Viewers urged to watch 'wild' steamy period drama with near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score after Bridgerton

If you’re still searching to fill the Bridgerton-shaped hole in your evenings, look no further than an ‘underrated’ period drama inspired by real women.

Earlier this month, the long-anticipated first part of Bridgerton season three had its premiere on Netflix.

This time, the four-episode showcase focused on the friends-turned-lovers storyline blossoming between Penelope Featherington (played by Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton).

Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton. (Netflix)

Meanwhile, fans were also delighted to witness the return of Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Bridgerton (Simone Ashley) while Eloise’s (Claudia Jessie) unlikely alliance with Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) definitely raised some eyebrows.

Bridgerton season three ended on a nail-biting cliffhanger - prompting fans to return on June 13 when part two drops on the streaming giant.

In the meantime, TV fanatics have been revisiting forgotten gems and singing the praises of more steamy projects across social media.

One period drama experiencing a resurgence is a British programme based on Hallie Rubenhold’s beloved book, The Covent Garden Ladies.

A fan-favourite period drama is having a resurgence. (Hulu)

The three-season show first aired in 2017 and stars Samantha Morton as Margaret Wells, a former sex worker and madam of a new brothel.

Alongside her are daughter and courtesan Charlotte Wells (Jessica Brown Findlay) and Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville) - a ruthless madam and her former boss.

The show, titled Harlots, focuses on Margaret’s struggle in 18th-century Georgian London as she attempts to run an inner-city brothel and improve the lives of those in her ‘family’.

If you like what you read, then check out the trailer for Harlots below:

Harlots, which has a 97 percent score on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, was co-created by Alison Newman and Moira Buffini.

The series revolves around Margaret’s determination to bring wealthy clientele into her Greek Street establishment.

Opposite her though is Lydia, a woman who operates a first-class brothel in Golden Square.

Across three seasons, the cast deals with rivalry and heartache attempting to better one’s life by any means necessary.

While slightly more raucous and racy than Bridgerton, Harlots too explores family drama from a female perspective.

Fans who have re-discovered the popular Hulu series have urged fellow period drama fans to take a punt on it, with one writing: “Man I really wish they would make more of the series Harlots. Such an amazing time piece drama.”

There are three seasons of Harlots available to stream. (Hulu)

Another gushed: “Harlots is such an underrated series.”

“If you’re still on a #Bridgerton high… here are 3 shows you should watch that gives the same vibe: The Great on Hulu, Harlots on Hulu & Reign on Amazon Prime,” commented a third.

A fourth fan said: “Never quite understood the hype for Bridgerton when there’s Harlots.”

Someone else penned: "Bridgerton is really fun, but it blows my mind that Harlots on Hulu wasn't more popular when it came out.

“I think maybe it was a smidge too early to ride the romance wave that seems to be building these days...? But I can't recommend it enough! It's beyond delightful.”

Harlots is available to stream on Prime Video and Hulu.