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What to Watch After Downton Abbey
From Yorkshire Manors to Royal Palaces: Four Must‑Watch Dramas for Downton Fans
If you adore the sumptuous world of Downton Abbey, you’ll find a curated quartet of series that each delivers a distinct flavor of aristocratic intrigue. From the freshly minted biblical saga House of David, to the beloved revival Upstairs Downstairs, the opulent rivalry of The Gilded Age, and the regal depth of The Crown, these titles together map a spectrum of period drama that satisfies both the craving for new narratives and the comfort of familiar elegance.
Together they form a compelling itinerary: House of David’s recent release brings a bold, faith‑infused epic to the table; Upstairs Downstairs serves up a nostalgic yet revitalized look at class dynamics; The Gilded Age offers a transatlantic twist on wealth and ambition; and The Crown, the undeniable crowd‑pleaser, anchors the set with its masterful blend of history and personal drama. Whether you’re seeking fresh storytelling, classic comfort, audience‑approved excitement, or an unmissable match to Downton’s allure, this lineup promises a richly textured binge‑watch experience.
Why these shows are similar to Downton Abbey
A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.
These recommendations branch out from Downton Abbey with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
House of David
TV • 2025
drama
Why Watch Next
House of David offers a fresh, high‑production take on a legendary rise to power, echoing Downton's blend of personal drama and sweeping historical events, and its recent debut makes it a timely pick for fans of period storytelling.
Overview
Tells the story of the ascent of the biblical figure, David, who becomes the most celebrated king of Israel. The series follows the once-mighty King Saul as he falls victim to his own pride. At the direction of God, the prophet Samuel anoints an unlikely, outcast teenager as the new king.
Upstairs Downstairs
TV • 2010
drama
Why Watch Next
Upstairs Downstairs revisits the beloved upstairs‑downstairs formula with contemporary production values, delivering the same class‑tension intrigue that made Downton Abbey a fan favorite, ensuring viewers stay hooked on aristocratic drama.
Overview
Set in 1936, the show takes viewers, old and new, back to the lavish world of Belgravia, London. A new set of occupants reside at 165 Eaton Place and viewers see how external and internal influences of the tumultuous pre-war period shape and mould the lives of this wealthy family and their servants.
The Gilded Age
TV • 2022
drama
Why Watch Next
The Gilded Age captures the opulent social maneuvering of the late‑19th‑century elite, mirroring Downton’s focus on family, duty, and shifting fortunes, and its critical acclaim makes it a perfect thematic companion.
Overview
It’s 1882 and the Gilded Age is in full swing when Marian Brook, a young orphaned daughter of a Southern general, moves in with her rigidly conventional aunts in New York City. With the help of Peggy Scott, an African-American woman masquerading as her maid, Marian gets caught up in the dazzling lives of her rich neighbors as she struggles to decide between adhering to the rules or forging her own path.
The Crown
TV • 2016
drama
Why Watch Next
The Crown stands as the quintessential period drama, chronicling a royal household with the same meticulous detail and emotional depth that Downton fans adore, guaranteeing a universally praised viewing experience.
Overview
The gripping, decades-spanning inside story of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers who shaped Britain's post-war destiny.
The Crown tells the inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world – Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street – and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Two houses, two courts, one Crown.
More shows and movies featuring actors from Downton Abbey
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to Downton Abbey.
Godless
TV • 2017
Why It’s Relevant
This critically acclaimed western drama shares Downton Abbey's focus on class dynamics and intricate personal dramas, while showcasing Michelle Dockery in a top‑billed role.
Anatomy of a Scandal
TV • 2022
Why It’s Relevant
This drama series explores elite society and scandal, echoing Downton Abbey's aristocratic setting and intrigue, and features Dockery in a prominent supporting role.
