High stakes, high style: British dramas set in the 1920s and 30s

If you’re looking for British tv series set in the 1920s, then look no further! There’s something special about the 1920s and the 1930s that keeps us coming back for more! Maybe it’s the liberation of women, the rise of jazz, or the rapidly changing society. One thing alllll period dramas from this time have in common is the mixture of grit and glamour, transporting us to an era where every hat had a feather and every heart had a secret! 

And with the recent release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal man, andddd the news fresh of the press of a new spin-off by the one and only Steven Knight – what better time to head back to the smoky world of the roaring twenties. 

From Downton Abbey to tv shows similar to Peaky Blinders we’ve got a whole lot of suggestions, just for youuu! And if you’re also after tv series set in the 1930s then we’ve got you too!

Peaky Blinders

Stream on BBC iPlayer

If you’ve already watched Peaky Blinders: The Immortal man and waiting for the spin off, you can stream every single episode on BBC iPlayer! Set in the aftermath of World War I, Peaky Blinders plunges you into the dangerous streets of 1920s Birmingham where the Shelby family rule with sharp suits and even sharper razor blades sewn into their flat caps. By day they run a respectable betting business–on paper, at least! And by night (and most of the day too), they’re deep in a world of racketeering, political deals and power plays they stretch wayyyyy beyond the city’s limits. As the series leaves the 1920s to the turbulent 1930s, the stakes get higher, the enemies more ruthless and the Shelby's face everything from rival gangs to the rise of fascism–all while keeping their cool under a haze of cigarette smoke! Starring Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Tom Hardy and Joe Cole. 

A Woman of Substance

Stream on Channel 4

Although this British drama isn’t set directlyyyy in the 1920s and 1930s, we get a glimpse of it through its sweeping dual timeline, which spans from early 1910s allllll the way to the 1970s - so its absolutely earnt its place on the list! This timeless classic follows the fierce, rags-to-riches journey of Emma Hartes fierce rags to riches story, who rises from an impoverished maid in Yorkshire to become one of the world’s wealthiest women. The cast includes Brenda Blethyn who brings gravitas to Emma in her formidable later years whilst Jessica Reynolds portrays younger ambitious Emma. 

Want to know more!? Check out our deep dive into everythinggg you need to know about this period drama: 

All Creatures Great and Small

Stream on 5

Journey to the scenic Yorkshire Dales of the 1930s, All Creatures Great and Small follows James Herriot, a young vet who soon discovers that life in a small village is anything but boring! From stubborn cows to mischievous sheep, James navigates his new career whilst also meeting some of the quirky locals. Set against the backdrop of post-WW1 England, this drama is the perfect picture of countryside charm, animal antics and light-hearted drama.

Hotel Portofino

Stream on U

This glamorous British drama unfolds on the stunning Italian Riveria in the 1920s where the daughter of a wealthy industrialist (Natascha McElhone) sets up a British hotel. Against the rise of Mussolini’s fascism, it’s all turquoise waters, linen dresses, and cobblestone towns. A true glitzy, escapist delight. Think The Durrells meets Downton Abbey.

Obsessed with the lush Italian landscape? Us too. Here are our top picks of travel shows which are guaranteed to give you that “I need a holiday” feeling.

Mr Selfridge

Watch now on ITVX

Prepare to be whisked into the dazzling world of London retail during the 1920s and '30s, where no store was more fabulous than Selfridge’s. Jeremy Piven stars as Harry Selfridge, a bold American entrepreneur who turned shopping into an experience and his store into a cultural hotspot! But behind the window displays and champagne lies a world of high-stakes business, scandalous affairs, and the shifting role of women in a rapidly changing society..

Downton Abbey

Watch now on ITVX

We could never forget this classic! Some would say it is the jewel in crown of British period dramas… Downtown Abbey opens the doors to the Crawleys and lively team running their estate. With Hugh Bonnevile, Michelle Dockery and Maggie Smith at her sharpest, this drama blends shifting times, romance, and scandal. This one will win you over!

Upstairs Downstairs (2010)

Stream on U

It’s 1936 at 165 Eaton Place, where the posh family upstairs and the loyal staff downstairs are tangled up in scandal, saucy secrets, and even a sprinkle of romance. As personal lives clash with politics, war looms, and secrets bubble up on both sides of the staircase! Starring Eileen Atkins, Keeley Hawes, Jean Marsh and Claire Foy.

Dope Girls

Stream on BBC iPlayer

Set in the seductive world of post WWI Soho, Dope Girls dives into the more shadowy side of the Roaring Twenties. Inspired by real events, this drama explores a London where women are at the centre of a growing drugs trade and social rebellion is as intoxicating as anything on offer in the clubs. As drugs and freedom flow through the speakeasies, the series explores moral panic and cultural shifts of the time, painting the image of an era where danger and glamour walked hand in hard.

Poirot

Stream on ITVX

Step into the world of art deco, glamour, vintage trains and perfectly twirled moustaches–Poirot shows the post WWI escapism at its most elegant. Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective solves murders with his impeccable wardrobe and sharp eye for the smallest of details. Whether it’s a country manor, luxury cruise, or even the Orient Express, no mystery is too hard for the charming Hercule Poirot (David Suchet)! Murder mystery fans, you’ll love this!

Upstairs Downstairs (1971)

Stream on ITVX

Step inside 165 Eaton Palace and join the aristocratic Bellamy family and the devoted servant downstairs. This classic Edwardian-era drama sweeps you through a time of immense social change, we’re talking the sinking of the Titanic, to the Great War, anddd the growing tensions between labour and wealth. David Langotn stars as the head of the house Richard Bellamy, with Rachel Gurney as his elegant wife, Lady Marjoie. Downstairs, Gordon Jackson plays a stern Scottish butler named Hudson. This British period drama is utterly fascinating. 

Indian Summers

Available to stream on Channel 4

Set in 1930s India, Indian Summers explores the final years of British colonial rule as tensions simmer and passions flare. Against the backdrop of a British-run hill station, the series weaves together the lives of the British elite and the Indian population on the edge of independence. With romance, betrayal, and power plays at everyyyy corner, Indian Summers brings the 1920s and '30s to life, capturing the complex and often explosive dynamics of an empire on the brink of change. 

And if you're looking for more recommendations check out all the new shows coming this year!