7 Cozy PBS Masterpiece Dramas to Curl Up With This Fall (Kettle On, Heart Full)
From ‘Poldark’ to ‘Grandchester,’ these comforting shows are your ticket to an enchanting escape
As temperatures turn crisp and leaves shimmer in shades of gold and maroon, there’s something deeply comforting about curling up with a blanket, a mug of tea or mulled wine and a great show that feels like a warm hug. And this fall, PBS once again delivers the kind of television that invites viewers to slow down, savor the season and meet casts of characters who feel like friends. If you’re looking for your next comforting historical binge-watch, we have you covered!
Here, we gathered up 7 of the coziest, most charming historical series on PBS Masterpiece—from returning favorites like All Creatures Great and Small and Miss Scarlet to upcoming costume dramas like The Forsytes. Each series on our list provides a gorgeous sense of place (from quiet 1950s Cambridgeshire villages to the lush farmland of 1930s Yorkshire), memorably complex characters and heartfelt moments that will stay with you long after you finish watching.
Keep scrolling for all of our cozy must-watch show recommendations and how to watch. Enjoy!
‘All Creatures Great and Small’
If you’re looking for a cozy TV show to pair with a steaming mug of Earl Grey tea and a fresh batch of cookies on a Sunday afternoon, look no further than All Creatures Great and Small. This charming show, based on the beloved books by James Herriot, follows the adventures of a small-town vet in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s. Between the lush landscapes, the everyday hijinks, the array of adorable animals and the hint of lingering romance, this show promises a warm and wholesome watch from start to finish. Season six airs in early 2026, but you can catch up now on PBS Passport, or you can watch online and on the free PBS app.
What viewers are saying: “I rewatch episodes from this show every fall. Something about the quaint settings, the gentle drama and the animals—it’s just so comforting. Even watching them simply cook in the kitchen and travel around Yorkshire is calming to me. The book is also cozy!”
‘Poldark’
Feel like escaping to the rugged landscape of 1783 Cornwall, where a handsome army officer returns home after the American Revolutionary War, only to find his life upended? Press play on Poldark. This beloved MASTERPIECE series, based on the bestselling novels by Winston Graham, stars Aidan Turner as Captain Poldark. The beautifully shot series follows Poldark’s effort to rebuild his life, his crumbling estate and his romantic relationships while facing local social injustices. You can stream Poldark now on Masterpiece or Netflix.
What viewers are saying: “If you’re looking to escape into a dramatic bygone era—and want some eye-candy too—Poldark is an excellent cozy fall weather show! The settings, the homes, the romantic tension…I just can’t stop watching this once I turn on the first episode. The books are also incredible and go on for another 30 years’ worth of story if that’s of interest to anyone.”
‘Miss Scarlet’
Victorian London setting? Check! Dangerous crimes? Check? Simmering romantic tension and pitch-perfect banter? Double check! Miss Scarlet (formerly Miss Scarlet & The Duke) is a cozy crime drama that centers on the fiercely independent Eliza Scarlet (played by Kate Phillips) as she takes over her late father’s detective agency. In a profession dominated by men, Eliza struggles to gain respect and keep the business afloat. Enter Detective Inspector William “The Duke” Wellington of Scotland Yard (played by Stuart Martin). Eliza and The Duke, who are childhood friends and occasional rivals, reluctantly team up to follow clues and crack local cases—while trying to ignore their inconvenient mutual attraction. Season 5 airs on January 12 and you can stream the rest of the seasons here or you can watch online and on the free PBS app.
What viewers are saying: “As soon as I heard this was about Victorian London’s first-ever female detective, I was sold. This is a very cozy yet intriguing watch and for any TV aficionados who adore mystery and romance, you’re in for a treat. The chemistry between Scarlet and the Duke is literally palpable. Pour yourself a Hot Toddy and curl up on the sofa with this one—it’s a favorite of mine!”
‘Magpie Murders’
Fans of Agatha Christie will adore PBS’ Magpie Murders. This MASTERPIECE series is a whodunit-within-a-whodunit adapted from Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling book of the same name. The plot revolves around editor Susan Ryeland after she is given an unfinished manuscript of famous mystery author Alan Conway’s latest novel. When the author turns up dead, and the final chapter is eerily missing, Susan must piece together the missing pages to solve the manuscript’s fictional murder and the real-life murder of Conway. Stream all six episodes on PBS Passport. You can also watch online on the free PBS App.
What viewers are saying: “The highest bit of praise I can give for this show is the intricate storytelling. The murders are all well-plotted and well foreshadowed. I’m happy to say I guessed the culprit in both cases. It was based on a book by Anthony Horowitz—so of course it would be well done! Also, the show is extremely funny and almost lighthearted. I find myself grinning from ear to ear while watching it.”
‘The Forsytes’
In a list of cozy—and sometimes decadent—escapist PBS shows, we just had to include The Forsytes, the highly anticipated costume-drama series written by Poldark showrunner Debbie Horsfield. Lush settings, beautiful gowns and sizzling desire abound in this series—inspired by John Galsworthy’s acclaimed novels—coming to MASTERPIECE in early 2026. The plot centers on a wealthy Victorian-era stockbroking family as they each grapple with the weight of tradition, sacrifice, personal happiness and the pursuit of true love.
What soon-to-be-viewers are saying: “I’m a big fan of the 2002 version. And I’m pleasantly intrigued by this new casting! I really hope it’s strong and full of great costumes and a memorable score.”
‘Grantchester’
Fans of classic cozy mysteries are guaranteed to get wonderfully lost in the idyllic world of Grantchester. This 10-season cozy British detective drama—based on the book series of the same name by James Runcie—is set in the 1950s Cambridgeshire village of Grantchester and follows a charismatic vicar and a gruff police detective who are always on the case. It’s the perfect solve-it-as-you-watch fall series to binge! Stream all seasons now with PBS Passport or watch online on the free PBS App.
What viewers are saying: “Just began watching this series on PBS. Absolutely the best. Wide range of emotions and societal norms covered—truly an excellent watch!
‘Miss Austen’
There is no shortage of movies and shows about the beloved and legendary Jane Austen, but Miss Austen offers Austen fans a fascinating peek inside the world of Cassandra Austen, Jane’s older sister. Adapted from Gill Hornby’s bestselling novel of the same name, the PBS MASTERPIECE period drama focuses on a historic mystery: the notorious burning of Jane Austen’s letters by her sister Cassandra. The series reimagines Cassandra’s life, her love for Tom Fowle and her devotion to her sister’s enduring legacy. Miss Austen is available to stream on PBS and the free PBS App.
What viewers are saying: “I signed up for a free trial of PBS Masterpiece in Canada to watch this and the acting is superb. The production—the period accuracy, the locations—top notch as expected with BBC.”
For more information on each series and the step-by-step for how to watch, click here.
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