Summary
My Lady Janewas 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 ofMy Lady Jane, several similar shows could fill the gap left by the series. Fromthe absurd comedy ofThe Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpinto the far more realistic depictions of monarchy seen inThe Crown, many shows captured the same infectious energy asMy Lady Jane. As a series that blended modern sensibilities with an earlier historical setting,My Lady Janebrought to mind some of the most successful series in recent years.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin
Cast
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.
Much in the same way thatMy Lady Janetook historical figures and blended their stories with fact and fiction,The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpinhad a basis in reality. With Noel Fielding in the title role, playingthe 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 Booshand for his role inThe 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 Turpinwas 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 Turpinwould appeal to those who connected with the more comedic aspectsof My Lady Jane.
Renegade Nell
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.
For viewers who connected with the fantasy side ofMy Lady Janeand were fascinated by its concept of animal-shifting Ethians,Renegade Nellwould be the perfect replacement series to check out next. WithDerry Girlsstar 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.
LikeMy Lady Jane,Renegade Nellwas a highly humorous historical fantasy series packed to the rafters with clever ideas. With fantastic writing and strong performances throughout,Renegade Nellwalked the fine line between family-friendly television and edgy sensationalism. As a series made byHappy Valleycreator Sally Wainwright,Renegade Nellmaintained the same level of quality as her previous work and stood as a rich female-led highwaywoman epic that deserved to get more attention.
Belgravia: The Next Chapter
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.
My Lady Janehad 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, likeKilling EveandSex Education, but those who want to see him in a similar type of period drama should check outBelgravia: The Next Chapter. While Bluemel was not the lead character, he did appear throughout as Dr. Stephen Ellerby.
Belgravia: The Next Chapterwas a Victorian period drama that served as a sequel to the beloved Julian Fellowes' limited seriesBelgravia. Picking up 25 years after the previous show’s conclusion,Belgravia: The Next Chaptershowcased 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 inMy Lady Janeso effective.
Upstart Crow
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.
Part of the appeal ofMy Lady Janewas 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 sitcomUpstart Crowand its treatment of the legacy of William Shakespeare. With David Mitchell in the lead role,Upstart Crowwas an enjoyable piece of comedy that blended everyday sitcom scenarios with clever allusions to the world’s most famous playwright’s work.
Upstart Crowwas initially produced to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. It was created by Ben Elton, also known for other acclaimed British sitcoms likeThe Young OnesandBlackadder. WhileUpstart Crow’swriting 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.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton, released on July 23, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
The historical romanceBridgertontook Netflix by stormand became one of the streamer’s most popular series after it first aired in 2020. Much in the same way thatMy Lady Janedepicted an alternative history with a racially integrated monarchy,Bridgertonalso cast actors of all races to play characters who, during the real historical period, would have faced major discrimination and prejudice.Bridgetonexplained these casting choices as the alternative London Regency era, in which the monarchy established racial equality.
In the same way thatMy Lady Janebegan the question of “what if history were different,”Bridgertondid 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 likeGossip Girlso successful,Bridgertonwas 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,Bridgertonwould be the perfect antidote to those craving something similar toMy Lady Jane.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
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.
Both the mainBridgertonseries andMy Lady Janehave 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 theBridgertonspin-off seriesQueen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which served asa prequel explaining the rise of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The series was a major success that highlighted the potential of an entireBridgertonfranchise.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Storyworked 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 Charlottesucceeded 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 Charlottereceived overwhelmingly positive reviews and would certainly appeal to those who enjoyedMy Lady Jane.
Another Period
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.
took the comedic aspects of series likeMy Lady Janeand 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 satireDrunk History,Another Periodwas 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 likeKeeping Up with the Kardashiansand paired them with the setting of series likeDownton Abbey,Another Periodwas like nothing else on television.
Led by two extraordinary performances by Natasha Leggero and Riki Lindhome,Another Periodfollowed 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 Periodmimicked the blending of fact and fiction seen inMy Lady Jane.
The Crown
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.
AlthoughThe Crownwas 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 asMy Lady Jane.The Crowntold 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. WhileThe Crownhas 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 Crownshone 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 Crownwas wildly entertaining and a powerful depiction of one of the most influential women who ever lived.
Dickinson
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.
One of the most impressive aspects ofMy Lady Janewas the way it blended period drama with modern concerns and themes of feminism and empowerment, which can also be seen in the Apply TV+ seriesDickinson. As a depiction of the life of poet Emily Dickinson,Dickinsonexplored 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 withMy Lady Jane.
Dickinson ran for three seasons andstarred 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,Dickinsondeserved to reach a far larger audience than it did.
The Great
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.
One series that could have influencedMy Lady Janewas the alternative historyThe 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 Greatwas 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 inMy Lady Jane.
The Greatwas 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 Greatused its 18th-century Russian setting to highlight contemporary concernsand acted as a smart satire with plenty to say. With lots in common withMy Lady Jane,The Greatwould act as the perfect replacement series for those looking for something similar to watch.
