If you love watching shows about royalty, then this is the list for you!
If you love the political intrigue and sumptuous lives of royal families, then you will absolutely love these shows about Royalty. With current and past TV shows on this list, there is something for everyone on this list. The only requirement is that you have to love Royal drama and intrigue!
These period dramas are reigning high on our list!
The Tudors
The Tudors is a dramatic, fictionalized version of the famous story of Henry the Eight and his six wives. During the Renaissance period in England, Henry VII gets anxious for an heir and starts the process of divorce from his wife, Katherine of Aragon. What unfolds is a story that changes history forever. This series shows the gritty and dangerous court at the time.
The Spanish Princess
Before there was Queen Katherine of Aragon, there was The Spanish Princess. Sent over from Spain to marry Prince Arthur, this is the story of Katherine before she married Henry and before she became England’s Queen,
The Serpent Queen
Queen Catherine of the famous de Medici family is the focus of this new show, “The Serpent Queen.” This show does not claim to be historically accurate and bucks period drama tradition by having Catherine break the 4th wall regularly. This show is described as “funny and brutal.”
The Empress
This new German show from Netflix is a lush and rich historical drama based on the real-life romance of Elisabeth and Franz, Emperor of Austria. When rebellious Elisabeth (“Sisi”) meets Franz, the young Emperor of Austria, it’s love at first sight. But their ecstatic and impetuous relationship causes chaos in the dynasty and upsets the balance of power. This show is gorgeous and an absolute must-watch.
Victoria
Following the story of young Queen Victoria, this series has not received the popularity and acclaim it deserves. The three seasons follow Victoria as she ascends the throne, meets the love of her life Prince Albert and starts a young family, all while ruling her country as a very young woman. This gorgeous show is perfect for anyone looking for a period-drama escape.
The Crown
This show follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, from her marriage to Prince Philip and coronation to more modern times. Four seasons are available for streaming now, with a 5th anticipated in the Fall of 2022.
The Great
This hilariously funny and inappropriate show is very loosely based on the true story of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, as she rises to power. The actors in this show are excellent, and the story is hysterical. The show calls itself “genre-bending, anti-historical,” which sums up the relationship this show has to traditional period dramas.
Versailles
Image Credit: Studio Canal/IMDB
Nothing is more swoon-worthy than the decadent palace of Versailles built by Louis XIV. This french show takes place during the construction of the Palace of Versailles. The costumes are stunning, the set decadent, and the intrigue fascinating.
Reign
Yet another political drama, this is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, as she rises to power in the French court, which is full of intrigue and plots. Like all historical dramas that feature royals, the show is gorgeous and swoon-worthy, full of royal plots, love, and duty.