While some TV shows dive into the present or future, others dive into the past. Historical TV shows feature everything from ancient wars to political intrigue surrounding the crowns of various kingdoms. They not only bring the past to life, but also show the importance of those times to our future now. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to see sweeping views of Viking ships or battles either. If you enjoy looking into the past through media, check out these six best historical TV shows streaming now.
6. The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Starting our list of historical TV shows is The Last Kingdom. Set in 872, the show features the Vikings and their battles with English kingdoms. Many of the separate kingdoms in what is now England have fallen to a Viking clan called the Danes. The surviving kingdom is Wessex, under the command of King Alfred. As the Vikings lay siege, viewers meet Uhtred, the son of a Saxon nobleman who was taken by the Vikings as a child. As Uhtred is plunged into the fray, he must choose which side he will fight on.
–IMDb score: 8.5
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5. Vikings (2013-2020)
Next up on our historical TV shows list is the famous History Channel series Vikings. Though it may not be completely accurate, the show does bring the world of the Vikings into a new light. One of the most dominant groups in history, the show focuses on Ragnar Lothbrok, a warrior and farmer who aims to raid distant shores. Becoming King of the Viking tribes, Ragnar proves himself as the “true” Viking.
–IMDb score: 8.5
4. The Crown (2016-2023)
Fourth on our list of historical TV shows is The Crown. The series dives into the political rivalries and romances of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and other events in Britain during the second half of the 20th century. Queen Elizabeth II starts as a young newlywed faced with leading the monarchy and bonding with Prime Minister Churchill. Thus, the Queen’s journey begins, as she continues to grow behind the doors of Westminster and Buckingham Palace.
–IMDb score: 8.6
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3. Shogun (2024-Present)
Rounding out our top three historical TV shows is Shogun. The new hit show has won several accolades and is set during the 17th century in the Eastern hemisphere. The episodes are told from the perspective of British hero John Blackthorne, a sailor who rises from an outsider to a samurai. He is simultaneously being used as a pawn in the Japanese leader Toranaga’s struggle to claim power as the Shogun.
–IMDb score: 8.6
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2. Chernobyl (2019)
Second on our list of historical TV shows is Chernobyl, highlighting just how dangerous nuclear power can be if it goes wrong. Set in April 1986, viewers are transported back to the moment when the city of Chernobyl in the Soviet Union suffers a nuclear disaster. Each episode not only showcases the event, but also the heroes who put their lives on the line in the following months to pick up the pieces.
–IMDb score: 9.3
1. Band of Brothers (2001)
Last but not least on our list of historical TV shows is Band of Brothers. The episodes chronicle the story of “E” Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division from 1942 to the end of World War II. The regiment was part of several large events, including being parachuted behind enemy lines in the early hours of D-Day, participating in the liberation of Carentan, and liberating a concentration camp.
–IMDb score: 9.4
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