Peaky Blinders isn’t just another crime show. It’s the crime show people recommend with a slightly intense look in their eyes, like they need you to experience it so they can talk about it more.

So… What Is Peaky Blinders?

Set in post–World War I Birmingham, England, the show follows the Shelby family—a charming group of gangsters who solve most of their problems with a mix of strategy, intimidation, and… more intimidation.

At the center of it all is Thomas Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy—a man who looks like he hasn’t slept since 1918 and somehow runs an entire criminal empire anyway.

What starts as a small-time betting operation quickly escalates into:

• Violent turf wars
• Political power plays
• International crime dealings
• And a surprising amount of family drama

Because yes—this is technically a gangster show, but it’s also deeply about family. A very complicated, slightly terrifying family, but still.

Why People Are Absolutely Obsessed

Let’s break it down.

The Vibes Are Immaculate

1920s fashion? Incredible.
Cinematography? Cinematic.
Soundtrack? Somehow it’s modern rock and it works.

This show made slow-motion walking in suits feel like a personality trait.

It’s Not Just Crime—It’s Trauma

Unlike your average “bad guys doing bad things” show, Peaky Blinders dives deep into the emotional cost of power.

Tommy Shelby isn’t just building an empire—he’s battling PTSD, guilt, and the weight of every decision he makes.

Fun!

The Stakes Are Always High

Every season somehow raises the tension:

• Rival gangs (the Birmingham Boys, the Changrettas, etc.)
• Government interference
• Internal family betrayal

It’s basically a constant loop of “this can’t get worse” immediately followed by “oh, it got worse.”

It’s All About Family (But Like… Intense Family)

At its core, the show is about loyalty, betrayal, and the fine line between protecting your family and completely ruining them.

Enter: The Next Chapter

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

Just when you thought the Shelby saga might let you emotionally recover… it doesn’t.

Set in 1940 during World War II, The Immortal Man brings us back to a retired (but let’s be honest, never really retired) Tommy Shelby.

After living in exile, Tommy is pulled back into the chaos when his estranged son, Duke, gets tangled up in a Nazi counterfeit operation. 

Now Tommy has to return to Birmingham for what looks like his final reckoning—facing new enemies, old demons, and the consequences of everything he’s built.

Let’s Address the Obvious: It Gets… Intense

There is no universe where a 1920s gangster drama is described as “light viewing.”

Between the language, violence, and occasional “maybe don’t watch this with your parents” moments, Peaky Blinders definitely earns its gritty reputation.

Which is exactly why VidAngel exists.

Watch Peaky Blinders Without the “Wait… Was That Necessary?” Moments

With VidAngel, you can still get:

• The power moves
• The plot twists
• The iconic Tommy Shelby speeches

But without:

• Profanity
• Nudity
• Graphic violence

Same story. Less “welp, that escalated quickly.”

By Order of… You, Honestly

Peaky Blinders is stylish, intense, emotional, and just the right amount of chaotic. It’s the kind of show that pulls you in, ruins your sleep schedule, and leaves you thinking about it days later.

And with the recent release of The Immortal Man, now is the perfect time to finally watch it—or rewatch it and pretend you’re picking up on “new details.”

No judgment.

Just don’t forget—you can watch it your way.

The post Peaky Blinders: A Stylish Crime Saga appeared first on VidAngel Blog.

The Bridgerton family is large, emotional, and aggressively romantic. Which is kind of the point. This recap will walk you through all eight Bridgerton siblings, where they started, where they are now, and why each of them still matters heading into Season 4.

Consider this your refresher. No rewatch required.

The Bridgerton Siblings (In Birth Order)

Because yes, birth order matters in this family.

Anthony Bridgerton – The Responsible One (Eventually)

Season focus: Season 2

Anthony is the eldest Bridgerton sibling and the Viscount, meaning he inherited the title, the responsibility, and the emotional repression.

In Season 1, Anthony is controlling, stressed, and deeply allergic to vulnerability. By Season 2, we finally understand why: unresolved grief, fear of love, and an overwhelming sense of duty.

Enter Kate Sharma, who challenges him at every turn and refuses to let him hide behind obligation. Their slow-burn romance is chaotic, intense, and worth the wait.

Where he is now: Married, in love, and slightly less stressed—but still very much Anthony.

Benedict Bridgerton – The Artistic Middle Child

Season focus: Season 4

Benedict is the free spirit. The painter. The sibling constantly questioning society, class, and whether he actually wants the life he was born into.

He spends much of the series feeling like he doesn’t belong—too unconventional for the ton, too privileged to fully escape it. His story has been quietly developing in the background.

Where he is now: Searching for purpose, creative fulfillment, and about to become very important.

Colin Bridgerton – The Traveler Turned Romantic Lead

Season focus: Season 3

Colin starts the series as charming, well-meaning, and a little lost. He travels, writes, and avoids settling down.

Season 3 brings Colin into full romantic focus with Penelope Featherington, transforming their long-standing friendship into something deeper, more complicated, and emotionally charged.

Colin’s growth is about maturity—learning who he is without running away and finally seeing what’s been in front of him the whole time.

Where he is now: Married, grounded, and significantly more self-aware.

Daphne Bridgerton – The One Who Started It All

Season focus: Season 1

Daphne is the eldest Bridgerton daughter and the family’s first romantic lead. Her season sets the tone for the entire series: high-stakes courtship, societal pressure, and the reality of marriage behind closed doors.

Her romance with Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, is intense, complicated, and central to establishing the emotional DNA of the show.

Where she is now: Married with children, less visible in later seasons but always part of the family foundation.

Eloise Bridgerton – The Rule Breaker

Season focus: Strong subplot, especially Seasons 2–3

Eloise has never been interested in marriage, children, or the expectations placed on women of the ton. She’s curious, outspoken, and deeply frustrated by societal limitations.

Her journey so far has focused on friendship, independence, and ideological conflict—especially her complicated relationship with Penelope.

Her eventual romance is quieter, more unexpected, and challenges her assumptions about love and independence.

Where she is now: Questioning everything, slightly disillusioned, and very much on her own path.

Francesca Bridgerton – The Quiet One With the Emotional Depth

Season focus: Season 3 (kind of)

Francesca has often been in the background, but Season 3 brings her into sharper focus. She’s reserved, introspective, and deeply emotional beneath the surface.

Her story is one of the most mature in the series, dealing with grief and second chances.

Where she is now: On the cusp of a story that book readers know is quietly devastating.

Gregory Bridgerton – The Hopeless Romantic (In Training)

Season focus: Background (for now)

Gregory is still young in the show, but book readers know he grows into a true romantic—dramatic declarations and all.

He idolizes love, believes in grand gestures, and has one of the most energetic romantic arcs of the siblings.

Where he is now: Growing up, watching his siblings, and absorbing far more chaos than anyone should.

Hyacinth Bridgerton – The Chaos Queen

Season focus: Background fan favorite

Hyacinth is observant, witty, and not fooled by anyone. She sees everything, says most of it, and has absolutely no interest in pretending otherwise.

Her future love story is playful, clever, and perfectly matched to her personality.

Where she is now: Young, sharp, and clearly destined to run circles around everyone later.

What This Means for Season 4

By the time Season 4 arrives, several Bridgertons are settled—but not all of them. The groundwork has been laid for deeper stories, quieter romances, and emotional arcs that move beyond first love.

If Bridgerton has taught us anything, it’s this:

• No sibling stays in the background forever
• Love shows up when you least expect it
• And family will absolutely comment on it

You’re officially caught up.

Now you’re ready for Season 4—and whatever dramatic, romantic chaos the Bridgertons bring next. And filtered through VidAngel of course. 

The post The Bridgerton Sibling Recap appeared first on VidAngel Blog.

Here’s your warning: spoilers ahead.

Bridgerton Season 1 Recap

The Bridgerton Family Debuts

The Bridgerton family—eight siblings and their widowed mother Violet—takes center stage. Daphne, the eldest daughter, makes her society debut and catches Queen Charlotte’s eye. The Queen names her the “diamond of the season.”

Meanwhile, Daphne’s younger sister Eloise scoffs at society’s marriage expectations. She mocks Daphne’s eagerness to find love.

Lady Whistledown Arrives

An anonymous gossip columnist named Lady Whistledown begins publishing scandalous details about London’s elite. The ton becomes obsessed with her rumors.

The Featherington family struggles to find matches for their daughters, Prudence, Phillippa, and Penelope. Then their new ward, Marina Thompson, unexpectedly becomes a sensation among suitors.

Simon and Daphne’s Fake Courtship

The Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, returns to London after his father’s death. His mentor, Lady Danbury, insists he attend social events, though he’s determined never to marry.

Anthony Bridgerton, as head of the family, manages Daphne’s debut. He clashes with her over suitors, especially the insufferable Lord Berbrooke.

Daphne finds herself drawn to Simon, who shuns marriage due to a deathbed vow to his father. Despite initial disagreements, they form a pact: fake romantic interest to manipulate their social standing.

Benedict’s Artistic Discovery

Benedict Bridgerton begins exploring his passion for art beyond his family’s expectations. He attends Henry Granville’s bohemian gatherings, where he’s exposed to a world far different from the ton’s rigid social structure.

At one of these parties, Benedict becomes entangled in an unexpected encounter with Madame Delacroix. He also witnesses Henry in a compromising situation with another man, which challenges Benedict’s understanding of relationships and society’s expectations.

These experiences awaken something in Benedict—a desire to pursue art seriously and question the conventional path laid out for him as a gentleman. This marks the beginning of his journey toward finding his own identity outside his family’s expectations.

The Fake Romance Becomes Real

As their fake courtship continues, genuine feelings develop. At a ball, Simon becomes jealous when Prince Friedrich proposes to Daphne. This leads to a passionate encounter in the garden.

Anthony witnesses this exchange. His protective instincts lead to confrontations with Simon, culminating in a duel challenge. Daphne intervenes, declaring she’ll marry Simon to prevent bloodshed.

Simon reluctantly agrees but reveals he cannot have children. Daphne is devastated but agrees to marry him anyway.

Marina’s Scandal

Marina’s unexpected pregnancy threatens her reputation. The Featheringtons scramble to protect their image. Marina hopes the father of her child will come for her, but when that fails, she sets her sights on Colin Bridgerton.

Penelope Featherington overhears Marina’s plan to manipulate Colin into marriage. She’s heartbroken by the scheme.

The Wedding and Honeymoon

Daphne and Simon appeal to Queen Charlotte for an expedited marriage license. Simon admits their initial ruse but declares his genuine love. The Queen grants their request.

After their wedding, tensions arise during the honeymoon. Simon insists on separate rooms at an inn, upsetting Daphne. They argue about their marriage’s future before passionately reconciling.

At Simon’s estate, Daphne discovers the nursery. She realizes Simon hasn’t been entirely truthful about his infertility—his vow to his father was that he wouldn’t have children, not that he couldn’t.

Lady Whistledown Strikes Again

Colin announces his engagement to Marina, shocking the Bridgertons. But before they can elope to Scotland, Lady Whistledown reveals Marina’s pregnancy to the entire ton.

The scandal rocks both families. Daphne uses her status as Duchess to locate Marina’s former love, Sir George. When they learn George died in battle, his brother Phillip proposes to Marina. She eventually agrees.

Eloise’s Investigation

Eloise becomes obsessed with unmasking Lady Whistledown’s identity. She investigates various suspects, including Madame Delacroix.

Queen Charlotte also wants to expose Whistledown, threatening harsh consequences. After learning of the Queen’s plan, Eloise has a change of heart and thwarts the capture attempt.

Anthony and Siena

Anthony pursues an on-again, off-again affair with opera singer Siena. He invites her to a ball to reveal their relationship publicly. But when he arrives to escort her, she’s with another man. She explains she doesn’t belong in his world. They share a tearful goodbye and part ways for good.

Resolution and Revelations

Tensions between Simon and Daphne reach a breaking point over his refusal to have children. Violet’s advice inspires Daphne to reconcile with Simon during a rainstorm. They commit to their marriage despite challenges.

Lord Featherington is killed by those he defrauded at a boxing match, leaving the Featheringtons facing financial ruin.

The season concludes with two major revelations:

• Penelope is revealed as Lady Whistledown
• Daphne gives birth to a son with Simon

Bridgerton Season 2 Recap

Eloise’s Debut Season

The Bridgertons prepare for Eloise’s society debut. Daphne offers advice as Eloise battles panic attacks.

Meanwhile, Anthony discusses his criteria for a wife: tolerable appearance, wide hips for childbearing, and “half a brain.” He’s determined to marry for duty, not love.

The Sharmas Arrive

Lady Mary Sharma and her daughters—Edwina and Kate—arrive in London. Lady Danbury sponsors them for the season. Kate insists she’s there only for Edwina’s prospects, not her own.

At the first ball, Queen Charlotte declares Edwina the diamond of the season. She introduces Edwina to Anthony, much to Kate’s dismay.

Anthony Pursues Edwina

Anthony strategically pursues Edwina as the perfect match. But Kate remains a formidable obstacle, constantly questioning his sincerity.

During a horse ride, Anthony first encounters Kate. Their interaction is tense from the start. Kate’s independence clashes with Anthony’s persistence.

Tensions Rise at Aubrey Hall

The Sharmas visit Aubrey Hall, the Bridgerton estate. During a competitive game of pall-mall, tensions between Anthony and Kate intensify. They end up in the mud together, sharing a surprisingly light-hearted moment.

Daphne questions whether Edwina has truly won Anthony’s heart. She insists marriage should involve love, passion, and desire—not just duty.

The Bee Incident

Kate confronts Anthony about not proposing to Edwina. During their heated exchange, a bee lands on Kate’s lapel. Anthony panics, traumatized by his father’s death from a bee sting.

Kate calms him with an embrace. They share an intimate moment before Anthony abruptly runs off.

A Storm and a Library

A storm keeps both Anthony and Kate awake. They meet in the library, where Anthony opens up about his father’s death and his fears about love and loss.

At the next ball, tensions boil over into a heated confrontation in Anthony’s study. This leads to a passionate near-kiss, interrupted by Daphne.

Despite this charged moment, Anthony proposes to Edwina.

The Sheffield Complication

The engagement announcement brings the arrival of Lady and Lord Sheffield—Edwina’s grandparents. They’ve stipulated that Edwina must marry nobility to secure their inheritance.

At an engagement dinner, the Sheffields insult Kate and Mary while challenging Edwina’s future. Anthony confronts them in a heated exchange.

Kate tries to explain the inheritance arrangement to Edwina, but feelings are revealed in an emotional moment with Anthony that remains unresolved.

The Wedding That Wasn’t

At the wedding, Edwina realizes the true feelings between Kate and Anthony. In a tender moment with Queen Charlotte, Edwina decides to end the engagement despite the public backlash.

After the failed wedding, Kate and Anthony finally share a passionate kiss.

Eloise and Penelope’s Rift

Meanwhile, Eloise continues investigating Lady Whistledown’s identity. Queen Charlotte suspects Eloise herself might be Whistledown after seeing her leave the wedding.

To protect herself and clear Eloise’s name, Penelope publishes a scandalous piece about Eloise’s visits to a radical print shop. This devastates both girls.

Kate’s Accident

Kate and Anthony’s forbidden attraction reaches a breaking point. They share a passionate encounter and make love.

The next morning, Anthony searches for Kate but finds her injured after falling from her horse. During her recovery, Anthony doesn’t visit, causing more strain.

Finally, at Violet’s urging, Anthony visits Kate to propose marriage. But Kate insists on returning to India.

The Featherington Scheme

The Featheringtons plot to defraud the ton with fake rubies. Jack Featherington receives investments for counterfeit jewels, planning to escape to America.

At the Featherington ball, Colin exposes Jack’s deceit. Portia forces Jack to leave London alone while securing her daughters’ inheritance by forging his signature.

Resolution and New Beginnings

At the Featherington ball, Kate and Anthony’s dance becomes a spectacle. After the Queen intervenes to stop the gossip, Anthony declares his love for Kate. As fireworks illuminate the sky, they share a passionate kiss.

Penelope’s evening ends differently. She dances with Colin, who later jokes to his friends that he’d never court Penelope Featherington. Devastated, she returns to her room—where Eloise discovers her hidden wealth and realizes Penelope is Lady Whistledown.

Their confrontation fractures their friendship. Eloise feels hurt and betrayed.

The season concludes with:

• Anthony and Kate happily married
• Benedict finding solace in painting
• Penelope resuming her role as Lady Whistledown despite her emotional turmoil
• The Bridgertons gathering for pall-mall, hinting at new challenges ahead

Bridgerton Season 3 Recap

Penelope’s Transformation

Season 3 focuses on Penelope Featherington’s transformation. After overhearing Colin’s dismissive remark about never courting her, Penelope decides to reinvent herself for the marriage market.

With a new wardrobe and renewed confidence, Penelope enters the season determined to find a husband. But her feelings for Colin haven’t disappeared.

Colin’s Return and Realization

Colin returns from his travels with a new worldly perspective. He notices Penelope’s transformation and offers to help her find a husband by teaching her confidence and flirtation.

As Colin spends time with Penelope, he begins seeing her in a new light. What started as friendship lessons evolves into genuine attraction.

The Courtship

Colin and Penelope’s relationship deepens through witty conversations and stolen moments. Colin struggles with his growing feelings, initially denying his attraction.

Meanwhile, Penelope grapples with her dual identity as Lady Whistledown. She knows revealing this secret could destroy any chance with Colin.

Eloise’s Distance

The rift between Penelope and Eloise continues. Eloise remains hurt by Penelope’s betrayal. Their broken friendship affects both girls throughout the season.

Eloise forms new friendships, distancing herself from both Penelope and the Whistledown obsession that once consumed her.

The Proposal and Truth

Colin finally admits his feelings and proposes to Penelope. She accepts, overjoyed. But guilt over her Lady Whistledown secret weighs on her.

Before their wedding, Penelope decides she must tell Colin the truth. She reveals she’s been Lady Whistledown all along.

Colin’s Struggle

Colin feels betrayed by Penelope’s deception. He’s particularly hurt that she wrote negatively about his family and about Marina’s pregnancy, which affected him personally.

He struggles to reconcile his love for Penelope with his anger over her secrets. The couple faces a crisis before their wedding.

The Featherington Drama

Portia continues scheming to secure her family’s financial future. New complications arise regarding the Featherington estate and inheritance.

Prudence and Philippa navigate their marriages while dealing with their mother’s machinations.

The Mondrich’s Rise

Will and Alice Mondrich inherit an estate and title, entering high society. They struggle with the expectations and prejudices of the ton while trying to maintain their authenticity.

Francesca’s Introduction

Francesca Bridgerton has her debut season. Unlike her siblings, she’s quiet and reserved. She prefers a calm, thoughtful approach to finding a husband.

Francesca catches the attention of several suitors, including John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin. Their understated courtship offers a stark contrast to the passionate Bridgerton romances.

Benedict’s Journey

Benedict continues exploring his identity and artistic passions. He attends more bohemian gatherings and questions societal expectations.

His journey of self-discovery hints at his own upcoming season.

The Balloon Scheme

Cressida Cowper, desperate for financial security after her engagement falls through, attempts to claim she’s Lady Whistledown. She begins publishing fake issues.

This scheme threatens Penelope’s identity and livelihood. The ton initially believes Cressida, creating tension.

The Big Reveal

To stop Cressida and protect her writing, Penelope makes a bold decision: she publicly reveals herself as Lady Whistledown at the Butterfly Ball.

The announcement shocks the ton. Queen Charlotte is furious at being deceived for so long.

Colin’s Support

Despite his hurt, Colin ultimately stands by Penelope. He defends her publicly, declaring his support for her.

Colin confronts his feelings and realizes that Penelope’s intelligence, wit, and writing ability are part of why he loves her. He comes to respect her accomplishment, even if her methods sometimes hurt people.

Queen Charlotte’s Response

Queen Charlotte threatens to ruin Penelope for her deception. But Penelope makes a compelling argument for Whistledown’s value to the ton and earns her mercy.

Eventually, the Queen grudgingly allows Penelope to continue writing—under certain conditions. This compromise protects both Penelope’s livelihood and the Queen’s pride.

Reconciliation and Marriage

Colin and Penelope reconcile before their wedding. They marry in a beautiful ceremony, finally united honestly.

Penelope continues writing as Lady Whistledown, but with Colin’s knowledge and support. She’s found a partner who accepts all of her.

Eloise and Penelope’s Friendship

By season’s end, Eloise and Penelope begin rebuilding their friendship. It’s tentative and complicated, but both girls miss each other.

Eloise starts to understand why Penelope became Whistledown, even if she doesn’t fully forgive the betrayal yet.

Francesca’s Marriage

Francesca accepts John Stirling’s proposal. Unlike other Bridgerton courtships, theirs is quiet and comfortable. They connect through a shared love of music and preference for peaceful companionship.

Francesca and John marry and prepare to move to Scotland, to John’s estate.

Setting Up Season 4

Penelope’s final Whistledown column teases the next season’s focus on Benedict Bridgerton, promising another compelling love story.

What’s next?

Feeling caught up after this Bridgerton recap? Season 4 will focus on Benedict Bridgerton’s romantic journey. Based on the book An Offer From a Gentleman, his story promises another enchanting romance.

Ready to filter the newest season of Bridgerton with VidAngel? Enjoy all the romance without the explicit content, and all the drama without the excessive language.

Want more Regency-era content? Check out watch else to watch if you like Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte.

The post Bridgerton Recap: Everything You Need To Know Before Season 4 appeared first on VidAngel Blog.

For those that aren’t familiar, it’s A Knight’s Tale meets Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, with a another sunset + sunrise anticipatory dread similar to Shrek. My Lady Jane is rated TV-MA for sex, violence, and nudity. If you want to experience this TV series of the month without all of the sex scenes and beheading, watch it with VidAngel.

If you loved a strong, independent woman that needs no man, but still fell for one with a big secret, check out: Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

The story of how the young Queen Charlotte’s marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton.

TMDB: 81% 

Rated TV-MA for sex, nudity, and profanity.

Check out: 14 shows and movies to watch after Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Family Cut Suitable for Grandma

Want to watch Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story without sex, nudity, and profanity? You can with VidAngel.

Looking for another satirical romance masked as another period piece: A Knight’s Tale

William Thatcher, a knight’s peasant apprentice, gets a chance at glory when the knight dies suddenly mid-tournament. Posing as a knight himself, William won’t stop until he’s crowned tournament champion—assuming matters of the heart don’t get in the way.

Rated PG-13 for profanity, nudity, and violence. Want to watch A Knight’s Tale without profanity, nudity, and violence? You can with VidAngel.

If you loved the “has good intentions” but can’t seem to get anything right but is still finding her way: Fleabag

A comedy series adapted from the award-winning play about a young woman trying to cope with life in London while coming to terms with a recent tragedy.

TMDB: 83%

Rated TV-MA for nudity, sex, and profanity. 

Want to watch Fleabag without nudity, sex, and profanity? You can with VidAngel.

If you love an incredible “will they, won’t they, you know they will, but it’s still suspenseful” period drama: Bridgerton

Wealth, lust, and betrayal set in the backdrop of Regency era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.

TMDB: 81%

Rated TV-MA for nudity and sex.

Want to watch Bridgerton without nudity and sex scenes? You can with VidAngel. 

If you love a good damsel in distress becomes the heroine moment: Damsel

A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. Thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, she must rely on her wits and will to survive.

TMDB: 71%

Rated PG-13 for graphic violence. 

Want to watch Damsel without graphic violence? You can with VidAngel. 

If you’re more than a little bit petty and tired of the patriarchy: Why Women Kill

Three women living in three different decades: a housewife in the ’60s, a socialite in the ’80s, and a lawyer in 2018, deal with infidelity in their marriages.

TMDB: 80%

Rated TV-MA for nudity, sex, and profanity.
Want to watch Why Women Kill without nudity, sex, and violence? You can with VidAngel. 

You love a dramatic take on an equally dramatic queen: The Serpent Queen

Considered an immigrant, common and plain, Catherine de Medici is married into the 16th-century French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid, and she’s unable to conceive. Yet, only with her intelligence and determination, she manages to keep her marriage alive and masters the bloodsport that is the monarchy better than anyone else, ruling France for 50 years.

TMDB: 77%

Rated TV-MA for sex, nudity, and profanity.

Want to watch The Serpent Queen without sex, nudity, and profanity? You can with VidAngel. 

If you love a girl that can stand on her own, has a deep love for nature, but who also has a dark secret: Where the Crawdads Sing

Abandoned by her family, Kya raises herself all alone in the marshes outside of her small town. When her former boyfriend is found dead, Kya is instantly branded by the local townspeople and law enforcement as the prime suspect for his murder.

TMDB: 75%

Rated PG-13 for profanity, sex scenes, and nudity.

Want to watch Where the Crawdads Sing without profanity, sex scenes, and nudity? You can with VidAngel.

You love a good debutante season with a bunch of gal pals going after a title: The Buccaneers

A group of fun-loving American girls burst onto the scene in tightly corseted 1870s London, kicking off an Anglo-American culture clash. Sent to secure husbands and status, the buccaneers’ hearts are set on much more than that.

TMDB: 75%

Rated TV-14 for implied sex and blasphemy.

If you want another historical drama about one of the greatest ascensions to the throne of all time: Victoria

The story of Queen Victoria, who came to the throne at a time of great economic turbulence and resurgent republicanism – and died 64 years later the head of the largest empire the world had ever seen, having revitalized the throne’s public image and become “grandmother of Europe”.

TMDB: 73%

Rated TV-PG for blasphemy, sexual innuendos, and childish language.

Oh look, another period drama with a splash of satire: Persuasion

Living with her snobby family on the brink of bankruptcy, Anne Elliot is a nonconforming woman with modern sensibilities. When Frederick Wentworth – the dashing one she once sent away – crashes back into her life, Anne must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.

TMDB: 60%

Rated PG for blasphemy and childish language. 

[no “Want to watch” section like above?]

SPOILER: If you love a good “marrying the betrothed’s sibling” plot twist from: The Empress

Two young people meet. A fateful encounter – the proverbial love at first sight. He is Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, she is Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Bavaria and the sister of the woman Franz is to marry…

TMDB: 77%

Rated TV-MA for sex, nudity, and profanity.

Want to watch The Empress without the sex, nudity, and profanity? You can with VidAngel. 

If you love the monarchy in any capacity: The Crown

The gripping, decades-spanning inside story of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers who shaped Britain’s post-war destiny. The Crown tells the inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world – Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street – and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Two houses, two courts, one Crown.

TMDB: 82%

Rated TV-MA for sex, nudity, profanity, and blasphemy. 

Want to watch The Crown without the sex, nudity, profanity, and blasphemy? You can with VidAngel.

You love fantasy, people turning into animals, and healing division in society: Shadow and Bone

In a world cleaved in two by a massive barrier of perpetual darkness, a young soldier uncovers a power that might finally unite her country. But as she struggles to hone her power, dangerous forces plot against her. Thugs, thieves, assassins and saints are at war now, and it will take more than magic to survive.

TMDB: 79%

Rated TV-14 for violence and gore. 

Want to watch Shadow and Bone without the violence and gore? You can with VidAngel.

You want another quirky narration that’s a bit out-of-pocket: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

After high school slacker Ferris Bueller successfully fakes an illness in order to skip school for the day, he goes on a series of adventures throughout Chicago with his girlfriend Sloane and best friend Cameron, all the while trying to outwit his wily school principal and fed-up sister.

TMDB: 76%

Rated PG-13 for profanity, nudity, and blasphemy.

Want to watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off without profanity, nudity, and blasphemy? You can with VidAngel. 

All you want is a narrator who breaks the fourth wall with some British flair, might we also suggest: Enola Holmes

While searching for her missing mother, intrepid teen Enola Holmes uses her sleuthing skills to outsmart big brother Sherlock and help a runaway lord.

TMDB: 72%

Rated PG-13 for profanity, blasphemy, and violence. 

Want to watch Enola Holmes without the profanity, blasphemy, and violence? You can with VidAngel. 

You don’t take yourself or your shows too seriously: The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin 

Legendary highwayman Dick Turpin sets out on a series of wildly absurd escapades when he’s made the reluctant leader of a band of outlaws—and tasked with outwitting utterly corrupt lawman Jonathan Wilde.

TMDB: 65%

Rated TV-14 for profanity, blasphemy, violence, and sexual innuendos. 

You love a forbidden love and you’re a little bit toxic: Twilight

When Bella Swan moves to a small town in the Pacific Northwest, she falls in love with Edward Cullen, a mysterious classmate who reveals himself to be a 108-year-old vampire. Despite Edward’s repeated cautions, Bella can’t stay away from him, a fatal move that endangers her own life.

TMDB: 63%

Rated PG-13 for violence, blasphemy, and sexual innuendos. 

Another independent queen that fell for another beast: Wednesday

Wednesday Addams is sent to Nevermore Academy, a bizarre boarding school where she attempts to master her psychic powers, stop a monstrous killing spree of the town citizens, and solve the supernatural mystery that affected her family 25 years ago — all while navigating her new relationships.

TMDB: 84%

Rated TV-14 for violence and profanity.

Want more fantasy with another sunset + sunrise anticipatory dread situation: Shrek

It ain’t easy bein’ green — especially if you’re a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot — a wisecracking donkey.

TMDB: 77%

Rated PG for sexual innuendos and language.

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“Bridgerton”

This one is a given. Queen Charlotte is a part of the Bridgerton world, making it the perfect show to watch after finishing Queen Charlotte.

Synopsis: Wealth, lust, and betrayal set in the backdrop of Regency era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-MA for nudity, sexual content, foul language, and alcohol use. It has an average of 70 VidAngel filters per episode: 56 for sexual content, 6 for language, 3 for violence, and 5 miscellaneous filters.

• Sexual content includes male and female nudity, sex with nudity, sex without nudity, immodesty, kissing, implied nudity, and nudity in paintings and statues.
• Language includes several uses of blasphemy (G*d, L*rd), and some uses of f*ck, b*tch, d*mn, and others. It also includes sexual references.
• Substance use includes drinking alcohol and taking drugs.
• Violence includes rare graphic violence (blood), non-graphic violence (slapping, shoving, punching), and some disturbing images (dead bodies).

TMDB Rating: 82%

Starring: Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan, Ruth Gemmell, Claudia Jessie

Available through: Netflix

“Downton Abbey”

Highly rated among both critics and audiences! This clean period drama has all the heart of Queen Charlotte without the sex scenes and nudity.

Synopsis: A chronicle of the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-14 for violence, alcohol use, foul language, and sexual content. It has an average of 33 VidAngel filters per episode: 12 for substance use, 11 for language, 6 for sexual content, 2 for violence, and 4 miscellaneous filters

• Substance use includes drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and smoking tobacco.
• Language includes b*stard, G*d, L*rd, bl**dy, and d*mn. It also includes sexual innuendos and references.
• Sexual content includes kissing, nudity in paintings and statues, and immodesty.

TMDB Rating: 81%

Starring: Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter

Available through: Amazon Prime Video, Britbox

“Outlander“

If the on-screen romance is what you fell for in Queen Charlotte, Outlander will surely pull at your heartstrings. The show is revered for the chemistry between lead actors and has won many awards. It is the perfect blend of romance, drama, and historical fiction.

Synopsis: The story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world where her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate affair is ignited that tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Parents Guide: Outlander is rated TV-MA for mature themes, graphic scenes, and sexual content. It has an average of 74 VidAngel filters: 26 for sexual content, 20 for language, 17 for violence, and 11 miscellaneous filters.

• Sexual content includes female nudity, sex without nudity, sex with nudity, sexual assault, kissing, and immodesty.
• Language includes a few uses of f*ck, and several uses of d*mn, sh*t, b*stard, and others, as well as blasphemy such as G*d, Chr*st, and L*rd.
• Violence includes graphic violence, non-graphic violence, and disturbing images.
• Other elements include graphic medial and medical procedures. 

TMDB Rating: 82%

Starring: Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Richard Rankin, Sophie Skelton

Available through: Netflix

“Poldark”

Just like Queen Charlotte, Poldark is an emotionally-involved period drama that has you invested in each of the characters’ stories.

Synopsis: Britain is in the grip of a chilling recession… falling wages, rising prices, civil unrest – only the bankers are smiling. It’s 1783 and Ross Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to his beloved Cornwall to find his world in ruins: his father dead, the family mine long since closed, his house wrecked and his sweetheart pledged to marry his cousin. But Ross finds that hope and love can be found when you are least expecting it in the wild but beautiful Cornish landscape.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-14 for violence, alcohol use, foul language, and sexual themes. It has 53 VidAngel filters on average per episode: 23 filters for sexual content, 11 for substance use, 10 for language, and 7 for violence.

• Sexual content includes sex without nudity, implied sex, backsided nudity (buttocks), kissing, and immodesty.
• Substance use includes drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco.
• Language mainly includes uses of d*mn, h*ll, and also blasphemy (uses of “G*d” and “L*rd”).
• Violence includes some graphic violence (blood, wounds, gun violence), non-graphic violence (punching, shoving, kicking), and disturbing images (dead bodies, hangings).

TMDB Rating: 78%

Starring: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed, Ruby Bentall, Jack Farthing, Beatie Edney

Available through: Amazon Prime Video, PBS

“The Crown”

Follow the life of another British queen, Queen Elizabeth II. This gripping historical drama has five seasons for your binge-watching pleasure. If the royal family is what you’re interested in, here are more shows about the British Monarchy.

Synopsis: The inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world – Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street – and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Two houses. Two courts. One Crown.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-MA for sexual content and foul language. It has an average of 24 filters per episode: 10 for sexual content, 9 for language, 2 for violence, and 5 miscellaneous filters.

• Sexual content includes some female and male nudity, sex with nudity, sex without nudity, implied nudity, kissing, and immodesty. 
• Language includes f*ck, G*d, Chr*st, h*ll, bl**dy, sh*t and others. It also includes sexual references.
• Violence includes some gore and non-graphic violence.
• Miscellaneous filters include rare medical procedures, objectionable scenes, and disturbing images.

TMDB Rating: 82%

Starring: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Olivia Colman, Vanessa Kirby, Jeremy Northam

Available through: Netflix

“Dickinson”

Described as a “quietly perfected [a] mix of sitcom and sincerity”, Dickinson is a fine choice for following up Queen Charlotte. It’s less high society, throne, and marriage, but reflects a similar lightheartedness and sincerity through a modern twist on Emily Dickinson’s coming-of-age story. 

Synopsis: Emily Dickinson. Poet. Daughter. Total rebel. In this coming-of-age story, Emily’s determined to become the world’s greatest poet.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-14 for foul language, sexual content, and substance use. It has an average of 35 VidAngel filters per episode. 

TMDB Rating: 86%

Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Toby Huss, Adrian Enscoe, Anna Baryshnikov, Ella Hunt, Jane Krakowski

Available through: AppleTV+

“The Empress“

Bridgerton-esque. A captivating dramatization of the story of Empress Elisabeth. The classy pop song covers are fun.

Synopsis: Two young people meet. A fateful encounter – the proverbial love at first sight. He is Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, she is Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Bavaria and the sister of the woman Franz is to marry.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-MA for sexual content and foul language. It has an average of 28 VidAngel filters per episode: 22 for sexual content, 6 for violence, 5 for language, and 6 miscellaneous filters.

• Sexual content includes female nudity, backsided male nudity, sex with nudity, sex without nudity, immodesty, kissing, and nude statues and paintings. 
• Violence includes some graphic violence, non-graphic violence, and disturbing images.
• Language includes sh*t, G*d, h*ll, *ss, d*mn, and others. It also include sexual references.
• Miscellaneous filters include life events, bodily functions, and medical procedures. 

TMDB Rating: 78%

Starring: Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, Elisa Schlott

Available through: Netflix

“The Serpent Queen”

Conflicted characters, a strong female lead, and high society. Less love story more political intrigue.

Synopsis: Considered an immigrant, common, and plain, Catherine de Medici is married into the 16th-century French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid, and she’s unable to conceive. Yet, only with her intelligence and determination, she manages to keep her marriage alive and master the bloodsport that is the monarchy better than anyone else, ruling France for 50 years.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-MA for nudity, foul language, and mature themes. It has 89 VidAngel filters on average per episode: 39 filters for language, 21 filters for sexual content, 18 filters for violence, 3 filters for substance use, and 9 miscellaneous filters.

• Language is severe and includes uses of f*ck, c*nt, b*tch, G*d, J*sus, Chr*st, and others. Also includes sexual references.
• Sexual content is severe and includes nudity (breasts, buttocks, genitals), sex with nudity, sex without nudity, implied sex, sexual assault, immodesty, and kissing.
• Violence includes graphic violence, gore, non-graphic violence, and disturbing images
• Substance use includes drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco. 

TMDB Rating: 80%

Starring: Samantha Morton, Liv Hill, Amrita Acharia, Barry Atsma, Enzo Cilenti, Sennia Nanua

Available through: Starz

“Victoria”

If you enjoyed Queen Charlotte’s transformation from a timid teen to a confident queen, Victoria is the perfect show to binge-watch next. This historical TV drama follows Victoria’s early life, including her relationship with her husband Albert, and her political responsibilities between the 1830s to 1850s.

Synopsis: The story of Queen Victoria, who came to the throne at a time of great economic turbulence and resurgent republicanism – and died 64 years later the head of the largest empire the world had ever seen, having revitalized the throne’s public image and become the “grandmother of Europe”.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-PG for sexual themes, substance use, and some scary scenes. It has 31 VidAngel filters on average per episode: 11 filters for sexual content, 8 filters for language, 7 filters for substance use, 3 filters for violence, and 4 miscellaneous filters.

• Sexual content includes implied sex, sexually suggestive scenes, immodesty, kissing, implied nudity, and nudity in paintings and statues.
• Language includes G*d, b*stard, d*mn, Chr*st, and L*rd. It also includes childish language and sexual references.
• Substance use includes drinking alcohol and smoking cigars and pipes. 
• Violence includes rare graphic violence, non-graphic violence, and some disturbing images.

TMDB Rating: 73%

Starring: Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Nell Hudson, Ferdinand Kingsley, Adrian Schiller

Available through: Amazon Prime Video, PBS

“The Tudors”

A captivating historical drama about the power struggles within King Henry VIII’s royal family. More lustful than the romantic Queen Charlotte but nonetheless a highly-rated period drama that may be worth binge-watching. If you don’t want to see all the mature themes, VidAngel can help you take out the inappropriate scenes.

Synopsis: The Tudors is a history-based drama series following the young, vibrant King Henry VIII, a competitive and lustful monarch who navigates the intrigues of the English court and the human heart with equal vigor and justifiable suspicion.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-MA for nudity, violence, substance use, alcohol use, foul language, and sexual content. It has 79 VidAngel filters on average per episode: 45 filters for sexual content, 19 for language, and 10 for violence.

• Sexual content includes nudity, sex with nudity, sex without nudity, implied sex, kissing, and immodesty.
• Language mainly includes uses of f*ck, b*stard, *ss, sh*t, d*mn, and also blasphemy (uses of “G*d”, “J*sus” and “Chr*ist”).
• Violence includes some graphic violence (burning bodies, bloody wounds), non-graphic violence (hitting, shoving, stabbing), and disturbing images (dead bodies).

TMDB Rating: 78%

Starring: Simon Ward, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Sarah Bolger, Anthony Brophy

Available through: Amazon Prime Video, Showtime

“Downton Abbey: A New Era”

If you’re looking for all the sincerity of Queen Charlotte in a movie, this would be it.

Synopsis: The Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess’s newly inherited villa.

Parents Guide: Rated TV-14 for alcohol use, foul language. It has 59 VidAngel filters: 19 filters for language, 12 filters for sexual content, and 25 filters for substance use. 

• Substance use includes drinking and references to alcohol.
• Language includes uses of h*ll, b*stard, and G*d, as well as some sexual references.
• Sexual content includes one sexually suggestive instance, some immodesty, and kissing.

TMDB Rating: 72%

Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Imelda Staunton

Available through: Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Rent/Buy

“The Duchess”

A period drama but with a different type of tragic love story.

Synopsis: A chronicle of the life of 18th-century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life.

Parents Guide: Rated PG-13 for nudity, violence, alcohol use, foul language, and sexual content. It has 150 VidAngel filters: 95 filters for sexual content, 32 filters for substance use, and 18 filters for language.

• Sexual content includes some nudity (back, part of breast, nude baby boy, and nude statues and paintings), sex without nudity, implied sex, sexual assault, immodesty, and kissing.
• Substance use includes drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco. 
• Language includes uses of d*mn, b*stard, G*d, and h*ll, as well as sexual references.

TMDB Rating: 70%

Starring: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell

Available through: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Amazon Rent/Buy

“The Young Victoria”

Just like Queen Charlotte, this movie follows a young woman who gets caught up in the political power of monarchy. Political intrigue combined with an enchanting love story.

Synopsis: Caught in a power struggle with her closest advisors, a young and inexperienced queen draws strength from the handsome prince whose love and affection has stolen her heart.

Parents Guide: Rated PG for some foul language and sexual content. It has 129 VidAngel filters: 64 filters for sexual content, 24 filters for language, 22 filters for substance use, and 15 for violence.

• Sexual content includes implied sex, nudity in paintings and statues, immodesty, and kissing.
• Language includes uses of d*mn, G*d, and L*rd, as well as childish language, bigoted slurs, and sexual references.
• Substance use includes drinking alcohol.
• Violence includes one instance of graphic violence (bloody wounded man), and non-graphic violence (hitting, kicking, shooting)

TMDB Rating: 72%

Starring: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson

Available through: Netflix, Amazon Rent/Buy

“Pride & Prejudice” (2005)

Charming dialogue and character development with a slightly modern feel. Watch this classic period film for lighthearted entertainment that is also thought-provoking.

Synopsis: Set in England in the early 19th century, Pride & Prejudice tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s five unmarried daughters after the rich and eligible Mr. Bingley and his status-conscious friend, Mr. Darcy, have moved into their neighborhood. While Bingley takes an immediate liking to the eldest Bennet daughter, Jane, Darcy has difficulty adapting to local society and repeatedly clashes with the second-eldest Bennet daughter, Elizabeth.

Parents Guide: Rated PG for some foul language, mild sexual content, and substance use. It has 119 VidAngel filters.

• Language includes uses of L*rd, G*d, and *ss. It also includes childish language and sexual references.
• Sexual content includes immodesty, kissing, and nude statues and paintings.
• Violence is non-graphic.
• Substance use includes drinking alcohol and smoking pipes.

TMDB Rating: 81%

Starring: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike

Available through: Amazon Rent/Buy

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The post 14 Shows and Movies to Watch After ‘Queen Charlotte’ appeared first on VidAngel Blog.

There’s a lot of history behind this throne and it can be fun to go through it in cinematic form. Obviously, movies and TV shows may not be the most accurate depiction of historical events, but some get it right more than others. So go ahead and enjoy each interpretation on VidAngel. Just take it with a grain of salt and don’t rely on it for your history report.

KING ARTHUR

Now we know this likely (never, say never) isn’t history, but what’s a look at British royalty without a nod to the legendary King Arthur? Arthur Pendragon was the mythological first Celtic Briton who led Britain against Saxon invaders. Throw in the fantastical elements of a wizard, the Holy Grail, knights of a round table, and strange women in ponds distributing swords as a basis for a system of government, and you’ve got some good entertainment.

• Merlin (TV-14, 2008) – Amazon Prime, Amazon rent/buy
  The unlikely friendship between Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, and Prince Arthur, heir to the crown of Camelot.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (PG, 1975) – Netflix, Amazon rent/buy
  An irreverent take on King Arthur and his knights as they embark on a low-budget search for the Grail, encountering many very silly obstacles.
• The Green Knight (R, 2021) – Amazon rent/buy
  An epic fantasy adventure based on the timeless Arthurian legend. Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s reckless and headstrong nephew, embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men.

KING EGBERT, ruled 827-839

KING AETHELWULF, ruled 839-858

KING ALFRED THE GREAT, ruled 871-899

Egbert (Ecgherht) is usually considered England’s first monarch. He established a stable and extensive rule over all of Anglo-Saxon England. He is followed by his son, Aetheeulf, the father of Alfred the Great. Alfred is popularly known for the children’s story of him being distracted and burning the cakes while taking refuge in the home of a peasant woman and getting scolded. 

• Vikings (TV-14, 2013) – Amazon Prime, Amazon rent/buy
  This epic series follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age, as he rises to become king of the Viking tribes. The show’s name tells you that the focus is not on ancient British royalty, but they are important characters. 
• The Last Kingdom (TV-MA, 2015) – Netflix
  A show of heroic deeds and epic battles with a thematic depth that embraces politics, religion, warfare, courage, love, loyalty, and our universal search for identity. It takes place mainly during the reign of Alfred the Great, combining real historical figures and events with fictional characters.
  

KING EDWARD (The Elder), ruled 899-924
KING ATHELSTAN, ruled 924-939

Edward succeeded his father, Alfred the Great. His son, Athelstan, extended the kingdom’s borders at the Battle of Brunanburh, which is said to be one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on British soil. This battle included armies of Scots, Celts, Danes, and Vikings and (spoiler alert) ended with the first-ever unification of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom under English rule.

• The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (R, 2023) – Netflix
  In the wake of King Edward’s death, Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his comrades adventure across a fractured kingdom in the hopes of uniting England at last.

KING EDMUND II IRONSIDE, ruled 1016
KING CANUTE (Cnut the Great), ruled 1016-1035
Edmund was chosen king by the people of London after the death of Aethelred II (The Unready), but the king’s council (the Witan) chose Canute, the Dane. Edmund made a treaty with Canute that divided the kingdom between them but gave the entire kingdom to the other if one of them died. Guess what happened to King Edmund? Despite the suspicious circumstances of his co-king’s death, Canute was well-liked and legend has it that taught his subjects that a king is not a god by commanding the tide not to come in … it didn’t listen to him.

• Vikings: Valhalla (TV-MA, 2022) – Netflix
  In this sequel to Vikings, a hundred years have passed and a new generation of legendary heroes arise. It may be a little loose with some of the dates and relationships, but there are some real historical events moving the action.
  

KING RICHARD I (Richard the Lionhearted), ruled 1189 -1199

KING JOHN, ruled 1199 – 1216

Jump forward almost 300 years, past the Norman kings (sorry, William the Conqueror), into the crusades and we meet the well-known king brothers, Richard and John, made famous in the stories of Robin Hood and his merry men.  

• Robin Hood (PG-13, 2010) – Amazon rent/buy
  Academy Award winner Russell Crowe and visionary director Ridley Scott, reunite for the untold story of the man behind the legend.

KING EDWARD I, ruled 1272-1307

Edward “Longshankes” is often called the Hammer of the Scots. In addition to his brutal battles with Scotland he brought the knights, clergy and nobility, as well as the Lords and Commons together for the first time, forming the Model Parliament.

• Braveheart (R, 1995) – Amazon rent/buy
  Enraged at the slaughter of Murron, his new bride and childhood love, Scottish warrior William Wallace slays a platoon of the local English lord’s soldiers, making an enemy of King Edward. 
• Outlaw King (R, 2018) – Netflix
  Forced into exile after being crowned King of Scotland, legendary warrior Robert the Bruce fights to win back Scotland’s independence from King Edward. 

KING EDWARD II, ruled 1307-1327 (deposed)

It’s hard to find a positive portrayal of poor Edward. He is only shown as a prince in Braveheart and here again in Knightfall. Both depictions show him as weak and incompetent. His own wife joined her lover in deposing him and he had a rather, uh, infamous death. Filters may be needed on just the description so Google at your own risk. 

• Knightfall (TV-MA, 2017) – Netflix
  Go deep into the clandestine world of the legendary brotherhood of warrior monks known as The Knights Templar. This show focuses more on the king of France, King Philip, but his daughter, Princess Isabella is engaged to then Prince Edward of England.

EDWARD, The Black Prince (son of King EDWARD III)

After the, shall we say, undignified death of his father, King Edward III ruled 1327-1377. He had a son, also named Edward, who became one of the most renowned warriors around, known as The Black Prince. 

• A Knight’s Tale (PG-13, 2001) – Netflix, Amazon rent/by
  This one is definitely more for fun than for research, but the Black Prince makes an appearance in this delightful modernized tale of William Thatcher, a peasant, who is sent to apprentice with a knight named Hector as a young boy. Urged by his father to “change his Stars”, he assumes Sir Hector’s place in a tournament when Hector dies in the middle of it.

KING HENRY V, ruled 1413-1422

Not THAT King Henry, yet. Knighted at age 12, Hal was pious, stern, and a skillful soldier. He also became recognized as the king of France, but died before he could succeed to the French throne. 

• The King (R, 2019) – Netflix
  In 15th-century England, Prince Hal transforms from wayward wastrel to powerful King Henry after he reluctantly inherits the throne and its many conflicts.

KING HENRY VIII, ruled 1509-1547

A few Henries and more Edwards later, we come to the infamous Henry VIII and his many wives. The divorce from his first wife, Cathrine of Aragon, caused the English to split from Rome; Henry declared himself as head of the new Church of England. He is the father of Mary (Bloody Mary) and Elizabeth I.

• The Tudors (TV-MA, 2007) – Amazon Prime, Amazon Showtime
  The Tudors is a series following the young, vibrant King Henry VIII, a competitive and lustful monarch who navigates the intrigues of the English court and the human heart with equal vigor and justifiable suspicion.

QUEEN ELIZABETH I, ruled 1558-1603

Now we come to the famous Queen Elizabeth I. Similar to the more recent Queen, this Elizabeth was also popular with the people. She was noted for her learning and wisdom. She never married and is often known as The Virgin Queen. Shakespeare was at the height of his popularity during her reign. 

• Elizabeth (R, 1998) – Amazon rent/buy
  This acclaimed epic of the Queen’s treacherous rise to power received seven Academy Award nominations and stars Oscar winners Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and Richard Attenborough.
• Elizabeth: The Golden Age (PG-13, 2007) – Amazon STARZ, Amazon rent/buy
  A mature Queen Elizabeth endures multiple crises late in her reign including court intrigues, an assassination plot, the Spanish Armada, and romantic disappointments.
• Mary Queen of Scots (R, 2018) – Amazon rent/buy
  In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne, and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne.
• Shakespeare in Love (R, 1998) – Amazon Showtime, Amazon rent/buy
  In this fanciful interpretation, a young Shakespeare is forced to stage his latest comedy, “Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter,” before it’s even written. The Queen of England will be attending. 

KING CHARLES II, ruled 1660-1685

He was chosen to rule after the collapse of the Protectorate when there were no official kings for a time and Britain was declared a republic of the Commonwealth. He had many mistresses and illegitimate children, but never an heir. The Great Plague and the Great Fire of London happened during his reign. 

• Versailles (TV-MA, 2015) – Netflix
  As you may have guessed, this show focuses more on King Louis XIV of France and his fancy house, but he must interact with King Charles II in season one. Historical and fictional characters guide us in a world of betrayal and political maneuvering, revealing Versailles in all its glory and brutality.

QUEEN ANNE, ruled 1702-1714

One of the lesser-known female monarchs, Queen Anne was in power when the United Kingdom of Great Britain was created by the union of England and Scotland. She had 17 pregnancies, but only one child survived. 

• Yellowbeard (PG, 1983) – Amazon rent/buy
  For years, Yellowbeard had looted the Spanish Main, but he can’t remember where he buried his treasure. In this spoof swashbuckler, Queen Anne is unflatteringly played by Peter Bull. 

KING GEORGE III, ruled 1760-1820

He’s famous in our neck of the woods for waging war against the American colonies. During this regency era many famous English writers made their debut: Jane Austen, Bryon, Shelley, Keats, and Wordsworth. Due to illness later in life, he eventually became blind and insane; his son ruled as Prince Regent after 1811 until his father’s death. 

• Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (TV-MA, 2023) – Netflix
  A prequel to the Bridgerton series, this is certainly more fun than fact. Indulge in the storytelling about the king’s dutiful new bride. Behind palace doors, fearless young Queen Charlotte discovers her power–and the real meaning of love. 
• Turn: Washington’s Spies (TV-14, 2014) – Amazon AMC+, Amazon rent/buy
  Set in 1778, this period drama recounts the story of Abe Woodhull, an American cabbage farmer obliged to begin spying on the British enemy.
• Bridgerton (TV-MA, 2020) – Netflix
  With many artistic liberties taken, you can watch wealth, lust, and betrayal set in the backdrop of Regency-era England, seen through the eyes of the powerful Bridgerton family.

QUEEN VICTORIA, ruled 1837-1901

Last in our list but certainly not least, Queen Victoria had institutions of art, science, and learning developed. She is also known for her great love toward her husband, Albert. During her reign, British world power had reached its highest point. 

• Victoria (TV-PG, 2016) – Amazon Prime, Amazon PBS, Amazon rent/buy
  The story of Queen Victoria, who came to the throne at a time of great economic turbulence and resurgent republicanism – and died 64 years later the head of the largest empire the world had ever seen, having revitalized the throne’s public image and become “the grandmother of Europe”.
• The Young Victoria (PG, 2009) – Netflix, Amazon rent/buy
  Caught in a power struggle with her closest advisors, a young and inexperienced queen draws strength from the handsome prince whose love and affection has stolen her heart.
• Dolittle (PG, 2020) – Amazon rent/buy
  After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle, famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, hermits himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company, until he’s called on a mission to save the queen’s life. 
• Holmes & Watson (PG-13, 2018) – Amazon AMC+, Amazon rent/buy
  This irreverent take on the fictional characters of Detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, join forces to investigate a murder at Buckingham Palace. They soon learn that they have only four days to solve the case, or the queen will become the next victim.
• Victoria and Abdul (PG-13, 2017) – Netflix, Amazon rent/buy
  A mature Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim.

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