We struggle to think of a better way to while away a Sunday afternoon than with a steamy hot cuppa, and a period drama on the telly – bonus points if it’s queer, of course!

From Austen to Dickens to Alcott, there is no shortage of costume dramas; however, LGBTQ+ stories are often in short supply. Fret not, dear reader, because we’ve put together a list of period dramas with queer plotlines to get lost in.

From feature films to binge-worthy series, here are some queer period dramas you need to add to your watchlist stat.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Set in 18th century France, this Céline Sciamma period drama has become a definitive part of the queer film canon. The film centres on the relationship between Héloïse, a depressed young woman from a wealthy family, and Marianne, the artist who has been hired to paint her portrait. With beautiful costuming, stunning scenery and a tender love story at the film’s centre, this one is top of our list for a reason.

The Handmaiden

This breathtaking South Korean psychological thriller is set in Korea, under Japanese rule, and follows a crafty young pickpocket who is hired to be the maid for a wealthy heiress. Of course, it’s all part of a larger scheme to access the heiress’ funds. However, undeniable chemistry and sapphic tension also play a big role in this story, and the result is a deeply erotic, high-stakes love affair.

Bridgerton

Netflix’s cheerful period drama Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s hugely successful book series and features queer and queer-coded characters aplenty. Taking place in Regency Era London, the series follows the upper class of the ton as they navigate the competitive marriage season. The fourth season has been luaded as the show’s “queerest yet”, and features an exploration of Francesca’s bisexuality and Benedict’s fluidity.

Ammonite

If you need even more sapphic yearning to fill your cup after watching Portrait of a Lady on Fire, let Ammonite be your next watch. This film is set by the seaside in 19th-century England, where young bride Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan) is sent to recuperate from an illness. There, she strikes up an intimate friendship with palaeontologist Molly (Kate Winslet), who is later paid to nurse Charlotte back to health. Needless to say, some steamy action ensues.

Fellow Travelers 

Set in the 1950s, this miniseries sees Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer play Timothy and Hawkins, two gay men navigating romance in the peak of McCarthyism era in the US. Fellow Travelers is at once a tender, emotional love story and an important encapsulation of the reality the LGBTQ+ community faced during this tumultuous time.

Queen Charlotte 

Existing within the Bridgerton universe, this prequel series has a queer period drama storyline in the form of Brimsley (Sam Clemmett) and Reynolds (Freddie Dennis). These two royal servants have the honour of being the first queer couple in the franchise, and with stolen glances and secret meet-ups aplenty, it’s a good one.

So go forth, dear reader and start checking these period films and series off your list – happy watching!