I don’t know about you, but when fall weather comes there are certain types of books I like to read and shows I like to watch. I’m usually in the mood for something a bit darker than usual – something with a little mystery or with brooding characters.
Can anyone else relate?! If so, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m sharing seven period dramas that are PERFECT for crisp fall weather. I hope you will give one (or more) of these a chance!
Bear with me here and let me get this one out of my system before we go any further (any of my friends reading this will roll their eyes right about now because they have heard me talk about this SO MUCH). I started watching Poldark about two weeks ago, and I am a fan. A really HUGE fan. Perhaps it’s because I started watching it in the fall, but I think this is the perfect drama for autumn! The weather in Cornwall is always so foreboding, and the amount of mystery and scandal in this show is perfect for the fall months.
Synopsis: Ross Poldark returns home after American Revolutionary War and rebuilds his life with a new business venture, making new enemies and finding a new love where he least expects it.
When you think of fall, you probably think of Halloween. And when you think of Halloween, you probably think of scary things like ghosts. While I am the last person in the world to say good things about Halloween (I am not a fan of the holiday at all), Wuthering Heights is the perfect drama for this time of the year. After all, what says Halloween more than everybody dying? 😂🎃
Synopsis: Foundling Heathcliff is raised by the wealthy Earnshaws in Yorkshire but in later life launches a vendetta against the family.
Persuasion
When I think about Jane Austen’s stories and their adaptations, Persuasion strikes me as the darkest. Perhaps it’s once again the seaside setting and the longing of two broken hearts, but if you’re going to watch any Austen this season, choose Persuasion.
Synopsis: Royal Navy captain Wentworth was haughtily turned down eight years ago as suitor of pompous baronet Sir Walter Elliot’s daughter Anne, despite true love. Now he visits their former seaside country estate, rented by his brother-in-law, admiral Croft, so the financially stressed baronet can afford a fashionable, cheaper residence in trendy Bath. First the former lovers meet again on the estate, where they feel vibes again, but neither dares admit them until it seems too late. Yet the truth becomes clear, both have moved, but meet again in Bath.
I recently watched this adaptation with some of my friends, and we absolutely loved it! Everything about it screams “fall.” It’s Dickens, so it’s dark, and honestly a few of the characters look pretty ghoulish. Then there’s Miss Havisham…she’s quite the Halloween character, am I right?! 👰🏼👻
Synopsis: The orphan Pip becomes a gentleman when his life is transformed by a mystery benefactor.
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies
This list would be incomplete if I didn’t mention good old PPZ. I will start by saying that I DO NOT like zombies, so that is not what attracted me to this film. It is not for zombie lovers because it is a complete parody of zombie movies and shows.
Some of my friends think I’m crazy for having watched this ridiculous adaptation, but it’s actually well done and quite funny. If you don’t take it too seriously, it’s enjoyable. Lily James is a brilliant Elizabeth Bennet, and Mr Collins and Lady Catherine don’t disappoint either. Just don’t have high expectations of this Darcy. He’s awful.
Synopsis: Five sisters in 19th century England must cope with the pressures to marry while protecting themselves from a growing population of zombies.
I am on the fence about this version of Anne of Green Gables because it sways so much from the books by L.M. Montgomery. However, if you separate it from the original story, on its own it is very well done. It’s definitely darker than the version with Megan Follows, but the cast is excellent and the characters are just as lovable.
Synopsis: The adventures of a young orphaned girl living in the late 19th century. Follow Anne as she learns to navigate her new life on Prince Edward Island, in this new take on L.M. Montgomery’s classic novels.
Grantchester
Who doesn’t love a murder mystery this time of year? James Norton is brilliant as the mystery-solving vicar from Grantchester, and I think you’ll absolutely love this show this time of year.
Synopsis: A Cambridgeshire clergyman finds himself investigating a series of mysterious wrongdoings in his small village of Grantchester.
What are some of your favorite shows to watch in the fall? Leave me a comment below with your recommendations!
Samantha Collins says
I feel like you and I could sit on a couch, drink tea, and watch these! You speak to my heart – haha! 🙂 Seriously, love period dramas. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer Hope says
I totally agree – that would be so perfect! I am glad you enjoyed this post and I hope you will enjoy these period dramas!! <3
Jeff Day says
Well Jen… You were right about Downton Abbey. I just finished up that series and it was truly fantastic. I am looking forward to starting Poldark but need a little something in between to cleanse the pallette of another period piece. Once I get done with the current series I’ve chosen, I will dig into Poldark and some of these others for sure. Thanks!
Jennifer Hope says
Woohoo! So glad you loved Downton Abbey. There is nothing that can hold a candle to Downton, but I would say that Poldark is a close second. Another good one that’s at the top of my list is Lark Rise to Candleford. (Both are available on Amazon Prime). I hope you’ll check them out and let me know what you think! And as for cleansing the palate of period dramas – I believe in no such thing! I can’t remember the last show I watched that wasn’t a period drama. LOL