I’ve noticed there’s this trend of late to set shows in the 1950s. So, I decided to compile a list of the top shows set in that era that really deliver, especially on the costume front.
The Crown, Seasons 1 & 2 (2016-2017)
Seasons 1 & 2 span the 1950s and are well worth the watch for all the fabulous mid-century haute couture.
The Bletchley Circle (2012-2014, 2018)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017-)
Do I really need to go into more depth about this amazing show? If you’re not watching it, what are you even doing with your life?
Fargo, Season 4 (2020)
The TV series spun off of the classic Cohen Brothers movie. Season Four flips back all the way to 1950, and it’s absolutely something you should not miss if you’re at all into 1) murder mysteries, 2) Cohen Brothers films, and 3) atmospheric period shows.
Lovecraft Country (2020-)
Are you tired of me talking about this show? Suck it up, because this is by no means the last you will hear of it on this website. We are 2 episodes away from the finale, and I. AM. RIVETED. Stay tuned for a more in depth recap of the costumes.
Are you watching any of these shows set in the 1950s? Tell us about it in the comments!
Watching ALL of them. The men’s clothing in Fargo is amazing; not only for its style, but for distinguishing ethnicity, class (hats vs. caps; suits vs. jackets) and character.
Completely off topic, but I’ve started seeing ads for Season 2 of the Spanish Princess. Featuring pregnant Katherine wearing armor and cold-shoulder chain mail. Can’t wait to hear your take on it.
The algorithms can’t tell that I’m snark watching the ads so I keep getting more of them.
Laughing Cavalier had some choice words regarding the preview.
Crown was definitely glam. I am curious about Fargo but I get the sense it’ll be too much for me. I love seeing the Maisel clothes, but I tried the first episode and it wasn’t for me.
I’m watching Grantchester. The new “lady journalist” is more 1970s than mid 1950s, but the rest is all cozy 1950s familiarity with some much-needed queer, race/ethinicity, and women’s empowerment existing but are not too obviously shoe-horned to be disingenuous and like Downton Abbey was.
Endeavor starts in the mid-sixties and still maintains 1950s silhouettes in the working class…And Doctor Finlay with Jason Flemyng. He was so dreamy then!
I’ll watch “Lovecraft Country” after the election. And I hope the election turns out ok.
Haven’t seen any of them yet; will probably go for Lovecraft first. But I grew up in the 50’s, so the wardrobe is hardly a surprise. Besides, there are plenty of movies made in that period which provide a reference point. One of the more interesting phenomena of that period was the British Teddy Boys, who wore suits with velvet collars, skin-tight “drainpipe” trousers, all accessorised with a straight razor.
Rachel Stirling’s costumes in Bletchley are just divine. They’re not quite high couture, but they’re chic as hell while also being a workable real world wardrobe.
Some great stuff here. Two more episodes of Lovecraft Country!
I would like to suggest The Hour, showing goings on at a fictional BBC news program in the fifties. Only two six-episode series were made; a third was planned but cancelled by the BBC. Alas…
Romola Garai, Dominick West and Ben Whishaw head a stellar cast. Stylish art direction, including excellent costumes.
Watched and loved The Crown and the first iteration of The Bletchley Circle. Hearing so many good things about Lovecraft Country and hope to see it someday. Someone else mentioned Grantchester. Yes, the costumes in that show look good, but the Lady Journalist’s plaid jacket needs to be retired. I think she wore it every episode of the most recent season. With the priests, we expect them to wear the same “uniform” in every episode, but not the other characters. I’ve halfway caught up with the last few seasons of Father Brown, so I don’t know if it’s still in the 50s or has moved to the 60s now, but their costumes are always nice too.
The early seasons of Call the Midwife and the Spanish telnovela Velvet have beautiful 1950s fashions.
A Place to Call Home (an Australian production) is largely set in the 50’s for most of its 6 season run