HBO’s The Gilded Age has made 1880s New York a fascinating setting for television drama. The series follows Bertha Russell as she tries to break into the world of established wealthy families, facing resistance from old-money figures such as Agnes van Rhijn. At the same time, the servants working downstairs have their own conflicts and personal struggles.

With Season 4 now airing, viewers can look forward to more rivalries, glamorous parties, and beautiful period costumes. However, The Gilded Age is far from the only historical drama built around wealth, class, and social status.

Created by Julian Fellowes, the HBO series has a distinctive mix of family drama, social competition, and detailed production design. Here are six other period dramas ranked by how closely they match its themes, storytelling, costumes, and overall atmosphere.

6. The Great Turns Royal Politics Into Dark Comedy

Hulu’s The Great takes a very different approach to historical drama. Described as an “occasionally true story,” the series uses 18th-century Russia as the setting for sharp satire, outrageous humor, and political chaos.

Elle Fanning plays Catherine, an outsider who enters a royal court filled with people who underestimate her. As she learns how the system works, Catherine begins finding ways to outsmart those around her.

The series also stands out for its pastel-colored costumes and lavish palace interiors. Fans who enjoy watching Bertha Russell challenge powerful families may find Catherine equally entertaining. However, The Great ranks last because its wild comedy and darker tone are quite different from the more traditional drama of The Gilded Age.

5. Dickinson Follows a Young Woman Challenging Society’s Expectations

Apple TV’s Dickinson is the only other series on this list set in 19th-century America. Starring Hailee Steinfeld, the show follows a young Emily Dickinson growing up in Massachusetts during the 1850s.

At a time when women were expected to marry well and follow strict social rules, Emily wants to build a life on her own terms. Her determination to challenge those expectations is similar to Marian Brook’s desire for independence in The Gilded Age.

The series also features period-appropriate hoop skirts and bonnets. However, its use of modern slang and contemporary pop music gives it a more unusual style than a traditional historical drama.

Despite those differences, Dickinson ranks above The Great because its American setting and focus on women’s roles in society make it a closer match to HBO’s series.

4. The Crown Shows Tradition Struggling to Keep Up With Change

Netflix’s The Crown follows Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign, exploring the challenges faced by the British royal family over six seasons.

One of its central themes is the conflict between long-standing traditions and a changing world. The royal family constantly faces pressure to protect its reputation and preserve its established way of life, much like the old-money families in The Gilded Age trying to keep the Russells out of their social circle.

The series also delivers the kind of impressive production quality that fans of Julian Fellowes’ drama may appreciate. Its elaborate gowns, royal jewelry, and detailed palace settings create a convincing world of wealth and power.

However, The Crown focuses more heavily on political events, royal responsibilities, and personal sacrifices than social climbing. That difference places it at number four.

3. Pride and Prejudice Remains a Classic Story About Class and Marriage

The BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice remains one of the most beloved period dramas. Although it was released decades ago, its story still shares many themes with The Gilded Age.

Money, family reputation, social position, and marriage shape the lives of the characters. The Bennet family faces pressure to find suitable husbands for the daughters, while Mrs. Bennet’s matchmaking efforts bring to mind Bertha Russell’s plans for Gladys.

The miniseries also features beautiful Regency-era costumes and elegant country estates. Its attention to social expectations makes it a strong choice for viewers who enjoy the class conflicts in HBO’s series.

It ranks below Bridgerton because it has fewer competing families fighting for influence and status. Still, its focus on marriage and social standing makes it a closer thematic match than The Crown.

2. Bridgerton Brings the Social Season and Marriage Market to Life

Netflix’s Bridgerton is one of the closest matches to The Gilded Age in terms of its focus on high society. Both series revolve around a social season where balls, dinners, and personal connections can have a major impact on a family’s reputation.

The competition between wealthy families also feels familiar. The Featheringtons’ efforts to improve their position in society resemble the Russells’ attempts to gain acceptance among New York’s established elite.

Ambitious mothers play an important role in both stories, often pushing their daughters toward advantageous marriages. Their plans create rivalries, romantic complications, and plenty of social drama.

Bridgerton also stands out for its extravagant costumes and colorful settings. However, its modern soundtrack and bold visual style give the series a more fantasy-like version of history. That is the main reason it falls short of the top spot.

1. Downton Abbey Is the Perfect Companion to The Gilded Age

For viewers looking for a series most similar to The Gilded Age, Downton Abbey is the clear winner. Both dramas were created by Julian Fellowes and explore the lives of wealthy families alongside the servants who work for them.

In Downton Abbey, the Crawley family struggles to protect its traditional way of life as society changes around them. Their concerns mirror the old-money families in The Gilded Age, who fear losing their influence as ambitious newcomers such as the Russells gain power.

The two shows also share a similar storytelling style, giving attention to both the glamorous world upstairs and the personal dramas unfolding among the staff downstairs.

With elegant period costumes, grand estates, and complicated family relationships, Downton Abbey offers much of what makes The Gilded Age so entertaining. Its six-season story and three films further strengthen its place at the top of this ranking.

For fans who enjoy Julian Fellowes’ approach to historical drama, Downton Abbey is an ideal series to watch next.

Which of these six period dramas would you recommend to fans of The Gilded Age? Share your thoughts in the comments.