Period Dramas to Watch Instead of Bridgerton

I’m not gonna lie: I’ve watched Bridgerton. Season 2 is the best and you can’t change my mind about that. My anti-spice nature means I only watch around 80-90% of any given episode depending on the season. I have my issues with Bridgerton for sure, and I feel like period dramas should be for everyone. We want the tension, the love, the longing but without having to watch the nitty-gritty details. Closed-door is the popular term being thrown around these days and there are plenty of amazing period drama mini-series’ and movies out there that master the swoon without the spice.

Clean Period Dramas

Clean doesn’t exactly mean no sex at all. So while I would definitely consider these period dramas clean, they are not without their kisses, suggestive material, and spice-adjacent situations. But they are far less focused on those elements. 

Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)

I did not expect how much I ended up liking this movie. It’s romantic and dramatic with twists and turns, disappointments, and happy endings. It’s a beautiful story and the book is on my reading list in 2026. There are some suggestive parts and definitely some seedy characters, but you won’t find yourself watching a full sex scene.

Doctor Thorne (2016)

The delicacy of this series is unmatched. The romance is so soft and sweet, set in a context and world with rough characters and some harsher aspects of the world directing the story. You’ll immediately be in love with Tom Hollander as Doctor Thorne himself, and find it impossible to resist Harry Richardson as Frank Gresham.

PC: Still from Doctor Thorne ITV sourced from IMDb

The Way We Live Now (2001)

An absolute delicious drama with a cast that is packed with amazing names. The Way We Live Now takes place during the boom of industry in both Europe and America and characters must navigate this changing world, their relationships, the consequences of their decisions, and so much more. Beautiful, subtle love set in an intriguing time period.

Persuasion (2007)

Oh, you thought I was going to get through a period drama list without mentioning Persuasion? Silly goose. Of course this beautiful story made the list because longing was perfected by Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth. Not an ounce of explicit sex in this movie, just exquisite, timeless love.

Little Dorrit (2008)

In one of Dickens’ strangest Victorian worlds, little Amy Dorrit is thrust into a story not her own and yet completely guided by her existence and sweet character. Matthew Macfadyen plays the sensitive and incredibly kind Arthur Clennam who is determined to uncover his family secret and do right by the Dorrit family, becoming fast friends with Amy.

PC: Still from Little Dorrit BBC, BBC1 sourced from IMDb

Emma (2009)

Considering the whole story revolves around two people who don’t even realize they’re in love with each other, there is no sex, or even really suggestive anything in Emma. Just soft vibes, a headstrong lead, one of the most romantic dance scenes, and a leading man who is an absolute dream. Dive into the world of Emma and enjoy!

Victoria (2016)

Vibrant and lush, Victoria is a gorgeously done series that is light on the spice. One thing I love about any story of Queen Victoria is the fact that she journaled her entire life, and we have nearly all her journals perfectly preserved. So the stories told, even her feelings during certain events are not only recorded but showcased in this beautiful production. And boy did she love Albert! There are some sex scenes, but they are mild and approached delicately.

PC: Still from Victoria Mammoth Screen (part of ITV Studios) and Masterpiece (PBS) sourced from IMDb

A Testament of Youth (2015)

This heart-wrenching war story takes you from the picturesque English countryside to the bloody fields of France as you follow a group of friends as they enlist and fight during WWI. There is a small love story between Vera and Roland that is innocent and charming as the two quickly leave innocence and childhood behind during the turbulent war.

Bright Star (2009)

Following the life and love of John Keats in his final years, Bright Star is pure romance from its storytelling to its scenery and beyond. Almost dreamy, this movie leans into its poetic subject with Keats slowly falling in love with his final muse, Fanny Brawne.

North & South (2004)

A sweeping story of a family uprooted from their beloved southern England and replanted in the dark, gloomy, industrialized North, North & South is a little different than your average period drama love story. Margaret and Mr. Thornton are at odds but, let me tell you, that man is In. Love. Despite its lack of sex scenes brace yourself: North & South has one of the best on-screen kisses ever brought to your TV.

PC: Still from North & South BBC and BBC1 sourced from IMDb

The Three Musketeers (2014)

The final slot in this list is reserved for The Three Musketeers. This series is so well done with amazing actors, fantastic costuming (though it may not be super accurate, it’s not cheesy), and really fun adventures. There are some sexier times, but again they aren’t overwhelming or verging on porn. 

Are We Over Spice Like Bridgerton?

Studies are starting to show the latest generations are kind of over the overly sexy shows and movies. We’re starving for good storytelling with simple love stories that we don’t feel the need to fast forward. These movies and shows can be watched with the entire family and simply enjoyed without worrying about the spice.

Have a favorite clean period drama or romantic move? Let me know! Share your favorites with me @austen.etc on Instagram!

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