Historical Shows and Films to Watch

Nizee Roldan

Even before the pandemic, watching shows and films has been one of the many leisure activities people spend hours on. Different genres take the interest of many with impressive acting, interesting plot, and aesthetic cinematography. During the lockdown, there are only a few things that can be done especially with the quarantine protocols; with one of them being watching series and movies at home. The online streaming platform Netflix is one of the services that offers a wide variety of shows and films readily available upon subscription. The most viewed series on Netflix would be Bridgerton, with a total of 82 million viewers. Bridgerton is a drama series based on the historical fiction novel of Julia Quinn. The setting takes place in the 19th Century, with the main focus on Daphne Bridgerton, who has come of age for matchmaking. Upon watching, the series showed humorous and dramatic scenes, along with a mystery which unfolds in the end.

Following the most viewed series being a historical story, here are suggestions for those who love a similar setting.

1. Anne with an E - Anne with an E is a drama series based on the novel of Lucy Maud Montgomery, which takes place in Canada of the 19th Century. With 3 seasons on Netflix, it shares the story of Anne Shirley Cuthbert in detail: a bright, imaginative girl with her struggles of being an orphan and finding a family in Green Gables, her foster home, up until her growth and maturity where she pursues further education. The show gives a lot of emotion to their viewers, her pains and frustrations of being different in the society, and her learning to adjust, and being able to make good memories with her friends.

2. Enola Holmes - Enola Holmes is a film based on the fiction series of Nancy Springer, which focuses on the story of the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, taking place in England of the 19th Century. The movie gives sight of the adventurous point in her life, accompanied with humor, thrill, and drama. She traveled to find her mother in creative and smart ways, facing challenges along the way and even life-or-death situations.

3. The Duchess (2008) - The Duchess is a film based on a true story, the story of Georgiana Devonshire, the great-great-great-great aunt of Diana Spencer, which takes place in 18th Century London. The movie shows her married life with the Duke, her struggles with his affairs and her lack of freedom. It perfectly shows the strength of Georgiana who continuously endured the hardships of her life and her sacrifices to love her children.

4. Alienist - Alienist is a series based on the novel of Caleb Carr, which takes place in New York City of the 19th Century. It is a crime drama where Dr. Laszlo Kreisler investigates the series of murders of boy prostitutes. The series offers suspenseful and thrilling scenes of Dr. Kreisler and his team uncovering the truth. It has 2 seasons on Netflix, with the second season opening the investigation of another case.

5. The Queen’s Gambit - also a well-loved series on Netflix, The Queen’s Gambit is a series that takes place in the 20th Century. It shares the story of Beth Harmon, who became world-famous for having excellence in chess at a young age; competing in national championships to competing with masters and grandmasters. The series shows her breezing through popularity; yet also shows, along the way, her struggles and overcoming them with help from friends she made in her field.

These are only a few chosen suggestions among the numerous films and shows that have aired, but they are worth watching until the very end.