In this episode of Swoon-Worthy, we dive into Emerald Fennell’s latest theatrical release, Wuthering Heights — and we don’t hold back. From the curious creative choices to the moments that genuinely worked, we unpack it all. We talk about the bold costuming and hairstyles, elaborate set and production design, and all the ways Fennell’s signature style shows up in this adaptation. And yes — we get into the very controversial casting of Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff and Margot Robbie as Cathy, choices that sparked debate long before the film even premiered.

We also get into the fun stuff: who we would cast, other adaptations, and the changes we think could have strengthened this latest version. Along the way, we reflect on our own relationships with Emily Brontë’s novel — from lifelong devotion to high‑school memories to experiencing the story for the very first time. (Spoiler: the first‑timer liked the movie more than the book lovers did.)

Whether you’re a Brontë purist, a Fennell fan, or just here for a movie review, this episode is a lively, honest, and deeply entertaining look at a beloved classic reimagined.

In this episode of Swoon-Worthy, we sink into the haunting beauty of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein — starring Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and Jacob Elordi. We explore how del Toro transforms this classic tale into something uniquely tender and tragic, unpacking the aesthetic world-building and emotional core that make his vision so mesmerizing. We rave about the vibrant and ethereal costume design by Kate Hawley which we predict will win the Oscar this year. From gothic longing to monstrous love, this episode is for anyone who finds romance in cinema.

In this week’s episode of Swoon-Worthy, we dive into Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 — unpacking every episode, every swoon, and every beautifully crafted moment. We walk through the season’s romantic scenes, share our personal reactions and connections, and explore the character arcs that surprised and delighted us.

Of course, we spend plenty of time raving about Luke Thompson’s scintillating performance as Benedict and Yerin Ha’s enchanting turn as Sophie Baek, whose Cinderella‑inspired storyline has us fully invested. We also gush over our perennial favorites — Eloise Bridgerton and Violet Bridgerton — and the emotional threads they bring to the season.

Along the way, we dig into the themes, relationships, and visual storytelling that make Part 1 so compelling, and we look ahead to Part 2 with our boldest predictions and hopes for what’s to come.

Whether you’ve already binged Part 1 or you’re savoring it slowly, this episode is your companion for all things Bridgerton — heartfelt insights, spirited discussion, and plenty of swooning included.

Welcome to Swoon-Worthy—a podcast dedicated to the lavish, layered world of period dramas. I’m Carly, the voice behind @perioddramastyle on Instagram, where my followers join me in celebrating the romance, aesthetic, costuming, and emotional depth of historical storytelling. I’m here to guide you through your favorite films and series, one swoon-worthy scene at a time.

We’ve covered everything from  Marie Antoinette to Moulin Rouge. From Gladiator to The Gilded Age. We’ve explored the lives of Jane Austen, The Bronte sisters, Louisa May Alcott…. With stops at the familiar worlds of Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. And we’re just getting started. 

While my sister Cayla co-hosted our first three seasons (and still pops in now and then), these days I’m joined by a rotating cast of brilliant friends who help me dive deep into the drama.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the genre, we’re here to celebrate the swoon-worthy moments that make period dramas unforgettable.

Step into the stories with our spirited conversations. Subscribe now and let’s time-travel through the period dramas that make us swoon.

In this special bonus episode of Swoon-Worthy, we’re taking you straight to Paris — well, virtually — for the Bridgerton Season 4 red carpet celebration. This week, we tuned in for interviews with the dazzling cast, including Luke Thompson, Yerin Ha, and Claudia Jessie, before getting an exclusive sneak peek at the full first episode.

We break down everything from the highly anticipated masquerade ball (yes, the costumes are as decadent as you’re imagining) to the character moments that already have us theorizing about the season ahead. We also share our very real experience with the livestream’s technical hiccups and laugh through the chaos.

Whether you’re here for the fashion highlights, the Cinderella story romance, or the sheer joy of being back in the Ton, this episode is our love letter to a show that continues to sweep us off our feet.

In this bonus episode of Swoon-Worthy, we bring you a roundup of the latest and upcoming period dramas — from buzzy premieres to hidden gems and future favorites. We rave about Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (2025), with its breathtaking costuming, emotionally rich performances, and gothic storytelling that’s anything but monstrous. We also dig into King & Conqueror (Amazon Prime), starring James Norton, and explain why early reviews might be missing the mark.

Joe Wright’s Mussolini: Son of the Century (Mubi) gets our attention as an under-the-radar miniseries with bold historical ambition. Then we preview what’s coming soon:

• Merteuil / The Seduction (HBO Max France, Nov 14) — a feminist prequel to Les Liaisons dangereuses
• Train Dreams (Netflix, Nov 21) — a haunting frontier tale starring Joel Edgerton
• 100 Nights of Hero and Fackham Hall (Dec 5 theatrical releases) — one poetic, one parodic, both irresistible
• Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials (Netflix, Jan 15) — a fresh take on country house mystery
• The Forsytes and The Count of Monte Cristo (PBS Masterpiece, March 2026) — sweeping sagas with star-studded casts
• The Nightingale (Feb 12, 2027) — Dakota and Elle Fanning finally unite in Kristin Hannah’s WWII adaptation

We also tease a few newly announced period dramas with no release dates yet — but trust us, they’re already on our radar. Whether you’re craving corsets, conspiracies, or complex heroines, this episode is your guide to what’s making waves in the world of period storytelling.

In the Season 5 finale of the Swoon-Worthy Podcast, we're joined by Kelly and Ragon from Kindred Spirits Book Club Podcast for a special crossover episode. ogether, we revisit the beloved 1985 miniseries Anne of Green Gables and explore what makes it the perfect period drama.

From favorite scenes and themes of family and friendship to Megan Follows’ unforgettable and relatable portrayal of Anne, we dive into why this story continues to resonate. We share a lively conversation around the sweeping music, authentic costuming, and dreamy landscapes that make Avonlea feel like home.

We also reflect on how the miniseries holds up to L.M. Montgomery’s original novel — and share our personal connections to both the book and the screen adaptation.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Anne, this episode is a celebration of kindred spirits and timeless storytelling.

This week on Swoon-Worthy, or should I say Spook-Worthy, we sink our teeth into Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) — and trace the vampiric lineage through a century of cinematic adaptations. From the eerie 1922 Nosferatu silent film to Werner Herzog’s haunting 1979 remake, and from Bela Lugosi’s iconic 1931 Dracula to Gary Oldman in Coppola’s lush 1992 version, we explore how each film reimagines the vampire myth for its moment. We break down the cast and pivotal scenes in Eggers’ latest vision, and reflect on what makes these stories so enduring, seductive, and strangely comforting. Whether you’re here for folklore, fangs, or fog-drenched castles, this episode is a love letter to the vampire’s cinematic evolution.

In this episode of Swoon-Worthy, we uncap the drama of Netflix’s House of Guinness, the sweeping historical drama series that follows the powerful Guinness siblings in 19th-century Ireland. We share our favorite scenes and dive deep into character arcs, sibling dynamics, and the tangled romances involving strong women, ambitious brothers, and the intriguing Mr. Rafferty (James Norton). We gush over the standout costuming (especially the men’s fashion, which rarely steals the spotlight), and muse on what we’d love to see in a potential Season 2. Did it succeed in what it was marketed as: Peaky Blinders meets Succession? We break down what worked, what didn’t, and why House of Guinness might just be carving out its own legacy.

In this episode of Swoon-Worthy, we unwrap the rich layers of Chocolat (2000), Lasse Hallström’s enchanting adaptation of Joanne Harris’s novel. Set in a conservative French village during Lent, the film follows Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche), a mysterious chocolatier whose confections — and compassion — begin to melt the town’s rigid traditions. We explore the film’s blend of romance and rebellion and the unforgettable performances by Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Lena Olin, Alfred Molina, and Johnny Depp. From the magic-infused sweets to the vibrant characters, we discuss how Chocolat serves up a story that’s indulgent, empowering, and deeply swoon-worthy.