
For Outlander fans, moving on from Claire and Jamie Fraser is easier said than done. The series blends sweeping romance, historical conflict, family drama and time travel into a story that has kept viewers invested for years. With its mix of eighteenth-century Scotland, political upheaval and emotionally complicated relationships, finding a show that offers the same experience can feel like an impossible task.
Fortunately, Netflix has several historical dramas that may help fill the gap. From forbidden romance and royal intrigue to Viking battles, these five series offer different reasons to keep watching.
1. The Cook of Castamar (2021)

Set in eighteenth-century Madrid, this Spanish period drama follows Clara Belmonte, a talented cook who takes a position in the household of Diego, the widowed Duke of Castamar. Still grieving his wife’s death, Diego gradually develops feelings for Clara, setting the stage for a romance complicated by the rigid social hierarchy surrounding them.
Like Outlander, the series explores the difficulties of pursuing love when social expectations and personal circumstances stand in the way. Its lavish period setting and household intrigue make it an appealing choice for viewers who enjoy historical romance.
2. The Empress (2022–present)
This German historical drama follows Elisabeth, a rebellious Bavarian duchess whose life changes when she attracts the attention of Emperor Franz Joseph. The complication? He is expected to marry her older sister, Helene.
After Elisabeth arrives at the Viennese court, she must navigate political tensions, restrictive traditions and a difficult relationship with her mother-in-law, Sophie. The series offers plenty of royal intrigue and emotional conflict, making it a strong option for viewers who enjoy watching women challenge the expectations of their time.
3. Vikings: Valhalla (2022–2024)
If the battles and political maneuvering in Outlander are what keep you hooked, Vikings: Valhalla may be the right next watch. Set roughly a century after the original Vikings, the historical drama follows Leif Eriksson, his sister Freydis and Harald Sigurdsson during a period of escalating conflict between the Vikings and the English.
Leif becomes caught up in battles for control of England, while Freydis confronts religious tensions as Christianity gains influence. With competing loyalties, power struggles and dangerous journeys, the series delivers a more action-focused alternative to Outlander.
4. A royal drama full of forbidden love
For viewers drawn to the complicated relationships and social restrictions in Outlander, The Empress offers a particularly compelling look at romance within a royal household. Elisabeth’s marriage places her under intense scrutiny, forcing her to balance her own independence with the demands of imperial life.
Its focus on the personal cost of power makes it a natural choice for anyone who enjoys historical stories in which private relationships become entangled with public responsibilities.
5. Another historical drama for your watchlist
If you are primarily looking for the atmosphere of another period piece, the three series above offer different ways to revisit the elements that make Outlander so distinctive: romance shaped by social expectations, political conflict and characters trying to find their place in a changing world. Whether you prefer the intimate household drama of The Cook of Castamar, the royal tensions of The Empress or the battles of Vikings: Valhalla, each provides a different route into historical storytelling.
Although no single series can fully replace Claire and Jamie’s journey, these dramas offer plenty of intrigue to explore while you look for your next favorite.
Source: Compiled from various sources