If you're missing Downton Abbey, this short series is the period drama by Julian Fellowes you need to stream next — and it's sequel is free on ITVX08:22, 03 Jun 2026If you're pining for Downton Abbey and require something else to bridge the void, then this compact period drama series ought to be your next viewing marathon.‌Sharing parallels with the cherished period drama, this self-contained series draws from an earlier novel by Julian Fellowes, before the 19th-century London setting was realised on screen in 2020.‌Belgravia is a British television series named after the prosperous London district, which serves as a pivotal location throughout the series. It was created by the same production crew that delivered Downton Abbey, ensuring a dramatic and sophisticated aesthetic.‌One fan posted on Rotten Tomatoes to express their admiration for the programme, noting: "Like Julian Fellowes' most prominent achievement, Downton Abbey, Belgravia is a TV soap of the highest order. Class struggles, how women operated in the early 1800s, and, like Downton, a significant historical marker to indicate the period: the series kicks off on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815."The series starts at the Grand Duchess of Richmond's ball hosted in Brussels to celebrate the Duke of Wellington, exactly two days prior to the Battle of Waterloo and on the eve of the Battle of Quatre Bras.‌Among the attendees are James and Anne Trenchard, who are benefiting from wealth accumulated through their commercial achievements, alongside their daughter. She had lately attracted the attention of the successor to one of the wealthiest and most distinguished families in the nation.A quarter of a century after the grand ball, its events appear to be unravelling as long-held secrets begin to emerge and cast a shadow over their new lives in Belgravia. As both families settle into the new development, it becomes apparent that each is concealing something from the other.The story revolves around the Trenchard family, portrayed by a highly acclaimed cast, featuring Alice Eve as Susan Trenchard, Tamsin Greig as Anne Trenchard and Philip Glenister as James Trenchard. Also residing in Belgravia are Ella Purnell as Lady Maria Grey and Jack Bardoe as Charles Pope.‌One viewer couldn't resist expressing their admiration for the cast, writing: "Wonderful! Fantastic acting, costumes and era depiction! I thought it was going to be a sleeper until the end of the first episode! Now I'm hooked! If you like historical films, you will love this one!"One fan shared: "Incredible show! Nothing was obvious; it kept the audience in suspense until the very last minute. Loved the complexity of the characters, the authenticity of the costumes and overall atmosphere. Highly recommend!"‌Another said: "Julian Fellowes delivers another astonishing period drama six part mini-series. Great historical details and superb ensemble casting. Highly recommended."Devoted fans were heartbroken when Belgravia concluded, before the exciting announcement arrived in 2022 of a follow-up entitled Belgravia: The Next Chapter. Written and developed by Helen Edmundson, it arrived in 2024, treating fans to a further eight episodes to enjoy.It's worth mentioning, however, that the sequel garnered considerably less enthusiastic reviews from audiences, featuring an entirely new ensemble cast.Article continues belowTo experience all the drama across the original season, Belgravia is available to rent on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. If that leaves you wanting more, the follow-up series Belgravia: The Next Chapter can be streamed free of charge on ITVX.