14 November 2024
Love Downton Abbey? These series should be on your watchlist
What is it about historical dramas that makes them so compelling? Perhaps it’s nostalgia for what seemed like a simpler time. Or the pure escapism of the gorgeous costumes, sets and olde-worlde language. Whatever it is, the good news is that there are so many excellent period dramas around these days. Here’s our pick of the series we think Downton Abbey fans will enjoy.
Billy The Kid S2 | Binge from 25 November
Billy the Kid returns for an epic second season starring Tom Blyth (Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) as the infamous outlaw.
Already renewed for a third season, the epic romantic adventure from Vikings creator Michael Hirst traces the life of Billy the Kid from his humble Irish roots and his early days as a cowboy and gunslinger in the American frontier to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War and beyond.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter
An enthralling period drama set in the 1800s. A couple’s happiness is threatened by the scandalous world of high society that has long-buried family secrets. Watch now »
Ten Pound Poms
A British period drama filled with broken promises. After post-war Britain, a group leave for Australia. The Roberts family tries to make the best of their situation, but life at the shelter tests them. Watch now »
1923
Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren drive Taylor Sheridan’s powerful prequel of Yellowstone. Set in the early 20th century, The Duttons face new challenges, from the Western expansion to the Great Depression. Watch now »
World on Fire S2
Four years after its acclaimed first season, the World War II series World on Fire is back. The ensemble series is set between 1940-1941, taking us from the war-torn streets of Britain and the start of the Blitz in Manchester deep into Nazi Germany, the resistance within occupied France, and the brutal sands of the North African desert, including the Siege of Tobruk and Operation Compass. Watch now »
Gentleman Jack S1
Yorkshire, England, 1832. Landowner Anne Lister will do whatever it takes to save her ancestral home, and that includes marrying well – but not to a man. Based on the story of the real-life Anne and her search for a wife. This may be an unusual love story for the time, but it features all the same social politics, romance and scandal you’d expect from a period drama. It also features a grand old manor house in the English countryside. Watch now »
The Gilded Age S1-2
Oscar winner Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, delivers a mesmerising HBO drama set in 1882. When rural girl moves to New York after her father’s death, she finds herself entangled in a social war. Both Seasons 1 and 2 are ready to binge-watch on Showmax. Watch now »
More enthralling series to stream
The 10 best Christmas episodes on Showmax
Yule never believe it! We’ve put together a list of some of the best holiday episodes in The Office, Superstore, Younger, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and more to jingle your bells.
What 5 other lady killers could tell Sweetpea
British dark comedy Sweetpea gives us the origin story of a female serial killer. We’ve turned to the pros in series like Yellowjackets and Big Little Lies for tips on how to get away with murder.
10+ South African book adaptations on Showmax
Some of South Africa’s best-loved stories have inspired our favourite series and movies, from the new Spooksoeker, to The Wife, Red Ink, and those Deon Meyer crime thrillers.
Made in South Africa
Our pick of the most epic book-to-screen stories on Showmax
Is the show ever better than the book? Get ready for battle as you join the Showmax book club to try everything from My Brilliant Friend, to Dune: Prophecy.