Lark Rise to Candleford – four seasons (2008 – 2011)
This is perhaps the most logical series to include in this list. It has all the characteristics that make the genre so successful. The series focuses on the poor rural village of Lark Rise and the relatively somewhat pedantic town of Candleford. When the young Laura from Lark Rise decides to go to work in the post office of Candleford, her world is turned upside down. Love for her boss, the amazement at the difference between rich and poor and the different way of life in a village or town are the basis of this series. The strength of Lark Rise to Candleford is that this is brought with a big wink. This is perhaps best expressed by the two sisters who run a shop in Candleford and the pauper Twister Turrel. The fact that Dawn French and Mark Heap play a role in this series actually says everything about the humorous undertone. It is breathtakingly enjoyable to watch. Stopped at its peak, but as far as I'm concerned, another season or two could have followed.
The Village – two seasons (2013 – 2014)
The Village also plays with the theme of rich and poor. Only the tone is a lot more serious. For example, the First World War and its consequences play a major role. Moreover, the poverty is palpable and not as romantically depicted as in Lark Rise to Candleford. The contrast between rich and poor is possibly even greater in this series. The nobility also plays a role and their lives are far removed from the farm life of the Middleton family. The dilemmas and challenges are of a completely different category. Nevertheless, these extremes are brought together excellently, making it a great pleasure for two seasons.
The Crimson Petal and The White – miniseries (2011)
The game between rich and poor is often the basis for a costume drama. The Crimson Petal and The White also plays with it. Romola Garai plays Sugar, a poor prostitute who sees her chance when successful businessman William Rackham (Chris O'Dowd) enters her life. The miniseries starts off quite dark, but the second part is somewhat more positive and colorful. Of course, not everything goes as hoped. There is a lot to tell in just four episodes. This miniseries scores high because it not only shows the romantic side but also the hard(er) (under)side of society. The fact that this dark side is largely abandoned in the second part is a very small blemish on an otherwise impressive miniseries.
Desperate Romantics – miniseries (2009)
Perhaps a bit sexier than your average costume drama series. It is a coming of age story about a number of artists who use their position to flirt vigorously with the opposite sex. Aidan Turner probably stands out the most in terms of name. The series is relatively light but has enough drama and pace to not be one-dimensional. The story feels a bit student-like. The main characters can still handle a lot because of their young age. On the other hand, the small things can also feel big. Financially speaking, it was more about survival than (only) having fun.
Sally Lockhart – miniseries (2007)
Also called Sally Lockhart Mysteries. The series is perhaps most notable for the leading role of Billie Piper (known from Doctor Who). Sally shows another theme that is often found in costume dramas: budding feminism. Sally is namely a woman with a strong will. The usual strict etiquette does not fit in with that. In just two longer episodes the series manages to convince with relaxation. In the approach it is somewhat similar to the later released and successful Miss Scarlet and the Duke.
Garrow's Law - Tales from the Old Bailey – three seasons (2009 – 2011)
Things are a lot more serious in Garrow's Law - Tales from the Old Bailey. Lawyer William Garrow (Andrew Buchan) tries to win cases that don't always seem winnable. As a true detective, he regularly manages to uncover the truth and achieve unexpected results. However, his successes ensure that the opposition grows stronger. The common thread, besides these stories, is his blossoming love for Lady Sarah Hill (Lyndsey Marshal). Garrow's Law - Tales from the Old Bailey deservedly lasted three seasons. The idiosyncratic approach made it refreshing, despite the often not so cheerful stories. The light-hearted tone to bring the right balance to the series is mainly in the somewhat awkward relationship between William and Sarah.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell – miniseries (2015)
The real odd one out is Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. This story is a costume drama with a magical angle. It leans towards fantasy but the atmosphere and basis have all the characteristics of a costume drama. It is truly an outsider. A series that excels in originality. In the midst of the industrial revolution and the increasing alienation of nature by man, Strange and Norell are looking for the magic of yesteryear. The extinction of magicians is looming, but that is without taking this duo into account. Not exactly standard when it comes to costume dramas, but therefore an absolute must.
Jamaica Inn (2014) – miniseries (2014)
Another, perhaps underexposed, theme is that people in poverty resorted to crime and smuggling. This harsh reality is also reflected in the well-known series Poldark. Jamaica Inn (2014) is the darker version of what you see in Poldark. It is a kind of Treasure Island in costume drama style. Although this time the style is not determined by beautiful costumes and pretty dresses. The story is too gruesome for that and the main characters are too poor. Feminism plays a role, but on the other hand they dare to show domestic violence in all its intensity. The series therefore clashes with the romantic, predominantly positive storylines that we normally get in costume dramas. That is what makes Jamaica Inn (2014) so interesting.
Those were the tips. The list is actually incredibly long. Of course, there are also more modern series to watch, but the attention for this genre seems to be waning in the Netherlands. Tips are in any case Vanity Fair (2018), Harlots (2017 – 2019), Gentleman Jack (2019 – …), A Thousand Blows (2025 – …), Belgravia (2020) and Belgravia: The Next Chapter (2024 – …).
Hopefully we can expect more new series in this genre soon. It never gets boring. Looking back at a time when everything was different but the problems are still somewhat similar. Beautiful clothing, atmospheric sets with monumental buildings in the lead role, fantastically shot images and a lot of drama complete the picture.
