The top BBC period dramas to binge as Wolf Hall finally returns after nine year wait

THE BBC has finally confirmed the release date for the second series of Wolf Hall after a nine-year absence from screens.

The acclaimed period drama first launched on BBC Two in 2015 and will now be back for its brand new outing, subtitled The Mirror and The Light, this Sunday at 9pm.

Season one followed the events of the first two novels in the trilogy.

It saw Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power in the court of King Henry VIII, as the lawyer helped him navigate his way out of unwanted marriages.

At the end of the first season Anne Boleyn was executed, which put Cromwell in a difficult position after he backed her as queen.

Now viewers will get the chance to see how he deals with the bloodbath, attempting to stay on Henry’s good side as he gets involved with Jane Seymour.

But with confirmation that the hit show will finally be back on screens, what other top BBC period dramas are there for fans to stream and relive times gone-by…

SAS Rogue Heroes

This acclaimed drama made its debut in October 2022 and was a near instant hit after six gripping episodes.

Series one also starred the likes of House Of The Dragon star Tom Glynn-Carney, Sex Education star Connor Swindells and Skins star Jack O’Connell.

The show chronicles the formation of the Special Air Service during World War II.

It is set in Cairo in 1941 as it shows how efforts were being made by British and French intelligence offices to free North Africa from the Nazis.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

The Gallows Pole

This three-part BBC Two series is a prequel to the book by Benjamin Myers, and sees writer Shane Meadows fictionalise a remarkable true story.

Actor Michael Socha plays David Hartley, and looks worlds away from his role in the This is England film and subsequent TV series.

For his The Gallows Pole character, he looks totally different with a full, dark beard and hair.

Speaking about how he prepared for the lead role of David, he told the BBC: “I worked on a farm for a week and learnt how to shear sheep, I did lots of walking around the area, I went to York castle to see where David was locked up, I learnt to clip coins, which I enjoyed doing, it was very satisfying.

“In This is England, I wasn’t in it half as much as I am in this and there’s also a bit more of a character attached to this role. I’m playing somebody who existed, so I’ve also got a back story that was half made for me.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

Gentleman Jack

This critically acclaimed drama starring iconic actress Suranne Jones had fans hooked when it made its debut back in 2022.

Gentleman Jack is based on the life of unconventional woman Anne Lister, who lived in the 19th century.

Anne not only wore trousers but had affairs with women.

Happy Valley screenwriter Sally Wainwright penned the show and said of the programme and the character of Anne: “There are so many facets to her personality.

“She’s so extraordinary. She’s this mass of contradictions. She’s very bold and brilliant. She did so many fantastic extraordinary things.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

Bleak House

The BBC’s 2005 adaptation of Bleak House was the third version of the Charles Dickens novel to be adapted for screens.

It first emerged as a TV serial in 1959 before becoming a series once again in 1985.

The 2005 version starred Denis Lawson, Anna Maxwell Martin and Patrick Kennedy and instantly became a fan favourite.

An award-winner, it picked up the gong for Best Serial Drama at the 2006 BAFTAs with Anna also scooping the award for Best Actress over co-star Gillian Anderson.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Vienna Blood

Vienna Blood is set in 1900s Vienna and focuses on a brilliant young English doctor, Max Liebermann, and Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt, who investigate a series of unusual and disturbing murders.

The show is an adaptation of Frank Tallis’s Liebermann best-selling book series.

It has so far aired four series on the BBC with its most recent edition coming in August 2024.

It was based on author Frank’s seventh and last book, leaving fans concerned the show won’t return for series five.

Taking to social media, one viewer said: “If this is the last season, I will miss this show so much – but a cracking conclusion. What a fabulous team and excellent storytelling.”

A second wrote: “This had better not be the last ever episode or I’ll really kick off.” 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%