Every once in a while, we need an escape from the highs and lows of modern life, from politics to technology. Sometimes the best way is to put down the small screen and switch to the big screen for a special kind of comfort TV series: the period drama. The historical TV genre is full of must-watch shows that illustrate how people (often white royals) lived through major historical events—or sometimes how they just lived, without electricity, indoor plumbing, or Instagram (some innovations are vastly more important than others).
Lucky for Netflix fans, the streamer has great historical movies and TV shows from around the globe, with fascinating stories that span from ancient Greece to 1970s America, filled with romance, intrigue, action, and beautiful gowns. Though they may not all be historically accurate, they're definitely entertaining. Below, find the best period dramas on Netflix for when you need a break from 2026.
