Discovering the best period dramas in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer has been a game-changer for my streaming habits, offering a passport to worlds long past abroad. To unlock these gems, I’ve relied on a trusted VPN such as ExpressVPN to navigate around those all-too-common geo-blocks.
To embark on this journey and dive into BBC iPlayer in New Zealand, securing a connection with a reliable VPN has been my first step, ensuring a seamless pathway to these cherished dramas.
As I delve deeper, the allure of crime series set against the backdrop of different eras on BBC iPlayer beckons. So, without further delay, let’s get going and uncover the narratives filled with tales of love, courage, and intrigue that span the breadth of human history.
What are the Best Period Dramas in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer to Stream Now?
The best period dramas in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer offer an unrivaled journey back in time, presenting stories of love, power, and resilience. To ensure access to these captivating narratives in New Zealand, consider using a free VPN for BBC iPlayer, a simple solution to bypass geo-restrictions and explore the history.
You’re in luck if you’re wondering what to watch on BBC iPlayer in New Zealand. The platform is a goldmine of captivating stories, spanning genres from gripping period dramas to cutting-edge documentaries and beyond.
After enjoying these titles, the next step is up to you, whether to continue your journey with more discoveries or to cancel BBC iPlayer subscription in New Zealand, you have the freedom to shape your streaming experience as you see fit.
Call the Midwife (2012-2024)
Summary:
Created by Heidi Thomas and directed by various directors throughout its run, Call the Midwife is a British drama series that follows a group of nurse midwives working in London’s poverty-stricken East End.
Starting in the late 1950s, midwives face numerous challenges in providing care for their patients amidst social deprivation, poor sanitation, and limited resources.
The series warmly portrays their dedication while exploring their personal lives and the social changes sweeping through Britain in the postwar era. It boasts a high rating of 8.4 on IMDb.
Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Summary:
Created by Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders is a British period crime drama following the Shelby family, a gang operating in Birmingham, England, in the aftermath of World War I. Cillian Murphy leads the cast as Tommy Shelby, the ambitious gang leader who seeks to expand his criminal empire.
Peaky Blinders, one of the best BBC period dramas, delves into themes of family, loyalty, and ambition amidst Britain’s tumultuous social and economic upheaval.
With a revolving door of talented directors across its six seasons, the series has captivated audiences worldwide, securing a formidable 8.8 rating on IMDb, and solidifying its place in the pantheon of must-watch television.
Around the World in 80 Days (2021)
Summary:
Directed by Steve Barron and created by Ashley Pharoah, this 2021 miniseries is an adaptation of the Jules Verne adventure. Phileas Fogg, a thrill-seeking Englishman, wagers his fortune on a globe-trotting challenge: circling the Earth in 80 days.
Joined by his valet Passe-partout and journalist Abigail Fix, Fogg embarks on a whirlwind adventure encountering exotic locations, daring escapes, and surprising friendships.
This fast-paced miniseries is featured among the best period dramas in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer, holding a 7.2/10 IMDb rating. Perfect for watching on a Smart TV, it offers a visually stunning experience that brings the richness of history right into your living room.
A Suitable Boy (2020)
Summary:
Directed by Mira Nair and based on Vikram Seth’s novel of the same name, A Suitable Boy (2020) is a sweeping drama set in 1951 India. Lata, a spirited young woman, defies tradition and fights for her path in love and life, against her mother’s plans for an arranged marriage.
The series, a standout among the best period dramas of all time to escape to another era, intricately explores societal change, family dynamics, and post-colonial India.
With a compelling narrative that has earned a 6.1/10 rating on IMDb, it invites you on a journey through time, presenting a vivid tableau of life’s complexities against the backdrop of a transitioning nation.
A Very British Scandal (2021)
Summary:
Directed by Anne Sewitsky and written by Sarah Phelps, A Very British Scandal (2021) is a miniseries chronicling the real-life scandal surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Argyll’s vicious divorce in the 1960s.
Claire Foy portrays Margaret, the fiery Duchess whose leaked scandalous photographs became a media sensation. Paul Bettany takes on the role of the manipulative Duke.
The series delves into themes of love, revenge, and the cruel judgments of British high society during that era. It holds a 7.4 rating on IMDb, making it one of the best period dramas on BBC iPlayer.
Gentleman Jack (2019-2022)
Summary:
Created by Sally Wainwright and directed by various directors throughout its two seasons, Gentleman Jack is a historical drama based on the real-life diaries of Anne Lister.
Suranne Jones portrays Lister, a shrewd and energetic 19th-century landowner who challenges societal expectations for women. The series follows Lister’s life in Yorkshire, England, as she manages her inherited estate.
Shibden Hall navigates her unconventional relationship with another woman and defies limitations placed on her due to her gender and sexuality in a conservative era. It boasts a well-received rating of 8.2 on IMDb, making it one of the best period dramas in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer.
Poldark (2015 – 2019)
Summary:
Developed by Debbie Horsfield, Poldark is a historical drama spanning five seasons. Directed by various directors throughout its run, the series follows Captain Ross Poldark returning to his Cornish homeland after the American Revolutionary War.
Finding his life in shambles – his house in ruins, his sweetheart married to his cousin, and his family struggling – Ross must rebuild.
Poldark, celebrated as a pivotal BBC period drama, weaves together romance, social unrest, and Ross’s quest to restore his family’s fortunes amidst 18th-century Cornwall’s captivating landscape. Garnering a respectable 8.3 IMDb rating, it exemplifies the depth and allure of historical storytelling.
The Hollow Crown (2012- 2016)
Summary:
The Hollow Crown is a historical drama anthology series created by Ben Power. Shakespeare’s history plays come alive in this televised performance series, directed by various talents throughout its run.
The first season tackled the Henriad (Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, and Henry V) with a stellar cast including Ben Whishaw, Jeremy Irons, and Tom Hiddleston. A 2016 second season, titled The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses, presented Richard III and Julius Caesar adaptations.
Praised for its accessible portrayal of Shakespeare’s works, this series is a gem among great British period dramas boasting an impressive 8.3 rating on IMDb. Its compelling adaptation ensures it’s a must-watch on a Firestick, where the rich narratives and timeless tales come to life in stunning detail.
Little Dorrit (2008)
Summary:
Directed by Diarmuid Lawrence, Little Dorrit (2008) is a miniseries adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic novel. Claire Foy portrays Amy Dorrit, a young woman confined with her family in London’s Marshalsea debtors’ prison.
Despite their hardship, Amy strives to change their fortunes. The series explores themes of social injustice, the burden of debt, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.
With an 8.2/10 IMDb rating, it stands as one of the best period dramas in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer. It offers a riveting streaming experience that’s particularly seamless on Android devices, where fans can enjoy the intricacies and rich storytelling wherever they go.
SAS Rogue Heroes (2022)
Summary:
Directed by Steven Knight and based on Ben Macintyre’s book of the same name, SAS: Rogue Heroes (2022) is a historical war drama miniseries. It chronicles the formation of the 2nd SAS regiment during World War II.
This unconventional, elite unit played a pivotal role in disrupting Nazi forces in North Africa. The charismatic David Stirling (Connor Swindells) leads the charge, recruiting other bold and unorthodox soldiers.
With its compelling narrative and historical accuracy, boasts an 8.1 rating on IMDb, marking it as a standout entry in the best British period dramas of all time.
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Summary:
Directed by Simon Langton, this beloved 1995 miniseries is a cherished adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Colin Firth stars as Mr. Darcy, the aloof and prideful love interest of Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle).
The witty and spirited Elizabeth navigates social pressures and her family’s financial woes, all while encountering the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. Their relationship unfolds through misunderstandings, societal expectations, and the eventual triumph of love.
This acclaimed miniseries, celebrated for its contribution to classic British period dramas, holds an IMBb rating of 8.3, showcasing its quality and appeal. If you’re eager to watch this series connect to ExpressVPN, the best BBC iPlayer VPN in New Zealand.
Wolf Hall (2015-2024)
Summary:
Directed by Peter Kosminsky, Wolf Hall is a historical drama miniseries based on Hilary Mantel’s Man Booker Prize-winning novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. Mark Rylance portrays Thomas Cromwell, as a cunning and ambitious advisor to King Henry VIII.
The series follows Cromwell’s rise to power as he navigates the treacherous court politics of Tudor England. Entangled in the King’s quest to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and secure an heir, Cromwell walks a tightrope between ambition and danger.
The political thriller is acclaimed internationally and boasts an IMDb rating of 8.2, making it one of the best period dramas in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer. Additionally, fans can anticipate the return of Wolf Hall for its second series later in 2024, as BBC unveils its first look, promising a more gripping narrative and historical depth.
What are the Trending Shows on BBC iPlayer?
As we enter 2024, BBC iPlayer remains the cornerstone for top-tier entertainment, showcasing not just the best British period dramas to watch in 2024 but also a host of trending shows that capture the zeitgeist of contemporary Britain. Here’s a table of what’s capturing fans’ attention right now:
| By the Grace of God | Baby Done |
| Quentin Blake’s: Zagazoo | Only You |
| Dublin Murders |
Check More Guides on Streamingrant of BBC iPlayer Series
- Best Psychological Thrillers in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer: Thrill-seekers, prepare for a mind-bending journey.
- Best BBC iPlayer Sci-Fi Series in New Zealand: Explore new worlds and futuristic tales from the comfort of your home.
- Best BBC iPlayer British Detective Series in New Zealand: Unravel mysteries with the sharpest detectives on BBC iPlayer.
- Best BBC iPlayer Animated Movies in New Zealand: Enchanting animations for the young and young at heart.
- Best Crime Series in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer: Get ready for edge-of-your-seat suspense and intricate plots.
Wrapping Up
Indulging in the best period dramas in New Zealand on BBC iPlayer has become my cherished pastime. Each BBC period drama series’ full episodes serve as a portal to the bygone eras of corsets and court intrigues.
ExpressVPN is the solution that unlocks a wealth of the best BBC period drama series, ensuring you never miss a moment of historical splendor, no matter where you are in the world. Sign up for it today and enjoy streaming the full episodes of the British period drama series without any limitations.
Chris Mack
