Corona crisis; which series to watch? Top 5 unknown costume dramas

Many great, fun and interesting top-five lists have been released to fill the time we would usually fill with going out and visiting relatives. Down below, you will find another list. This one consists of unknown costume dramas. Enjoy watching! My previous list, which featured Scandinavian series, was read by quite a lot of people. That's why I've decided to make another list. This time it'll consist of unknown costume dramas. You will have to go through quite a bit of trouble if you want to watch these, as most can't be found on the general streaming services. If you enjoy series such as Victoria and Downton Abbey, then I hope you'll enjoy these as well.

5. Desperate Romantics

I haven't seen this one myself, but you'll likely recognize one of the lead actors. Captain Ross Poldark, only a few years younger. The series released in 2009, which is a couple of years before Poldark. Here, Aidan Turner portrays Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a rather lazy painter who rather sleeps with his models than that he paints them. Alongside various other young, adventurous artists they form the Pre-Raphaelitic Brotherhood. All six episodes can be seen on YouTube.

4. Beecham House

Most costume dramas seem to take place in England, but for this series, we have to go to the other side of the world, India. Beecham House revolves around John Beecham (Tom Bateman, Da Vinci's Demons), a former soldier who wants to start a new life as a trader. Let yourself be carried away in a tropical blend of elephants, gold and fine robes. With only six episodes, this show is a nice little snack.

3. War and Peace (2016)

War and Peace from Leo Tolstoj is a classic tale, which was originally written in 1869, and has been adapted various times. In 2016, this six-part series released. On some DVDs, this series has been split up into eight parts. According to a British newspaper, it was the greatest costume drama of the decade. And I must admit, it looks very nice. Let yourself be carried away in a war between the Russians and the French, but also the increasing tenseness between five aristocratic families.


2. Gentleman Jack

This incredibly British costume drama takes you back to the year 1832 when the lesbian Ann Lister moves to Halifax to rule the estate she inherited. She is called Gentleman Jack, wears pretty much only black clothing and manages to outboss many men. The story is based on a true story. Suranne Jones (Doctor Foster) portrays the character well. Can be seen at HBO.

1. Versailles

Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, is the main character of this Canadian series. Three seasons were created, which revolve around the life of Louis XIV and his environment. Whether or not everything is historically accurate, is something we just have to let slide. It does look pretty. The series didn't cut back the costs on costumes. Versailles features a good amount of French history, which consists of politics, religions, crime, betrayal, eroticism and decadence.

Other lesser-known costume dramas are Another Period, Catherine the Great, The Moonstone (2016) and Upstairs Downstairs (2010). Soon there will be more top-five lists for you to fill your time.

Another Period


Catherine the Great