Prepare to be whisked away from your day to day life and into the life of royals! From the romantic and love-filled The Empress to the scandalous story in The Tudors, these royal shows prove that monarchs basically invented the definition of dramaaaa! And with the Serpent Queen arriving on Channel 4, what better time to start the royal binge!
So if you love a royal family drama or are looking for a show to binge after The Crown, then here's our top suggestions!
Serpent Queen
Saddle up for Catherine de Medici’s rise from Florentine orphan to French queen. Forced into a marriage by the Pope and dropped into the deliciously messy French Valois court, Catherine (Samantha Horton) uses sheer intelligence and wicked wit to rewrite the rules of power - proving it’s sometimes safer to be feared than loved. With Fleabag-esque fourth wall breaks, luscious costuming and razor-sharp dialogue, it’s no surprise this gem sits at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. And with two whole series to devour, prepare to be blown clean off your horse and cart!!
Victoria
Stream now on ITVX
Victoria will be your next royal obsession – think Bridgerton, but with corsets, political chaos, and a whole lotta romanceeee! From teenage monarch, to ruling icon, Queen Victoria (Jenna Coleman) navigates power plays, social unrest, and a whirlwind romance with Prince Albert (Tom Hughes) all while figuring out how to rule in a man’s world. With royal rivalries and full-on revolutions, expect a drama so bingeable you won’t want to get off the sofa!
Becoming Elizabeth
Dive into Becoming Elizabeth, where orphaned teen Elizabeth Tudor (Alicia von Rittberg) is yanked straight into the wild, back-stabbing world of English court politics after Henry VIII dies. With Edward (Oliver Zetterström), Duke of Somerset (John Heffernan) and Thomas Seymour (Tom Cullen) in the mix, the drama is chef’s kiss. Twisty, tense and totally addictive – are you ready to be hooked on this Tudor chaos?!
The Great
Stream on Channel 4
As much a comedy as a drama, this show follows the not-so-accurate rise of Catherine the Great, from an outsider to the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia’s history! Expect many plot twists, a lot of laughs, and more than a few poisoned teacups! Starring Elle Fanning as Catherine the Great and Nicholas Hoult as Peter III of Russia.
Marie Antoinette
Stream on BBC iPlayer
Marie Antoinette (Emilia Schüle) offers a look at the life of the infamous French Queen, desperately trying to keep her country together while it teeters on the brink of revolution. Often described as a selfish and superficial monarch, this series explore the real Marie–a young, progressive, and modern woman trapped in a high-stakes game of royal politics, with a kingdom ready to revolt and a husband more interested in hunting than ruling. With lavish parties, palace scandals and a throne that’s anything but secure, this drama will keep you hooked from start to finish!
Elizabeth I
Stream on Channel 4
This series takes you deep into the heart of one of histories most powerful reigns, where Queen Elizabeth (Helen Mirren) navigates the deadly game of politics, power and passion! As she battles enemies both at home and abroad, she must outwit treacherous courtiers, face the constant threat of assassination, and deal with the sacrifices of love and duty! This series captures the fierce determination of a queen who will stop at nothing to protect her throne!
Versailles
Watch now on BBC iPlayer
It’s 1667, and the 28-year-old all-powerful leader of France, King Louis XIV (George Blagden) decides to build the most magnificent palace the world has ever seen: Versailles. But with budgets running out, secret affairs threatening his reign, and the constant threat of revolution, Louis finds himself constantly battling to control his kingdom and assert absolute power over his nobles and people!
The Tudors
Stream on Channel 4
Get ready for a drama-filled ride through the reign of the ruthless King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Myers). From his infamous six marriages to brutal power plays, Henry’s quest for a male heir sparks scandal that rocks England to its core!
Reign
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This historical drama tells the story of Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane), as she travels to French court at just 15 to marry Prince Francis. Life at court soon proves a lot harder than she imagined, as she deals with complex alliances, jealous rivals, and the constant threat of assassination. In a world where every decision could define her reign, Mary must balance her heart’s desires with her royal duties.
The Empress
The Empress is a chaotic dive into royal drama where rebellious Elisabeth (Devrim Lingnau), a free spirited beautiful Bavarian princess shakes up the Austrian court by marrying Emperor Franz (Philip Froissant), for love! However, between the many stares, court politics, and a very strict mother-in-law, it becomes clear very quickly that the crown comes with a huge cost! With award-winning costumes, true romance, and drama drama drama, it’s a must-watch!
And if you're enjoying our recommendations, check out our new shows article so you can find out allllll the best shows coming this month!
