1. Home
  2. Entertainment
  3. Guides

Like the Apple TV+ series Franklin? Then watch these 3 shows right now

By
Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin stands by a window pondering, fist up to his chin in a scene from Franklin.
Apple TV+

Michael Douglas returns to television as a Founding Father in the Apple TV+ miniseries, Franklin. Douglas plays Benjamin Franklin, the brilliant scientist-turned-politician who embarks on a secret mission to France in 1776. Without U.S. government support, Franklin went rogue across the Atlantic to convince the French to support the U.S. in the Revolutionary War.

If you’re looking for more period pieces and historical dramas to watch, you’ve come to the right place. Below are three shows to watch right now if you enjoyed Franklin. Our picks include a critically acclaimed miniseries about John Adams, a seductive Netflix romance, and an underrated Revolutionary War series.

Recommended Videos

John Adams (2008)

HBO

Franklin is not the only Founding Father to be the titular subject of a miniseries. The adult life of John Adams, one of the most influential voices in American history, is the subject of HBO’s terrific limited series that bears his name. Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers) stars as Adams, the hard-nosed Massachusetts politician who played an integral role in the formation of the U.S.

The seven-episode series chronicles a different chapter in Adams’s life, from his work with the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War to his service as Vice President and President of the United States. Benjamin Franklin even appears in John Adams, this time played by the late Tom Wilkinson. History buffs will prefer John Adams over Franklin because of its historical accuracy and educational roots. The Television Academy also loved and appreciated John Adams, awarding the limited series a record-breaking 13 Emmys.

Stream John Adams on Max.

Bridgerton (2020-)

Netflix

Dearest readers, if you are looking for a period romance, Bridgerton should be next on your list. While the series is based on London’s high society during the early 1800s, you won’t learn about any major treaties or battles, and that’s OK. Bridgerton is a romantic, sexy TV series with dazzling Victorian fashion, superb music, and juicy gossip.

Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, Bridgerton introduces audiences to the titular family, which consists of eight children. Each season highlights one of the Bridgerton children’s quests for love. Season 1 revolves around Daphne’s (Fair Play‘s Phoebe Dynevor) pursuit of a suitor, while season 2 spotlights the eldest Bridgerton, Anthony (Wicked‘s Jonathan Bailey). Now is the time to binge-watch the first two seasons because Bridgerton season 3 returns in the late spring of 2024.

Stream Bridgerton on Netflix.

Turn: Washington’s Spies (2014-2017)

AMC

Turn: Washington’s Spies is an example of giving a show time to figure out what it wants to be. Season 1 received mixed reviews, with many critics criticizing its slow development and lack of suspense. The writers of Turn listened as season 2 increased the thrills, upped the excitement, and expanded the scope.

Turn starts in 1776, with the American Revolutionary War underway. Abraham Woodhull (Jamie Bell) is a Long Island farmer who surprisingly forms a spy ring with his childhood friends. Abe going against the British army is one thing, but turning against his loyalist father (Kevin R. McNally) becomes a challenge. With well-written characters on both sides of the war, Turn is an entertaining espionage drama set during a fascinating time in American history.

Stream Turn: Washington’s Spies on AMC+ or Pluto TV.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Dan Girolamo
Entertainment Writer
Dan is a passionate and multitalented content creator with experience in pop culture, entertainment, and sports. Throughout…
Like Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout series? Then watch these 5 great movies right now

Amazon Prime Video is wishing everyone a happy apocalypse this month as all eight episodes of Fallout season 1 hit the streaming servic e. But even if this show is a breakout hit that gets an immediate second season order, it could be two years or longer before new episodes arrive. So if you're looking for more postapocalyptic stories, then you've come to the right place.

However, the thing that you need to remember is that there's almost nothing else that shares the exact tone of Fallout, which can be really funny without slipping into farce. Regardless, some of our picks clearly inspired the Fallout games and the TV show. And you can see for yourself as we run down the five great movies that you need to see if you like Fallout.
Six-String Samurai (1998)

Read more
Like Monkey Man? Then watch these 3 action movies now

After an exciting premiere at South by Southwest, Monkey Man is finally hitting theaters this weekend. The film marks the directorial debut of Dev Patel, who co-wrote the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee. Patel also stars as Kid, a man who makes a living as a masked fighter in an underground fight club. After his mother's death, Kid embarks on a mission to find and kill her murderers, leading him down a path of vengeance and destruction.

Monkey Man is the latest addition to the action thriller genre. It's one of our most anticipated movies of spring 2024. These films are typically gory, brutal, and violent, but highly entertaining in the end. If you enjoyed Monkey Man, then watch these three films. Our selections include the fourth film in one of Hollywood's best franchises, an iconic movie from the early 2000s, and a stylish neo-noir.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Read more
Like the hit Netflix show Ripley? Then watch these 3 movies and shows right now

Anthony Minghella's The Talented Mr. Ripley is a masterful adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's iconic novel from 1955. The film stars Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, the charming criminal who cons his way into a life of wealth, luxury, and high social status. His means of acquiring these items, however, are a result of violent and murderous actions. While Damon is perfect as Tom, Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers) provides a compelling interpretation of the notorious character in the new TV series, Ripley.

The eight-episode Netflix show has received positive reviews, with Digital Trends' A.A. Dowd calling Ripley a "terrifically tense thriller." After consuming Ripley, check out these three movies and TV shows with similar vibes to Ripley. Our selections include a Stephen King adaptation, a disturbing docuseries, and a brilliant satire.
Misery (1990)

Read more