We've rounded up seven of our favourite television shows and films set in the past

1. Bridgerton

Based on Julia Quinn's best-selling series of novels of the same name, Bridgerton is set during the Regency era in England and tells the tale of eight close-knit siblings of the powerful Bridgerton family as they attempt to navigate life and love. 

For a Netflix debut by uber producer Shonda Rhimes, Bridgerton has already been watched by over 60 million households, no doubt drawn to the scandalous intrigue, witty dialogues, gorgeous costumes, and a regal voiceover by by Dame Julie Andrews.

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2. Pride & Prejudice

The world of Jane Austen is brought to glorious life in this adaptation of Pride & Prejudice by director Joe Wright. The story five Bennett sisters and their mother's fixation on finding suitable husbands for them stars Keira Knightley in the role of Elizabeth and Matthew Macfadyen as her romantic interest, Mr Darcy. 

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3. Little Women

This 2019 film was written and directed by Greta Gerwig. It is the seventh film adaptation of the 1868 novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott. It chronicles the lives of the March sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth in Concord, Massachusetts, during the 19th century as they enter womanhood and enter womanhood and going through many ups and downs in life, and the decisions that affect their future. The cast is led by Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson and Laura Dern with an appearance by Meryl Streep. 

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4. The Crown

The Netflix original drama chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to present time, offering a intriguing if fictional look into the dynamics of the British royal family behind closed doors. The Crown released its fourth season last year, depicting the Thatcher years and giving us our first look at Princess Diana. It also marks the end of Oscar winner Olivia Colman's reign as the monarch; Imelda Staunton takes over the role of the Queen in the fifth season.

5. The Queen's Gambit

A riveting adaptation of Walter Tevis’ groundbreaking novel, The Queen’s Gambit follows an orphaned chess prodigy, Beth Harmon, as she rises to become the best chess player in the world. 

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6. Atonement

Based on Ian McEwan's novel, Atonement is a film about love, war and redemption. The narrative starts with one awful mistake made by a 13-year-old child that prompts a tragic series of events set amidst the backdrop of World War II. Starring a young Saoirse Ronan, as well as James McAvoy and an ever-stylish Keira Knightley, this is complex film asks whether we can really atone for our past crimes.

7. Peaky Blinders

This is a British television drama that follows a notorious gang in 1919 Birmingham, England, which is led by the fierce Tommy Shelby, a crime boss set on moving up in the world no matter the cost. 

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