10 TV Shows Like Outlander You Should Watch Next
Outlander asks a crucial question: what if the Jacobite Rebellion had been really, really lustful? The series, an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s timeless books, ended after an impressive eight seasons, but the second season of Blood of My Blood , a spinoff/prequel focusing on Claire and Jamie’s parents, is set to premiere around now.
Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts is planning at least three seasons, and Gabaldon is working on at least one more novel, so there’s plenty more exciting Outlander action to come. In the meantime, here are 10 more heartwarming historical novels you can watch right now—some of them even feature time travel!
Lost in Austen (2008)
A quick trip back in time to 2008 for this light fantasy, which, despite initial ratings, has become something of a cult film. Jemima Rooper plays Amanda Price, a modern-day Jane Austen fan dealing with the aftermath of a horrific marriage proposal from her drunken boyfriend when she imagines Elizabeth Bennet in the bathtub. She soon finds herself swapping places with Lizzie, experiencing the Regency era and the events of the novel, playing a previously unknown family friend who attracts the attention of more than one potential suitor. It’s both a soap opera and a reflection on Jane Austen’s significance for us living in the 21st century. Watch Lost in Jane Austen on Peacock , Prime Video , and Tubi.
Poldark (2015–2019)
There’s no time travel here, except perhaps in the magic of a period drama, but we find ourselves in 18th-century Cornwall, which, okay, isn’t Scotland—but the earthy atmosphere isn’t entirely unlike Outlander (bosoms will heave regardless of gender). Aidan Turner plays Captain Ross Poldark, a British Army veteran who returns home to find his lands and inheritance in ruins and his longtime lover engaged to another. Luckily, the fiery and resourceful fugitive Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) arrives just in time to help him rebuild his life—a prelude to a turbulent and scandalous love affair that only adds to the drama.Watch Poldark on Netflix .
A Discovery of Witches (2018–2022)
Teresa Palmer plays Diana Bishop, an American historian at Oxford whose research leads her to her own witch lineage, leading to an alliance with Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode), a biochemist but also a vampire, and thus Diana’s natural enemy (obviously). However, they discover they are an effective pair in uncovering secrets while simultaneously combating magical threats. It’s not as silly as it seems, and the burgeoning romantic chemistry between the leads is endlessly captivating. Moreover, they spend the entire second season in 1590 London, not exactly the ideal time for witches.Watch A Discovery of Witches on Netflix .
Bon appétit, Your Majesty (2025)
Lim Yoona plays Yeon Ji-yeon, a master of French cuisine with a promising career as a chef—at least until a mishap transports her back to the Joseon Dynasty in the late 15th century. Mistaken for a visiting noblewoman, she impresses the young King Lee Hong with her culinary skills. Ji-yeon becomes embroiled in court intrigue, and soon a romantic relationship develops between them, but there’s a catch: the real-life king in question has a historical reputation as a monster, and Ji-yeon is forced to decide whether to try to change history, even if it means she’ll never return home.Watch “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” on Netflix.
Spartak (2010–2013)
A surprisingly intelligent yet intense take on the sword-and-sandal genre, Spartacus explores not only the hardships of life as an oppressed class under an absolutist regime but also the exploits of the buff, muscular, pansexual gladiators when not fighting to the death. Starring first Andy Whitfield and then Liam McIntyre, the series follows Spartacus’s journey from his enslavement by the Roman army to his rebellion that could have toppled the empire. A sequel, House of Ashur, recently wrapped.Watch Spartacus on Netflix .
Queen Charlotte (2023)
A direct spinoff of Bridgerton , it’s perfectly watchable on its own if you don’t feel like watching the main series for whatever reason. Maintaining much of the original’s style but focusing on its heroine, Queen Charlotte brilliantly crafts a passionate, tormented romance between the Queen (played as a young woman by India Amarteifio, with Golda Rosheuvel reprising the role in framing episodes) and King George III (Cory Mailchrist). The pressures of royal life and the King’s progressive mental illness create a rocky road for the young couple, but their passion is touching and intense.Watch Queen Charlotte on Netflix .
My Lady Jane (2024)
Once again, no time travel, but plenty of fantasy in this passionate historical drama about England’s first (albeit only for nine days) queen, Jane Grey. Based on the book by Cynthia Hand, Brody Ashton, and Jodie Meadows, the series tells the story of pretender to the throne, Emily Bader, who faces a dying royal cousin, a questionable marriage, and competition from her sisters, Elizabeth and Mary. The historical context is complicated by the existence of an oppressed class of people who can transform into animals. Magic and transformations make it all quite wild, starting with the line: “She could have been the leader England needed. Instead, history remembers her as the perfect damsel in distress. Screw it!” Watch My Lady Jane on Prime Video .
The Chef of Castamar (2021)
Fast-forward to Madrid, just a few decades after the events of Outlander , where Clara Belmonte (Michelle Jenner) takes a job in the kitchen of the Duke of Castamar (Roberto Enríquez). He’s been a virtual recluse since the unexpected death of his wife, but now the king and various members of his family are pressuring him to return to normal life, literally and figuratively, and fulfill his noble duties. Clara, on the other hand, has suffered from agoraphobia since her father’s execution and is quite content to toil in the gloomy kitchen, never venturing outside. Of course, the grieving Duke notices her just as he’s being proposed to.Watch “The Chef of Castamar” on Netflix .
Red River (2026 – )
Everything is going great for 15-year-old Yuri Suzuki, especially romantically: the guy she’s had a crush on for ages has just made it clear that his feelings are mutual, and a serious relationship is on the horizon. But something can always ruin everything, and in this case, it’s Queen Nakia of the ancient Hittite Empire. Nakia is a low-ranking consort who dreams of seeing her son on the throne one day, and apparently the best way she can come up with is to summon a modern-day teenager back in time to become a blood sacrifice. This manga adaptation makes many nods to historical accuracy, but I’m pretty sure this never happened. Yuri’s modern knowledge allows her to survive in the past, and some even believe she’s an avatar of the goddess Ishtar. She’s also assisted by Kyle Mursili, a (real-life) prince who hopes to protect Yuri as their romantic attraction grows. Watch Red River on Crunchyroll or buy it on Prime Video .
Reign (2013–2017)
Are you looking for a soapy, sexy drama rather than historical accuracy? Looking for love triangles, power struggles, and intrigue between cousins in Scotland in centuries past? You’ve come to the right place, even if the action takes place roughly 200 years before Jamie Fraser’s time. Adelaide Kane plays Queen Mary Stuart, better known as Mary, Queen of Scots, at the series’ beginning—a powerful young woman who grows up and assumes royal power. Watch Reign on Prime Video .