On May 4, the romantic historical show, Queen Charlotte A Bridgerton Story was released on Netflix as Bridgerton‘s spin-off prequel starring India Amarteifio, Golda Rosheuvel, Corey Mylchreest, Arsema Thomas, Adjoa Andoh and others. Channeling a tragic yet romantic saga over the course of its 6 episodes, the series initiates its story with a message about it being “fiction inspired by fact”.
After that, focussing on the marital union of a young royal couple – Queen Charlotte and King George III – the show reels in endless challenges on the personal and royal front for them, with the first order of business pushing them to complete their royal duties and “make lots of (royal) babies”. Eventually, as they set out on a mission to enact their duties to the throne, nation and their marriage, the story unravels chaos, witty exchanges, some comedy and lots of political schemes along the way.
It’s quite likely that you watched this Netflix series because you’re a fellow historical drama buff. And so, here are some other shows like Queen Charlotte that we would like to suggest for your next binge party.
Some Historical Dramas Like Queen Charlotte
1. The King’s Affection
The Emmy-winning Korean series is based on the South Korean comic Yeonmo, and is set during the Joseon dynasty, i.e. the last dynastic kingdom of Korea. Following the unlikely death of her twin brother and in the case of a twisted fate, Dam-yi is roped in to step into her brother aka Crown Prince Lee Hwi’s shoes, quite literally. Assuming his post, she later finds her first love again, who eventually becomes her royal tutor. Like Queen Charlotte, this K-drama also brings on a mix of tragedies taking shape while leaving us with the message that love conquers all.
2. The Empress
Once again, we have a German series that leads its story with the makings of a Queen through a marital contract, and the eventual introduction of a romantic track as the pair gets to know each other. Both Queen Charlotte and Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Known as Sissi) are presented as unlikely figures of authority during their early days of marriage. They struggle to make sense of the Queendom that suddenly becomes a part of their lives while having to deal with the endless conspiracies shaping against them in the background.
Moreover, in both cases, the Kings’ mothers also play an active role in probing into the new couples’ lives and ensuring that they perform duties to the crown by consummating their marriages and giving birth to the royal scion.
3. Bridgerton
Watching Queen Charlotte definitely comes along with the fear of missing out on the original Netflix series that led to this spin-off – Bridgerton. We’ve already met a few characters in this romance series, that again appeared in the prequel, like Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, Ruth Gemmell as Violet, Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton and Adjoa Andoh as Lady Agatha Danbury.
Also read: 5 Spy Thrillers Like Citadel to Binge on: Killing Eve, Deadly Class and More
4. Dickinson
The Apple TV+ series starring Hailee Steinfeld as the titular American poet covers Emily Dickinson’s inner sphere of life by venturing into her relationships with her family and society in general. Navigating through gender roles, her sexual identity while finding her artistic expression, the series focusses on the accurate facts of her life while also merging elements of modernity just like Queen Charlotte does through modern renditions of classical music pieces and other tactics.
5. The Great
Available on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, The Great is a historical satire that uses black comedy as its leading highlight. Starring Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great and Nicholas Hoult as Peter III of Russia, this series, too, commences with its focus on the former’s marriage to the latter like the Bridgerton prequel. In both cases, the leading women find themselves in changing environments and caught up in dogmatic customs which they must work through and alter.
6. Victoria
As a British historical drama series, Victoria brings on Jenna Coleman to portray Queen Victoria’s role, and depicts the years of her ascension to the throne and her eventual growing infatuation with Lord Melbourne. However, she eventually gets married to Germany’s Prince Albert. Much like Queen Charlotte, this series, too, involves different shades of politics in its mix of marriage, courtly drama – while driving our attention to the Queen’s duties towards her nation and family alike.
7. Under the Queen’s Umbrella
Queen Charlotte‘s storyline divides itself into two halves, with one of them depicting her elder counterpart trying to coerce her royal children to follow their duties of getting married and raising royal babies, while simultaneously looking out for her husband’s nervous malady. In the Korean drama series Under the Queen’s Umbrella, Queen Hwa-ryeong leads a similar life as she’s always after her boys to secure their royal positions in the court while protecting their well-being and lives in the process. The enthralling and fast-paced K-drama is streaming on Netflix.
8. The Crown
Here’s yet another lavish Netflix original series that takes us back in time to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. With five seasons in the bucket, and the sixth one on its way, The Crown maps out the different chapters of the Queen’s life from the early days of her ascension to the throne following her father’s death. This series also pays a lot of attention to the inner quarters of the Queen’s life while striking a balance with the political issues in question.
Which of these fictional history accounts did you love watching the most? Let us know your favourite titles in the comments section below, in addition to some other suggestions of yours.
Also read: Queen Charlotte A Bridgerton Story Review: Epic Romance Proves Prequels Aren’t Always Bad