10 Best PBS Masterpiece TV Shows

For fans of time Drama TV shows, PBS’s Masterpiece series is the perfect place to start for lush, romantic and thrilling additions to the genre. Often focusing on major political and historical events, Masterpiece’s television series provide the utmost care and attention to detail when it comes to fully embodying the period. This comes through in the costumes and sets, which are a big part of what draws audiences to the period genre. However, the characters and their relationships are what make viewers stay and continue watching the show for years to come.

Although it is not a requirement, It is common that romance and love stories are large parts of the plot in the series. Many of the best period romance TV shows ever made are a product of PBS and Masterpiece Programming. Some draw inspiration from classic works of literature, while others are conceived based on imagined historical fiction. Most masterpiece series are rooted in reality and shy away from incorporating fantastical elements. Masterpiece often collaborates with other networks such as the BBC to bring the best of international television to homes around the world.

10

Sanditon (2019-2023)

The series is an experimental work based on one of Jane Austen’s unfinished novels.

Charlotte and Alexander are one of the best couples in period romance TV shows. Although their romance is not chronicled in Austen’s manuscript of Sanditon, The writers pushed the series forward based on the characters she outlined. As the protagonist of all SanditonIn three seasons, Charlotte faces her share of ups and downs and is unlucky in love more often than not throughout the series. However, this does not make her journey to happiness any less engaging, as the other residents of Sanditon keep her busy.

Sanditon was a surprising addition to the Masterpiece family, as the series is not afraid to show intimacy and sexuality more explicitly than some of the other, more pure shows. With a stellar ensemble cast and a stirring romance that would melt any viewer’s heart, Sanditon is not a typical Austen story, but it fully commits to its unique tone and style. As time went on, Masterwork was more willing to take chances with contemporary takes on traditional stories.

9

Hotel Portofino (2022 – present)

Fascism and the style of the 1920s add to the atmosphere of Hotel Portofino.

Hotel Portofino Taking place in the gorgeous resort town of Portofino, Italy, it uses the incredible setting in every episode. The series takes place in the 1920s and sees its protagonists, the English Ainsworth family, running their own hotel and balancing everyday tasks and costs with the larger political issues of the time. However, while the series does not ignore the contemporary issues of its time, It is more concerned with the romantic entanglements of its characters.

Starring Natascha McElhone as Bella Ainsworth, the owner of the hotel, the series digs into what it’s like to be a woman who owns a successful business and has to deal with the people of the world who want something from her. While the series may occasionally veer into soap opera territory, that doesn’t change the fact that the characters are enjoyable, and the fashion and music of the 1920s are irresistible. For viewers who enjoy The White Lotus season 2, Hotel Portofino is a relaxing follow.

8

Paradise (2012–2013)

A thriving department store serves as the setting for this romantic show.

The power dynamic between Dennis and John, or Mr. Moray, as Dennis must call him during their time working together, is a fraught employee-employer relationship. Of course, Denise quickly proves to be much more than a shop girl The paradiseA series that focuses on the ins and outs of an early department store in Victorian-era England. Economics and business acumen are just as important as the growing relationship between Dennis and John, even though circumstance and propriety threaten to keep them apart.

What brings Dennis and John together more than anything is their love for the store and the joy they share in coming up with innovative ideas to get customers through the door. Although it was only two seasons, The paradise made his mark on the masterpiece canon, How it dealt with an interesting transitional period in history, when the world began to modernize. Additionally, Dennis is a likable and compelling protagonist the audience can easily relate to. Like many Masterpiece shows, it was co-produced with the BBC.

7

Wolf Hall (2015)

The notorious reign of King Henry VIII was made even more scandalous by Wolfe Hall.

Based on Hilary Mantel’s books about Henry VIII’s infamous womanizing and violence, Wolf Hall is a very period-accurate series that focuses on the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, A real historical figure. Cromwell begins as an associate of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who was involved in Henry’s break with the Catholic Church and the formation of the Church of England. Capitalizing on this momentum and Henry’s need for a trusted advisor, Cromwell throws himself into the deep end of life in the English court.

TV series like The Tudors They are not known for being historically accurate, however Wolf Hall Feels rooted in reality even as it takes liberties with the exact events of Henry’s first divorce. The show features a young Claire Foy as the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, which overshadowed her later image of a much more successful English queen. However, the real stars of the series are Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis as Cromwell and Henry VIII, because their chemistry and battle of wits is endlessly compelling.

6

Victoria (2016-2019)

Victoria’s early reign and love story with Prince Albert are beautifully captured.

Jenna Coleman stars as a young Queen Victoria in Masterpiece Victoria, which depicts the monarch’s rise to power and most of her relationship with her husband, Prince Albert. Tom Hughes joins Coleman as the quiet Prince Albert, who consistently struggles to find his place at court. Praised for its gorgeous costumes and set pieces, Victoria Makes the most of his era and holds true to the Queen’s reputation as an influential icon in both social and political spheres.

Victoria Has never been praised for its accuracy, especially in the case of the characteristics of real people who were part of Victoria’s court. However, these changes were made for emotional and dramatic realism rather than an educational or documentary perspective. First and foremost, Victoria’s life and personal feelings are the story of the series, with the cultural and political changes of the era serving as secondary points. This allows the viewer to connect and empathize with Victoria instead of feeling like she is an untouchable part of the royal family.

5

Blake House (2005)

The adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel has an outstanding cast.

If that’s not enough Uncomfortable house Adapting an iconic work by Charles Dickens, The series features one of the best ensembles in television history. Gillian Anderson, Carey Mulligan, and many more skilled actors make up the cast and are part of the reason that Uncomfortable house was nominated for so many accolades and praised by critics across the board. Uncomfortable house May take place hundreds of years ago, but the drama is on par with Dickens’s best work, which appeals to the masses in the best way.

The visual style is also a big part of that Uncomfortable house Remains such a hallmark of television, as the composition and cinematography are just as beautiful as the costumes and production design. Part of the conflict of Uncomfortable house revolves around a court, Bring an early example of the legal drama genre into the sphere. Although it is a miniseries, each episode of Uncomfortable house Will have viewers on the edge of their seats, and the end culminates in many character fates that are impossible to predict.

4

Poldark (2015-2019)

The 2015 Poldark is an exciting remake of the original 1970s masterpiece.

The best Revolutionary War movies typically tell the story from the side of the patriots, however Poldark It begins with an English soldier who returns home to find his world turned upside down. In 1975, Masterpiece published the first version of Poldark, Which received a warm enough reception that many years later, the network decided to revive it. this time, Poldark was even more dramatic, romantic and compelling when the audience watched Captain Ross fall in love with Demelza.

Ross and Demelza’s marriage and the end of the Revolutionary War are just the beginning PoldarkHow much more excitement darkens the threshold of the characters and their families. As sweeping and aspirational as any great romance, Poldark is not afraid to persist in the melodrama of its history, But it never fails to take the story and the characters seriously. Part of the fun of watching Poldark is that some of the plot lines are a little outlandish, but the series proves that a period piece can be just as entertaining as any modern fare.

3

Call the Midwife (2012 – present)

The feel-good show is one of the longest-running programs that airs on Masterpiece.

The figure of Call the midwife Changed many times over the thirteen seasons it aired on Masterpiece and the BBC. In the 1950s, Call the midwife Deals with the women who work in a poor sector of London trying to deliver babies and provide healthcare to women Which often they have not allowed their whole life. Call the midwife has been praised for its feminist themes as well as the inclusion of a diverse range of characters and storylines. The series takes into account the wide range of people living in London during this time.

The final season saw the characters enter the late 1960s and encompasses the many changes that are happening in the country and internationally. Advances in medicine, science and technology have all impacted how midwives engage with their jobs and their patients. Call the midwife has been praised by audiences and critics for its realism about the hard parts of poverty and healthcare while incorporating plenty of uplifting plot and subtle romantic themes.

2

Downton Abbey (2010–2015)

Downton is one of the most successful masterpiece series of all time.

Although Downton Abbey deals with a class of people that few can claim to be a part of, The iconic series managed to be relatable and accessible to viewers of all kinds throughout its run. The series takes place just before the First World War and sees her aristocratic family navigate the changing times as the problems with the rigid social hierarchy and political tensions constantly rise. Although the setting is fictional, like the family, many real events shape the plot and stakes of Downton AbbeyEspecially the wars.

The Cwley sisters and their love lives take center stage Downton AbbeyAnd a lot of tragedy rocks the family throughout the series’ five seasons. however, Downton Abbey Never leaves his audience heartbroken for long and always gives a glimmer of hope By the end of each season. With amazing actors like Dame Maggie Smith and Michelle Dockery, whose role as Lady Mary is one of the most pivotal in the show. Betrayals, deaths and schemes get in the way of the characters’ happiness, but they find a way out in the end.

1

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

This early adaptation of the beloved novel is the definitive version.

There were many Pride and Prejudice Movie and TV adaptations, but the 1995 BBC and masterpiece Drama Could be the best. The series is able to incorporate every facet of the novel thanks to its length and breadth, and the viewer feels completely transported to the period while watching the show. Praised and adored by critics and audiences alike, The 1995 Pride and Prejudice Has everything an Austen fan or anyone who enjoys period pieces would want, And its methodical pacing is a refreshing change from today’s reality-paced series.

While some long-time Pride and Prejudice Fans may prefer the 2005 version starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, this version is more cinematic but leaves a lot out of the story. moreover, Jennifer Ehle’s Elizabeth Bennet has just the right amount of wit and wisdom While still capturing Elizabeth’s naivety when it comes to Darcy. Colin Firth is her perfect match as Mr. Darcy, aloof when he needs to be but opens up to Elizabeth as he falls hopelessly in love.