ITV series from Downton Abbey creator is 'must-watch' for period drama fans

Months after the grand finale of the Downton Abbey universe of series, films and sequels - with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale released in September 2025 - period drama fans have been left mediatically orphaned.

As many look for their next obsession, some have latched onto Belgravia, a lavish ITV series from 2020.

A sister series to Downton Abbey, Belgravia was also created by Julian Fellowes. Set in 19th-century London, the story has many elements which enthusiasts consider to be similar to the 2010 franchise.

Belgravia is based on Fellowes’ 2016 homonymous novel, paying homage to one of London’s wealthiest districts. It also inherited much of its production team from its megahit cohort - including executive producers Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant.

The drama tells the story of the real-life Duchess of Richmond’s ball in Brussels, in 1815. The guests in her ball include james and Anne Trenchard, an affluent but socially insecure couple whose fortunes have been built on work rather than family name.

The pair’s daughter, Sophia, attracts the attention of the heir to one of England’s most powerful aristocratic families, Edmund Bellasis - a connection which leads to consequences that ripple forward over two decades, when both families are living in the newly established area of Belgravia.

The story then becomes an exploration of the tensions between old and new money communities. One IMDb reviewer described it as “the war of the classes, here the families of historical grandeur are joined by the nouveau riche, the new money seeking a place in Society.”

Philip Glenister and Tamsin Greig lead the cast as James and Anne Trenchard. Harriet Walter stars as the Countess of Brockenhurst, and the late Tom Wilkinson as her aristocratic husband.

On the visual department, Belgravia scratches the period drama itch by delivering lavish, detailed sets and costumes to match the grandeur of Victorian society. As one IMDb put it: “It looks fabulous, terrific sets and costumes.”

The series was a critical success, with a 75% score on Rotten Tomatoes and specialists calling it “delightfully soapy.”

According to producer Gareth Neame, Belgravia is “very, very different” from Downton. He describes it as a closed story with a clear beginning, middle and end, as opposed to the long-running, sprawling narrative of the franchise - but making up for it by offering a tighter, mystery-driven narrative.

“It won’t be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed it,” wrote another reviewer. “Tea and scandal, great for Sunday nights.”