10 Best TV Shows Like My Lady Jane (2025)

My Lady Jane was an excellent historical fantasy series that has left plenty of viewers craving more shows that showcased a similar style, addressed the same themes, or combined humor and history in such a compelling way. With an extraordinary lead performance from Emily Bader as Lady Jane Grey, this period series reimagined the story of the ‘Nine Days Queen’ as a magical tale featuring a world where some can take the form of animals. Adapted from a novel by Jodi Meadows, this Amazon Prime series brought to mind several other acclaimed TV shows.

Whether audiences connected with the comedic, dramatic, or fantastical elements of My Lady Jane, several similar shows could fill the gap left by the series. From the absurd comedy of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin to the far more realistic depictions of monarchy seen in The Crown, many shows captured the same infectious energy as My Lady Jane. As a series that blended modern sensibilities with an earlier historical setting, My Lady Jane brought to mind some of the most successful series in recent years.

10 The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin (2024 - Present)

1 season

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin

Comedy

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is a comedy television series created for Apple TV+ that was released in 2024. The series follows the misadventures of a prolific highway robber named Dick Turpin and his group of bandits as they succeed with inexplicable flair - all while trying to outrun the nefarious thief-taker.

Cast

Noel Fielding , Duayne Boachie , Ellie White , Marc Wootton , Dolly Wells , Mark Heap , David Threlfall , Geoff McGivern , Joe Wilkinson , Kiri Flaherty , Hugh Bonneville , Asim Chaudhry , Greg Davies

Release Date

March 1, 2024

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Apple TV+

Writers

Claire Downes , Ian Jarvis , Stuart Lane , Jon Brittain , Richard Naylor

Directors

Ben Palmer , George Kane

Main Genre

Comedy

Creator(s)

Claire Downes , Ian Jarvis , Stuart Lane

Much in the same way that My Lady Jane took historical figures and blended their stories with fact and fiction, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin had a basis in reality. With Noel Fielding in the title role, playing the real English highwayman Dick Turpin, this outrageous historical comedy was the perfect vehicle for Fielding's unique comedy stylings. Fielding may be recognizable to viewers as a member of the cult comedy troupe The Mighty Boosh and for his role in The Great British Baking Show, but here he got to show off his incredible potential as a comedy star.

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin was a highly witty series that could be alienating to those not used to more absurd styles of comedy. With chaotic whimsy and a talented supporting cast, this underrated series was full of period adventures of the silliest kind. Packed with recurring gags and absurdist humor, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin would appeal to those who connected with the more comedic aspects of My Lady Jane.

9 Renegade Nell (2024 - Present)

1 season

Renegade Nell (2024)

Action

Adventure

Drama

Renagade Nell is a Disney+ original series created by Sally Wainwright. The series follows a young woman named Nell Jackson who becomes a wanted outlaw after she is framed for murder. During her journey, she encounters a magical spirit named Billy, who reveals her true destiny.

Cast

Louisa Harland , Frank Dillane , Alice Kremelberg , Enyi Okoronkwo , Jake Dunn , Bo Bragason , Florence Keen , Pip Torrens , Nick Mohammed , Joely Richardson , Adrian Lester

Release Date

March 29, 2024

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Disney+

Writers

Sally Wainwrigh , Sally Wainwright , Emme Hoy , Georgia Christou

Directors

Ben Taylor , Amanda Brotchie , MJ Delaney

Main Genre

Action

Creator(s)

Sally Wainwright

For viewers who connected with the fantasy side of My Lady Jane and were fascinated by its concept of animal-shifting Ethians, Renegade Nell would be the perfect replacement series to check out next. With Derry Girls star Louisa Harland as the fugitive framed for murder, Nelly Jackson, this 18th-century fantasy, told the story of a young woman who found herself as the most feared person in Britain. With the guidance of a magical sprite called Billy Blind, Nelly goes on an epic adventure to fulfill her incredible destiny.

Like My Lady Jane, Renegade Nell was a highly humorous historical fantasy series packed to the rafters with clever ideas. With fantastic writing and strong performances throughout, Renegade Nell walked the fine line between family-friendly television and edgy sensationalism. As a series made by Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, Renegade Nell maintained the same level of quality as her previous work and stood as a rich female-led highwaywoman epic that deserved to get more attention.

8 Belgravia: The Next Chapter (2024)

1 season

Belgravia: The Next Chapter

TV-14

Drama

Romance

Lord Frederick Trenchard's passionate courtship with Clara Dunn leads to marriage, but their happiness is threatened by high society scandals and long-buried family secrets. As they navigate the complexities of their new life together, they must confront past transgressions and the impact on their future.

Cast

Benjamin Wainwright , Harriet Slater , Toby Regbo , Hannah Onslow , Gerard Horan , Elaine Cassidy , Sophie Thompson , Liam Garrigan

Character(s)

Frederick Trenchard , Clara Trenchard , Reverend James Trenchard , Emily Dunn , Enright , Davison , Mrs. Dunn , Fletcher

Release Date

January 14, 2024

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Drama

Creator(s)

Helen Edmundson

My Lady Jane had an incredible cast of talented actors, and one member who stood out was Edward Bluemel as Lord Guildford Dudley, the man that Lady Jane Grey was coerced by her family into marrying. Bluemel has made plenty of appearances in acclaimed TV series, like Killing Eve and Sex Education, but those who want to see him in a similar type of period drama should check out Belgravia: The Next Chapter. While Bluemel was not the lead character, he did appear throughout as Dr. Stephen Ellerby.

Belgravia: The Next Chapter was a Victorian period drama that served as a sequel to the beloved Julian Fellowes' limited series Belgravia. Picking up 25 years after the previous show’s conclusion, Belgravia: The Next Chapter showcased that the drama and scandals surrounding the Trenchard family were far from over. Bluemel delivered an exceptional performance and showcased the same incredible screen presence that made his role in My Lady Jane so effective.

7 Upstart Crow (2016 - 2020)

3 series

Upstart Crow (2016)

TV-PG

Comedy

History

Upstart Crow is a British sitcom created by Ben Elton, starring David Mitchell as William Shakespeare. The series satirically portrays the life of Shakespeare, blending historical accuracy with contemporary humor. Set during the Elizabethan era, it explores the struggles and comedic moments of the playwright's early career, his household, and social interactions. The show first aired in 2016 and features a supporting cast including Liza Tarbuck and Gemma Whelan.

Cast

David Mitchell , Gemma Whelan , Rob Rouse , Liza Tarbuck , Tim Downie , Paula Wilcox , Harry Enfield , Helen Monks

Character(s)

Will , Kate , Bottom , Anne , Marlowe , Mary , John , Susanna

Release Date

May 9, 2016

Seasons

4

Main Genre

Comedy

Creator(s)

Ben Elton

Part of the appeal of My Lady Jane was the way it took real history and blended it with fantasy to create a compelling story of love, royalty, and self-discovery. This interesting way of repurposing known history for entertainment value was also effectively utilized in the British sitcom Upstart Crow and its treatment of the legacy of William Shakespeare. With David Mitchell in the lead role, Upstart Crow was an enjoyable piece of comedy that blended everyday sitcom scenarios with clever allusions to the world’s most famous playwright’s work.

Upstart Crow was initially produced to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. It was created by Ben Elton, also known for other acclaimed British sitcoms like The Young Ones and Blackadder. While Upstart Crow’s writing may fall short of the best work of Shakespeare himself, it was still a wildly entertaining series full of references to great literature, Shakespeare’s work, and hilarious commentary on modern existance that was juxtaposed with the daily troubles of life during the late 1500s and early 1600s.

6 Bridgerton (2020 - Present)

3 seasons

Bridgerton

Romance

Drama

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Not available

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From Shondaland and creator Chris Van Dusen, Netflix’s Bridgerton is based on the romance novels of the same name by author Julia Quinn. The series follows the eight Bridgerton siblings, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth, as they search for love during the social season and navigate life in Regency-era England.

Cast

Will Tilston , Rege-Jean Page , Ruth Gemmell , Luke Thompson , Isabella Cortese , Martins Imhangbe , Julie Andrews , Phoebe Dynevor , Ruby Stokes , Ruby Barker , Claudia Jessie , Adjoa Andoh , Nicola Coughlan , Golda Rosheuvel , Charithra Chandran , Ben Miller , Jonathan Bailey , Florence Hunt , Polly Walker , Shelley Conn , Joanna Bobin , Luke Newton , Simone Ashley

Release Date

December 25, 2020

Seasons

3

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Writers

Julia Quinn , Chris Van Dusen , Jess Brownell , Abby McDonald , Joy C. Mitchell

Directors

Tom Verica , Tricia Brock

Creator(s)

Chris Van Dusen

The historical romance Bridgerton took Netflix by storm and became one of the streamer's most popular series after it first aired in 2020. Much in the same way that My Lady Jane depicted an alternative history with a racially integrated monarchy, Bridgerton also cast actors of all races to play characters who, during the real historical period, would have faced major discrimination and prejudice. Bridgeton explained these casting choices as the alternative London Regency era, in which the monarchy established racial equality.

In the same way that My Lady Jane began the question of “what if history were different,” Bridgerton did not allow itself to be boxed in by the expectations of the historical romance genre. With a clever mix of Regency-era style and the exciting scandal that made series like Gossip Girl so successful, Bridgerton was a true crowd-pleaser and a highly bingeable series. With no signs of its popularity slowing down and even a spin-off series already released, Bridgerton would be the perfect antidote to those craving something similar to My Lady Jane.

5 Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

1 season

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Biography

Drama

History

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Not available

Not available

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is the first spinoff series in the Bridgerton franchise from Netflix. The limited series was created by Shonda Rhimes and focuses on a 17-year-old Queen Charlotte as she rises to power and marries King George.India Ria Amarteifio plays the young Queen Charlotte, who was originally played by Golda Rosheuvel in Bridgerton.

Cast

India Amarteifio , Adjoa Andoh , Michelle Fairley , Ruth Gemmell , Golda Rosheuvel , Corey Mylchreest

Release Date

May 4, 2023

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Franchise(s)

Bridgerton

Writers

Shonda Rhimes , Nicholas Nardini

Directors

Tom Verica

Showrunner

Shonda Rhimes

Both the main Bridgerton series and My Lady Jane have utilized an alternative history style that allowed characters of all races to be cast in any role the writers chose, regardless of those earlier eras’ racial prejudices and discrimination. This was also prominently seen in the Bridgerton spin-off series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which served as a prequel explaining the rise of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The series was a major success that highlighted the potential of an entire Bridgerton franchise.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story worked well because of the way its multicultural society in the precipice of great change mimicked modern concerns and political topics in 21st-century America. As a spin-off, Queen Charlotte succeeded and added the series lore without feeling like an unnecessary addition or a cash grab quickly thrown together in the light of other series' popularity. Queen Charlotte received overwhelmingly positive reviews and would certainly appeal to those who enjoyed My Lady Jane.

4 Another Period (2013 - 2018)

3 seasons

Another Period

TV-14

Comedy

History

Another Period is a satirical comedy series set in the early 20th century that follows the lives of the Bellacourt family and their servants. Created by Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome, the show parodies reality TV tropes and highlights the absurdity and extravagance of the Gilded Age as the characters navigate social climbing, scandals, and eccentricities. It stars Natasha Leggero, Riki Lindhome, and Michael Ian Black.

Cast

Natasha Leggero , Riki Lindhome , Armen Weitzman , Michael Ian Black , Beth Dover , Jason Ritter , Paget Brewster , Brett Gelman

Character(s)

Lillian Bellacourt , Beatrice Bellacourt , Garfield , Peepers , Blanche , Frederick Bellacourt , Dodo Bellacourt , Hamish Crassus

Release Date

June 1, 2013

Seasons

3

Main Genre

Comedy

Creator(s)

Natasha Leggero , Riki Lindhome

took the comedic aspects of series like My Lady Jane and kicked them into hyperdrive by highlighting the most absurd aspects of period dramas and historical television series. Directed by Jeremy Konner, who previously co-created the similar historical satire Drunk History, Another Period was a hilarious reflection of times past juxtaposed with the absurdities of modern culture. As a spoof that presented its own take on reality TV shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians and paired them with the setting of series like Downton Abbey, Another Period was like nothing else on television.

Led by two extraordinary performances by Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome, Another Period followed the lives of the Bellacourts at the turn of the 20th century. With a focus on the excesses of the rich and privileged, the series pointed its satirical finger at themes of class, social standing, and those born into wealth. Through a mix of fictional characters and historical figures, Another Period mimicked the blending of fact and fiction seen in My Lady Jane.

3 The Crown (2016 - 2023)

6 seasons

The Crown

TV-MA

Biography

Drama

History

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Not available

Not available

The Crown is a Netflix Historical Drama created by Peter Morgan and starring Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton. The series follows the life of ruler Queen Elizabeth II, outlining different points in her life.

Cast

Claire Foy , Olivia Colman , Imelda Staunton , Matt Smith , Tobias Menzies , Jonathan Pryce , Vanessa Kirby , Helena Bonham Carter , Lesley Manville , Victoria Hamilton , Marion Bailey , Marcia Warren

Release Date

November 4, 2016

Seasons

5

Writers

Peter Morgan

Main Genre

Biography

Website

https://www.netflix.com/title/80025678

Production Company

Sony Pictures Television, Left Bank Pictures

Number of Episodes

50

Although The Crown was a far more accurate retelling of the history of the British royal family, it must be admitted that, at times, it played into the same fantasy mythmaking as My Lady Jane. The Crown told the true story of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II over six decades, with a changing cast every two seasons to represent the passage of time. While The Crown has been criticized for its accuracy, the way the show captured the life and legacy of the longest-reigning British monarch and its incredible popularity were a testament to its quality and entertainment value.

The three women who played the Queen, Claire Foy, Olivia Coleman, and Imelda Staunton, all performed extraordinarily well and were surrounded by a talented ensemble cast. The Crown shone a new light on previously known history and reignited interest in the royal family for young generations who were not as familiar with the historical relevance of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Overall, The Crown was wildly entertaining and a powerful depiction of one of the most influential women who ever lived.

2 Dickinson (2019 - 2021)

3 seasons

Dickinson

Biography

Comedy

Drama

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Not available

Not available

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.

Cast

Anna Baryshnikov , Hailee Steinfeld , Wiz Khalifa , Jane Krakowski , Adrian Blake Enscoe , Toby Huss , Ella Hunt

Release Date

November 1, 2019

Seasons

3

Streaming Service(s)

Apple TV+

Writers

Alena Smith

Directors

Alena Smith

Showrunner

Alena Smith

One of the most impressive aspects of My Lady Jane was the way it blended period drama with modern concerns and themes of feminism and empowerment, which can also be seen in the Apply TV+ series Dickinson. As a depiction of the life of poet Emily Dickinson, Dickinson explored themes of gender roles, sexual identity, and artistic expression through the lens of one of America’s most enduring writers. With the use of modern language and music, Dickinson had a lot in common with My Lady Jane.

Dickinson ran for three seasons and starred Hailee Steinfeld as the titular poet, whose ambitions were in stark contrast with the societal expectations of those growing up in 1800s Massachusetts. While little was known about the personal life of the real Dickinson, this series filled in the gaps with a modern interpretation influenced by contemporary concerns. As a series that maintained incredible quality throughout its three seasons, Dickinson deserved to reach a far larger audience than it did.

1 The Great (2020 - 2023)

3 seasons

The Great

Comedy

Drama

Biography

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

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.

Cast

Sacha Dhawan , Adam Godley , Richard Pyros , Belinda Bromilow , Elle Fanning , Gwilym Lee , Sebastian de Souza , Phoebe Fox , Charity Wakefield , Nicholas Hoult , Douglas Hodge , Bayo Gbadamosi

Release Date

May 15, 2020

Seasons

3

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Writers

Tony McNamara

Directors

Tony McNamara

Showrunner

Tony McNamara

One series that could have influenced My Lady Jane was the alternative history The Great, which told a satirical story loosely based on the rise to power of Empress Catherine the Great of Russia. With Elle Fanning in the starring role and a talented ensemble cast that included Nicholas Hoult, The Great was not a series that aimed for historical accuracy and was even marketed by Hulu as anti-historical. This willingness to divert from the true historical account to make way for the series' aims was also seen prominently in My Lady Jane.

The Great was subtitled the “occasionally true story” in its first two seasons before being called “an almost entirely untrue story” in its third and final season, which highlighted its unreliable nature. With a revisionist tone that recontextualized Catherine, The Great used its 18th-century Russian setting to highlight contemporary concerns and acted as a smart satire with plenty to say. With lots in common with My Lady Jane,The Great would act as the perfect replacement series for those looking for something similar to watch.