TheOutlanderseason 7 finale left audiences shocked and brimming with anticipation for the final installment of this iconic fantasy romance TV show. Fortunately,there are plenty of fantastic historical, romantic, and adventure-filled TV series to watchin the interim between seasons. There are lots of elements that makeOutlanderso popular, but no matter what part of the story catches the audience’s eyes, there’s a show out there that will scratch the same itch.Outlanderis not the only series that can keep viewers guessing and make them care deeply about the characters.
There’s no official release date forOutlanderseason 8, but hopefully, since filming has wrapped, the wait won’t be too long. Unfortunately,Outlanderseason 8 will be the last time audiences are swept up in Jamie and Claire’s epic love story,but these shows might be the next best thing to get hooked on asOutlanderwinds down. Though some were short-lived, that doesn’t make them any less watchable, and plenty are still airing, giving viewers additional seasons to look forward to. If anything,Outlander’s success has helped pave the way for exciting and innovative new works within its genre.
My Lady Jane
Cast
My Lady Jane is a Prime Video original series created by Gemma Burgess. The story is a “what if” style story of English royal history where King Henry VIII’s son Edward, Lady Jane Grey, and her husband Guildford all survive their real-life deaths. In the retelling of history, Jane Grey takes center stage, becoming queen and immediately finding herself facing nefarious villains.
My Lady JaneandOutlanderare two of thebest period romance TV shows ever made, andwhileMy Lady Janeleans further into comedy thanOutlander, their central romances have a lot in common.Despite garnering critical and audience acclaim,My Lady Janewas cut short after just one season, but the narrative arc reached a satisfying conclusion, leaving viewers with a touching ending for Jane (Emily Bader) and Guildford (Edward Bluemel). Based on the book of the same name,My Lady Janealso shares a literary background withOutlander.
My Lady Jane: The 10 Funniest Moments Of Season 1
Known for its anachronisms and tongue-in-cheek humor, My Lady Jane has many hilarious moments throughout season 1 of the fantasy romance TV show.
Though time travel isn’t the fantasy element inMy Lady Jane,the magic system does play a key role in the storyand serves as a metaphor, similar toOutlander. External circumstances and other people’s animosity are what threaten to tear apart Jane and Guildford throughout the story, imbuing the series with action and adventure that elevate the stakes.My Lady Jane’s story might have ended, but it will live on in the hearts of all the viewers who watch it.
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TURN: Washington’s Spies
Set during the American Revolutionary War, this historical drama follows Abe Woodhull, a New York farmer, who joins childhood friends to form the Culper Ring. As an unlikely group of spies, they play a pivotal role in the fight for American independence, navigating espionage and deception.
Turn: Washington’s Spiesgained recognition as the seasons progressed, developing into a tense and compelling drama. Though the story of the American Revolutionary War is well-known among many audiences, the hidden tale of the network of spies who helped win the conflict is less prominent.Jamie Bell leads the cast as the historical figure Abraham Woodhull,who was instrumental in cultivating the Culper Spy Ring. Combining old-fashioned espionage with real-life stakes and events makesTurnthe perfect follow-up toOutlander.
ThoughOutlandercenters on Jamie and Claire’s relationship first and foremost, the historical conflicts that make up their world are also a significant part of the story. After the couple makes the trek across the Atlantic and settles in what will become the United States, it doesn’t take long for the seeds of the revolution to start brewing, putting them at the heart of the issue, as the characters are inTurn.For a more historically accurate account of these events,Turn: Washington’s Spieswill provide detailswhile building character relationships.
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Bridgerton
Bridgerton, released on July 16, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
Since it premiered in 2020,Bridgertonhas been one of Netflix’s biggest hits, especially within the historical romance genre. Adapted from the hit novel series by Julia Quinn,Bridgertonfollows the trials and tribulations of the prominent Bridgerton familyin Regency-era England as they search for their true loves. LikeOutlander,Bridgertondoesn’t shy away from showing the more intimate scenes between its lead couples but simultaneously elevates the importance of other relationships and familial connections.
ThoughBrigertondoesn’t have the violence or bloodshed ofOutlander, it’s ideal for viewers who enjoy the romance angle of the story the most.
It will be interesting to see whatchangesBridgertonmakes to Benedict’s book story, as every season ofBridgertonhas successfully expanded upon the original text to make the stories more universal and better suited to television. So far, viewers haven’t been disappointed by the drama ofBridgerton, as the series has managed to shake up its formula with every season. ThoughBrigertondoesn’t have the violence or bloodshed ofOutlander, it’s ideal for viewers who enjoy the romance angle of the story the most.
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Black Sails
Acting as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, Black Sails chronicles the story of Captain James Flint, detailing how Flint turned from a British Naval officer to a notorious pirate and his adventures with his crew in the Caribbean. Toby Stephens stars as Flint, and the series features many fictionalized versions of real-life pirates such as Anne Bonny and Blackbeard.
Though Toby Stevens' Flint is much more morally ambiguous than the heroic Jamie Fraser, he’s a compelling and romantic figure to watch inBlack Sails. A loose prequel to the events of the classic novelTreasure Island,Black Sailsexpands upon the darkest and grittiest parts ofOutlanderas the series chronicles the Golden Age of Piracy and the characters' heart-pounding adventures on the seven seas. Though there’s plenty of treasure hunting inBlack Sails, there’s also lots of character-building and enduring narratives about the fight for freedom.
Since Starz is the network behind bothOutlanderandBlack Sails, it’s not surprising that the two series have elements in common, especially since they premiered the same year. ThoughBlack Sailsdidn’t prove to have the longevity ofOutlander, its four-season run is tightly crafted and never loses momentum.Even without a fantastical aspect of the story,Black Sailsdoesn’t lose the audience at any point,slowly revealing the secrets at the heart of the story and making the narrative much more than a typical pirate tale.
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Doctor Who
An alien from the planet Gallifrey travels through time and space to explore, solve problems and fight injustice while also making friends with human beings. His spaceship, called TARDIS, resembles a police box, but it is much more than it appears to be.
There have been many eras ofDoctor Who, the latest of which starsNcuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. While every take on the mysterious Time Lord is different,the heart ofDoctor Whohas endured since the series first hit the small screen in 1963.Claire might be thrown back in time with no idea what happened to her inOutlander, but most of the characters inDoctor Whowillingly embark on their adventures and join the Doctor in the dangerous but life-changing journeys ofDoctor Who.
This makes the friendship and familiar love inDoctor Whocloser in tone to the later seasons ofOutlander.
ThoughOutlanderis more fantasy than sci-fi,Doctor Whouses time travel in a similar way, taking the Doctor and their companion to major historical events of the past and giving the audience insight into the conflicts and dramas of those periods. UnlikeOutlander,Doctor Whouses its romantic storylines as secondary plot points, and the Doctor is rarely involved in these storylines, and their character has always been more focused on platonic relationships. This makes the friendship and familiar love inDoctor Whocloser in tone to the later seasons ofOutlander.
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The Spanish Princess
The Spanish Princess is a historical drama series based on the novels by Philippa Gregory. The series follows Catherine of Aragon, played by Charlotte Hope, and her journey to the English throne. Set in the early 16th century, it explores the intricacies of royal politics, love, and power in Tudor England, providing a window into the life of one of history’s most resilient queens.
The Spanish Princessis also a Starz production and tackles the familiar story of King Henry VIII’s bloody and tragic rule through a new lens.Told from the perspective of Catharine of Aragon, played by Charlotte Hope, Henry’s first wife,The Spanish Princesssees Catharine arrive in England unsure of her place at court and anxious to prove that she can handle the games. Catharine is similar to Claire, the heroine ofOutlander, as she’s smart and ahead of her time and goes head-to-head with the men who attempt to control her.
ThoughThe Spanish Princessreceived some criticism regarding its historical accuracy, its drama and romantic plot lines don’t disappoint.The events ofThe Spanish Princessare the closest toOutlanderseason 2,as this is when Jamie and Claire travel to the French court and attempt to find allies there while navigating the perils of court politics. LikeOutlander, the gorgeous period costumes and set designs makeThe Spanish Princessa visual feast for viewers and make an intriguing backdrop for the lies and betrayals onscreen.
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The Empress
Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria’s life changes dramatically when she weds Emperor Franz Joseph and becomes Empress of Austria. Navigating the treacherous waters of the Viennese court, Sisi encounters both grand romance and fierce political maneuvering. As she adapts to her new position, she must assert her individuality and strength to protect her family and her empire.
There have been many films and TV shows made about the life of the infamous Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” of Austria, the famed monarch world-renowned for her beauty and eccentricities.Devrim Lingnau brings Sisi to life inThe Empress, a German historical dramadistributed by Netflix that has taken the world by storm. The love that blossoms between Sisi and the Emperor, Franz (Philip Froissant), is touching and beautiful at first, but the duties of their titles and Sisi’s adjustments to being the Empress don’t make their lives simple.
Sisi’s struggle for independence and to be taken seriously as a political figure parallels Claire’s journey in adapting to the treatment of women across time.
The Empressseason 2recently dropped on Netflix and expands on the trials of Sisi and Franz’s lives, moving on from their early romance and digging into the difficulties of raising heirs and maintaining their expansive empire. Though Franz and Sisi don’t have the enviable relationship of Jamie and Claire inOutlander, their connection is real. It allows the viewer to empathize with both of them throughout the series. Sisi’s struggle for independence and to be taken seriously as a political figure parallels Claire’s journey in adapting to the treatment of women across time.
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The Great
A drastic departure from the true story, The Great tells the story of Catherine The Great, who went from being an outsider to the most powerful and longest-ruling woman in Russia’s history. But, after assuming the throne from a coup against her husband, she soon discovers enacting her form of liberation of the country will be a challenge - and she’ll have to fight everyone she knows to get it done.
Audience members looking for a historically accurate period TV show won’t find that in Hulu’sThe Great. However, whatThe Greatdoes deliver is a hilarious and blood-curdling good time with a surprisingly tender romance thrown into the middle of the story.Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult have amazing chemistryas Catherine The Great and Peter III of Russia. The pair begin the series as a couple as a result of a political marriage and end it begrudgingly in love.
Their development as an enemies-to-lovers couple is one of the best in TV history, and it’s only elevated by the dark satire at the heart ofThe Great. There are plenty of action sequences and graphic moments of violence inThe Great, likeOutlander, but they’re typically played for laughs rather than dramatic effect. However, that isn’t to say thatThe Greatdoesn’t have emotional moments throughout the story, asPeter and Catherine’s romance demonstrates how much people can change.
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Dickinson
Dickinson is a comedy series starring Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld. Dickinson audaciously explores the constraints of society, gender, and family from the perspective of the rebellious young poet Emily Dickinson, all while putting a modern spin on the period piece era’s tone. The show takes liberties with this retelling of the Author’s life while attempting to stay faithful to her history.
Hailee Steinfeld stars as Emily Dickinson in Apple TV+’s anachronistic retelling of the life of the famed poet. With plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor and a beautiful exploration of the relationship between Emily and her sister-in-law and rumored lover, Sue (Ella Hunt),Dickinsonis a period piece for modern audiences, making plenty of references to the major historical figures and works of its time. LikeOutlander,Dickinsondoesn’t shy away from letting its characters come into contact with iconic people throughout history.
10 Best Couples In Period Romance TV Shows
While a good period drama should have more to offer than just its romantic relationships, the best couples in the show can define the story.
As a budding poet, Emily wants to explore the best parts of life and meet her literary heroes,even if they don’t always live up to her expectations. The women inDickinsonare unafraid to speak out against the way their society stifles them, and Emily and Sue are just as willing to explore their feelings for each other. Sue and Emily might not have to contend with time travel like Jamie and Claire, but their love pushes boundaries and is inspiring to witness.
A Discovery of Witches
Beginning in 2018, A Discovery of Witches is a Fantasy television series that ran for three seasons until 2022. The series stars Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode and revolves around a vampire and a witch that must work together to defeat all manner or magical creatures.
Based on the book series of the same name by Deborah Harkness,A Discovery of Witcheshas all the fantasy, drama, and romance that fans ofOutlandercould ask for. Even when the story becomes a little unbelievable,A Discovery of Witchesis anchored by the incredible chemistry between Diana (Terese Palmer) and Matthew (Matthew Goode),a witch and a vampire who find themselves on a perilous journey together. Though witches and vampires are mortal enemies in their world, this doesn’t stop the sparks from flying between them.
While a mystical and ancient grudge is a bit more intense, this foundation of uncertainty is similar to the beginning of Jamie and Claire’s relationship, as Jamie isn’t sure he can trust an Englishwoman. However, in both shows, it’s clear from the beginning that these couples were fated to be together. Additionally,A Discovery of Witchestakes a page fromOutlander’s book and features time travel in season 2, journeying to London in the late 1500s and meeting many historical figures along the way.
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