The 25 best costume TV series for history buffs

Intrigues, heroic exploits, forbidden loves, conspiracies, and corsets? Whether it's adaptations of novels, reenactments of historical facts, or simply poetic license, there is no doubt that period dramas are experiencing a new spring.

Image: 'Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story'

If you're a fan of costume series, even those less spicy and romantic than Netflix's 'Bridgerton' (image) check out this list of tips.

This 10-episode British mini-series tells the story of three women in the midst of a fight for the throne of England during the Wars of the Roses. They are Elizabeth Woodville (queen with the white rose), Margaret Beaufort (queen with the red rose), and Anne Neville (the future queen). The series is an adaptation of the novels by Philippa Gregory, who retold the history of these important events from an entirely feminine point of view.

Building on a solid starting point - Jane Austen's novel of the same name - this 6-part BBC mini-series took us back into the lives of the early 19th-century Bennet sisters, looking for a way to keep afloat in high society. It starred an exceptional Mr. Darcy: Colin Firth. This version of 'Pride and Prejudice' is iconic because it is very faithful to the original text.

This Anglo-Italian series chronicles the rise to power and vicissitudes of the Florentine noble family in the 15th century, led by Cosimo de' Medici (played by Richard Madden) and his rivalries with the Pazzi families, vying for papal favors and money.

In the image: Dustin Hoffman as Giovanni de' Medici

For seven seasons, and more coming, this Anglo-American series follows a time traveler, Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser, who during her honeymoon with her husband Frank is catapulted to Scotland in 1743, in the midst of the struggles between Scots and English.

With a high-profile cast, this American mini-series in seven episodes retraces the life and career of the second President of the United States, John Adams, against the backdrop of the War of Independence.

In the image, Paul Giamatti as John and Laura Linney as Abigail Adams.

It's costume but also sci-fi: with Ridley Scott's stamp of approval, the series explores the question of what would have happened if the Axis had won World War II. The scenario is America of the 1960s after being defeated by Hitler. Starting in 2015 as the first Amazon-branded series, it lasted for four seasons.

The life of Queen Elizabeth II and her family is told from 1947 to the first years of the new millennium. The Netflix series has been defined by many as a masterpiece of the genre. Its events are close to the truth, but there's always an element of fiction in its depiction of what happened behind the closed doors of the palace.

This award-winning American miniseries, produced by HBO, traces the events of the 1986 nuclear disaster in five one-hour episodes. It portrays the pain and anguish of its protagonists, from the scientists in the Chernobyl nuclear plant to the victims of the disaster in schools and offices.

Netflix brought this Franco-Canadian television blockbuster in 30 episodes, spread over three seasons, focusing on the great figure of Louis XIV and his complicated life at court. It goes from intrigues and political conspiracies to romances in the sumptuous setting of the Palace of Versailles.

Loosely based on the historical travel narrative of the Italian explorer, this American series chronicles Marco Polo's residence at the Mongol court of Kublai Khan in the 13th century.

Set 20 years before the events told in Stevenson's novel, 'Treasure Island,' this American drama series follows the adventures of the crew of the pirate ship Walrus under the orders of Captain James Flint. They are engaged in the search for the Spanish galleon 'Urca de Lima,' loaded with gold. The series is set in the early 18th century, a peak time for piracy and raids on trading ships.

Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this 10-episode miniseries was a huge hit with audiences and critics. It won 8 Emmy Awards, including that of the Best Limited Series. The story is inspired by real events of World War II and focuses on the psychology of its three protagonists and the changes that the war causes in each of them.

A British, Canadian, and American co-production, this fictional costume drama takes place during the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII from 1523 to 1547. It mixes political crises and intrigue with the personal and intimate stories of a king who would do anything to protect his throne.

This Canadian television series is set at the end of the 15th century and loosely adapts the history of the famous Borgias family, a Spanish elite based in Italy. It details the fabric of struggles and alliances to rise to power and ascend the papal throne.

Very far removed from the Borgias or Tudors, this series too deserves a spot in the list of best costume dramas. Set in Atlantic City in the 1920s, the era of American prohibition, 'Boardwalk Empire' follows the life of Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson, a boss in the maze of corruption, politicians, gangsters, and shady businesses. Produced by Martin Scorsese and starring Steve Buscemi (as well as the late Michael Williams, photo), it is one of those hidden gems we should all watch.

Set in first-century Rome, this stellarly cast series follows the turbulent last days of the Republic and the intrigues leading to the birth of the Roman Empire. As all series described here, it does so with the necessary poetic license. It is recommended for the accuracy of its details, its costumes, and, of course, for the scenography.

This series, set in the 1910s and 1920s, barely needs an introduction. It was a major success and resulted in six seasons and two films (in 2019 and 2022). Unforgettable was Michelle Dockery as the cool Lady Mary Crawley, but in this photo we see Lily James who lit up season 4 as Lady Rose MacClare.

Domina is an Italian-British television series based on the life of Roman noblewoman Livia Drusilla, played by Kasia Smutniak. She was the third wife of Emperor Augustus and mother of Emperor Tiberius. The series pays attention to a detail that is often overlooked: the importance of Roman patricians in power struggles.

Set in the 9th century between Scandinavia and the British Isles, this Canadian and Irish series deals with the lives, history, and culture of the Viking people. It focuses most of all on the powerful and ambitious leader, Ragnar Lothbrok, masterfully interpreted by Travis Fimmel.

This German television series produced and distributed by Netflix, presents the history of the Roman Empire from another point of view: that of the Germanic peoples who faced the Romans during the famous battle of the Teutoburg Forest in the 9th century and slowed their expansion into Germany.

This Netflix original is based on 'The Saxon Stories,' written by Bernard Cornwell, and takes place in the 9th century. It recounts the bloody events of the Saxons and their struggles for control of the land that will become England.

Produced by History Channel, this historical series takes place during the time of the Crusades and, more precisely, after the defeat of the Templars in Acre. The plot unfolds coherently, between deceptions, alliances, arranged marriages, and betrayals.

This is the third part of the trilogy formed by 'The White Queen' and 'The White Princess.' Centered on the figure of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, this limited series highlights her strength, pride, and intelligence. It gives a new voice to a woman who never deserved to be remembered just for her divorce.

This Italian series is set in ancient Lazio in the 8th century BC. It tells the story of two inseparable brothers, Yemos and Enitos, who are to inherit the throne of Alba Longa while others are trying to usurp their power.

This French mini-series takes place in the background of an important historic event in Paris, the fire in the Bazar de la Charité which killed 126 people in 1897. Central in the story is the condition of women at the time.