christmas special.
Overall, Call the Midwife is a beautiful show that has made a mark as one of the best period dramas of all time.
#2: The Crown
After a long hiatus, The Crown is back and with an almost all-new cast (we still have flashbacks with a few familiar faces). I was a little hesitant that I wouldn’t love the new cast as much as the first.
However, they are killing it! And the writing and cinematography? Stunning. I’m so thankful that the series continues to open up history to me.
#3: Downton Abbey: The Motion Picture
The Downton Abbey movie was an event! I’m super grateful our favorite characters returned and this time on the big screen! Everything was superb from the grand scope of the camera to the heavenly costumes. I’m looking forward to the next Downton Abbey movie event and will be the first in line.
#4: The Durrells in Corfu
How I will miss the Durrells and their quirky antics. While it ended on the brink of war, The Durrells of Corfu still lifted the audience and made us laugh. The last season was indeed a beautiful sendoff. How about a spinoff? The Durrells in War.
#5: Les Miserables
So, I didn’t love everything about this adaptation (too explicit in one unnecessary scene).
Nevertheless, as a whole, the latest Les Miserables was excellent. Olivia Colman and David Oyelowo as villains were fantastic. And I enjoyed seeing the story even more fleshed out, particularly with Fantine. Plus, I don’t always want to watch the story in song.
#6: Little Women
As a massive fan of the 1994 film, I still don’t think anything will ever compare. However, I can’t help but look forward to the latest adaptation of Alcott’s classic novel.
There’s such a high caliber of performers and directorial talent that I have high hopes for this one. I can’t wait for Christmas to arrive so we can once again enjoy the season with the lovable March sisters.
#7: Mrs. Wilson
Based on a strange true story about Ruth Wilson’s real grandmother, Mrs. Wilson was a fascinating period drama. While fictionalized for dramatic purpose, I was on the edge of my seat as Mrs. Wilson slowly uncovers horrifying truths.
While not romantic, the suspense, characterization, and acting were all phenomenal. Reality truly is stranger than fiction.
#8: Poldark
Look, I haven’t read the Poldark book series, so I can’t comment on the differences. However, as a major fan of the tv show, I’m grateful we had five excellent seasons of ups and downs.
It’s been an emotional ride full of Cornwall scenery, romance, tragedy, and characters I will surely miss. Here’s to hoping Poldark will return one day and follow the later books!
#9: Victoria
What I love about Victoria is hands down how much the series embraces old-fashioned romance. It’s a series to swoon over, and I can’t wait for a season 4 announcement. We need more Victoria and Albert on our screens.
#10: When Calls the Heart
When Calls the Heart has had several setbacks and disappointments when it comes to the loss of characters. However, I’m grateful that such an uplifting period drama continues forward with infectious optimism and heart.
Ten is only a small number of all the 2019 period dramas we loved this year. A few more include High Seas, The Chaperone, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, Hotel Del Luna (only part period), and more.
Now it’s your turn! What 2019 period dramas are you thankful for this season? Sound off below…
Top Photo Credit: Poldark (Courtesy of Mammoth Screen for BBC and MASTERPIECE ), The Durrells (Courtesy of Sid Gentle Films 2019), and The Crown (Netflix)
Sanditon!!! Even though I’m so disappointed and frustrated that we didn’t get half the story! (at least not yet!)