Fans of period dramas like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey need to give this hidden gem Netflix show a watch — audiences are completely blown over with the series.

Period drama fans have another treat to add to their watchlist, as a relatively obscure Netflix series is winning over audiences everywhere.

Viewers have described it as “part Bridgerton, part Downton Abbey”, and if that isn’t enough to send period drama devotees rushing to their screens, nothing will be.

Spanish comedy-drama The Lady’s Companion, originally titled Manual para señoritas in Spanish, has audiences completely enthralled with its sharp wit, sparkling repartee, and magnificent costume drama excellence.

Brought to the screen by creators Gema R Neira and María José Rustarazo, the series made its debut on Netflix on March 28, 2025.

Co-directed by Carlos Sedes and Claudia Pinto Emperador, the eight-episode production is garnering widespread critical admiration, reports the Express.

The period drama features Nadia de Santiago, Álvaro Mel, and Isa Montalbán, Zoe Bonafonte, Iratxe Emparán, and Tristán Ulloa, with the entire ensemble’s performances drawing enthusiastic praise from both audiences and critics.

The show’s official plot states: “A romantic comedy set in 1880s Madrid, coinciding with the Alphonsine era and the Restoration period, depicting the social and cultural landscape of the time. Hired to find husbands for three wealthy sisters, chaperone Elena Bianda is drawn into a late 19th-century world of love, scandal and comic intrigue.”

In May 2025, Netflix Spain confirmed the programme’s axing, revealing it wouldn’t return for a second series, leaving audiences devastated. Numerous viewers have voiced their frustration over the show’s cancellation across social media and in programme reviews.

Achieving an impressive 92% audience approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Lady’s Companion has garnered widespread acclaim from fans, with one fan saying: “This is a must watch. I binged it so quickly as it was so entertaining and had such beautiful love stories woven into the plot!

“The main female lead is so entertaining and funny and the main actor was so charming and handsome ;). The costume and visuals were so pretty and the series was so entertaining to watch. The chemistry between all the couples was on fire. I can’t wait for a season two!”

Another audience review of the show says: “Bridget Jones meets Little Women meets Jane Austen, with a hint of Oscar Wilde. Somehow Spain has one-upped the recent Restoration revivals and produced the most charming rom-com in a while.”

While one fan said: “It’s absolutely bingeable and cheeky. The only thing I didn’t like is the score, too obvious to look modern. Lavish period drama at it best.”

Another viewer’s review expressed heartbreak at the series’ cancellation: “First of all Netflix it makes zero sense to cancel the show for another season, this series is captivating and comedic but also plot twisting and emotional it’s an all rounder! I loved it 10/10.”

Meanwhile, one positive IMDB review proclaiming the programme “better than Bridgerton” says: “This is hands down the best show I have come across in 2025. It’s like Bridgeton but better, so many twist and turns, the script is so well written, it’s quirky, up beat and passionate. The actors are brilliant and gorgeous! Excellent choice of music too it really entangles you in the scene. Just brilliant! More shows like this please.”

Another fan review added: “Absolutely adored binging this snazzy little number from start to finish! The cast? A delightful mix of charming, ridiculously attractive men and sharp, charismatic women. The chemistry was electric, and the witty banter kept me laughing all the way through.

“Part Bridgerton romance, part Downton Abbey grandeur, and sprinkled with that delightful Jane Austen sass, all wrapped up in a sun-soaked, comedic Spanish fiesta.”

Critics proved equally captivated by the series, with one sharing: “The Lady’s Companion is a highly stylized show, and that’s what sets it apart from the likes of Bridgerton. From the use of colorful, striking fonts to the quirky animated title sequence, every detail adds a unique charm.”

While another critic said: “The Lady’s Companion is delightfully juicy and thoroughly bingeable, thanks to the sweet characters and their fantastic performances.”

The Lady’s Companion is available to stream on Netflix.