period drama

Meaning

This refers to a film, television show, or play that is set in a specific historical time period. These productions place a heavy emphasis on historical accuracy, including authentic dialogue, social customs, and historical events of that era. The tone is neutral and descriptive, widely used by critics, viewers, and media professionals alike.

Examples

• Pride and Prejudice is a classic period drama set in the Regency era.

  Pride and Prejudice is a classic period drama set in the Regency era.

• I love a good period drama because of the beautiful historical settings and language.

  I love a good period drama because of the beautiful historical settings and language.

• The studio spent millions on the set design for their new Victorian period drama.

  The studio spent millions on the set design for their new Victorian period drama.

• She usually acts in modern comedies, but this time she is starring in a gritty period drama.

  She usually acts in modern comedies, but this time she is starring in a gritty period drama.

• Many people enjoy a period drama because it offers a sense of escapism into the past.

  Many people enjoy a period drama because it offers a sense of escapism into the past.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We watched a historical period drama last night.

  ✓ We watched a period drama last night.

  Using 'historical' and 'period' together is redundant, as a 'period drama' is by definition historical.

• ✗ She loves watching old time dramas set in the 1800s.

  ✓ She loves watching period dramas set in the 1800s.

  While 'old-time' exists, the standard and natural industry term for this genre is 'period drama'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Downton Abbey is a highly successful British ___ set in the early 20th century.

  💡 A historical television show

  Show answer

  period drama

• I prefer a sci-fi movie over a slow-paced ___.

  💡 A drama set in a past era

  Show answer

  period drama