Historical fiction shows will always be a popular genre for both history buffs and entertainment enthusiasts. Whether they’re 100% accurate, 50% accurate, or they merely create an adaptation, we can’t get enough of them.
These are, in my opinion, the 10 most epic historical fiction series, streaming across various services, that offer the best binge of your summer … or any season.
2020
2
12
Status
Ended
Barbariansis a tremendous German historical war drama that soared in popularity upon its release. It follows the story of three friends with intertwined fates as they fight for their freedom and deal with the drama of love, loyalty, bloodshed, and betrayal.
The series is a fictionalized account of how Rome’s occupation of Germania went down, specifically focusing on the rebellion of the Germanic tribes during the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. During this pivotal 9 A.D. battle, an alliance of indigenous tribes targeted their oppressors.
The result? Three obliterated Roman legions, makingBarbariansa bloody good binge full of action, gore, excellent cinematography, and one hech of a season two cliffhanger. Oh, and don’t worry, it’s dubbed in English.
Netflix
Barbariansis an epic German historical drama that’s a bloody good binge.
2018
3
27
I adore this series. It’s mystical, primitive, bloody, and brutal, on top of being very well written and featuring fascinating characters with bold, sassy mouths.
In a gripping tale of clashing cultures and extreme power struggles,Britanniais set in 43 A.D. and follows the Roman army in their effort to conquer Britain after Caesar’s failed attempt. It centers on Rome’s rapid quest to crush the Celtic tribes before the prophecy of a Chosen One to save the war-torn lands comes true.
What makes this series so unique its penchant to include strong, powerful leading female warriors and Druids, who are equipped with the ability to channel the forces of the Underworld.
Britanniais bloody, brooding, and full of gorgeous visuals, some pretty righteous battle sequences, and even better plot twists.
2015
5
46
One of my all-time favorite historical fiction series isThe Last Kingdom.
Based on Bernard Cornwell’s novel of the same name in hisSaxon Storiesseries,The Last Kingdomtells how the nation of England began under King Alfred the Great. While it delves into the turbulent backdrop of Alfred’s desire to unite the separate kingdoms, it also explores a much more fascinating tale.
As a young Saxon noble, Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon) is kidnapped by Danish Vikings and raised as one of them in Ragnar Ragnarsson’s kingdom, but it’s not the same Ragnar you’re thinking—different time periods. Uhtred is woven into Danish life for years before being placed in the service of King Alfred of Wessex (David Dawson). The series examines his loyalties between his birth country and the people of his upbringing as he fights to protect them all.
Impeccable battle sequences, multidimensional characters, and copious amounts of brutality, emotion, and entertainment makeThe Last Kingdoma must-watch. When you finish, be sure and hop to the movie that wraps up the series,Seven Kings Must Die.
All five seasons and 46 episodes ofThe Last Kingdomare yours to stream on Netflix.
2005
22
This explosively epic series about the furious historical events that saw the birth of the Roman Empire is astounding, intriguing, and eye-popping.
Romeis a crass British historical drama following the turbulent transition from the Roman Republic to an autocratic empire, portraying both the aristocratic viewpoint of Julius Caesar and his allies as well as the politically naïve viewpoint of ordinary Romans. It’s a raw account of the lives and deeds of the rich, powerful, and historically significant as they navigate politics, war, and family dynamics in pursuit of a stable empire.
From Julius Caesar’s civil war of 49 B.C. to his assassination, to Octavian and his power struggles with Mark Antony, right on up to the suicides of Antony and Cleopatra,Romeis a riveting exploration of the complexities of the Roman Empire and its rise to power.
Without a doubt, it ended too soon …waytoo soon, and we miss it!
HBO Max
Stream both seasons ofRome’s Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, and Cleopatra-related drama on HBO Max.
2024
1
10
Ongoing
As much as I love the opulence of British historical fiction, I don’t think there’s ever been a more gorgeous, breathtaking television show in both story and sight thanShōgun.
Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel of the same name, the series about 1600s feudal Japan follows a real-life power struggle and depicts characters and events inspired by actual historical figures during that time.
When an English shipwreck survivor washes ashore in a tiny Japanese fishing village, the worlds of two ambitious men from very different environments collide. John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is a humble, risk-taking sailor who doesn’t like being pushed around. Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) is a brilliant, shrewd, extremely powerful and testing feudal lord at odds with his own political rivals.
Blackthorne finds himself indebted to Toranaga and serving as his English advisor as the Japanese culture begins to appeal to him and eventually transforms him into someone who will become the first English samurai.
Hulu
1600s feudal Japan never looked so good on screen as it does inShōgun,streaming exclusively on Hulu.
2010
33
One of the best and boldest historical fiction series ever to appear on television,Spartacustells the story of the Thracian gladiator who, from 73 to 71 B.C., led amajorslave rebellion against the Roman Republic departing from Capua.
After being torn from his homeland, Spartacus is forced into slavery and condemned to fight in the excessively bloody gladiator’s arena in Rome. In his struggle for vengeance, we learn of the warrior’s heroic journey to free himself and his people.
This seductively thrilling action-drama is rampant with blood, violence, and sex, bringing to life the depravity of the Roman Republic. Expect epic arena battles, intense gladiator training, political intrigue, and passionate romances.
WhileSpartacusended in 2013 after three seasons, the bombshell series is finally being revived with a whole new installment.Spartacus: House of Ashur, one of mymost anticipated TV shows arriving in 2025, is set to premiere later this year.
STARZ
Catch up on theSpartacusseries on Starz before the new spinoff arrives.
2007
38
If you’re like me and obsessed with the Tudor period of history, this Jonathan Rhys Meyers-led drama is a must-watch.
The Tudorsis a Michael Hirst (Vikings) creationset in 16th century England. The series animates the power struggles, romances, and political machinations of Henry VIII’s court while exposing us to the King’s relationships with his six wives.
It showcases one of the most tumultuous periods in English history, replete with treachery, ambition, lust, and greed. Viewers are equipped with a bird’s-eye view of the passionate leader as he leaves his mark on the world by impulsively navigating his way through love, war, and politics.
Watching Rhys Meyers channel the sovereign only to see his sanity unravel woman by woman, wife by wife. It’s one epic historical fiction series you won’t soon forget.
Unconfirmed
A large-scale epic drama,Those About to Dieis set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial games of Ancient Rome and is amust-watch Peacock Original series.
This historical gladiator series differs from others in that it explores the dirty, dangerous, gritty, business of entertaining the masses and satiating their mob lust for the two things they desire most: blood and sport.
Those About to Diecenters on combat and the cutthroat world of betrayal and behind-the-scenes politics. It also introduces us to an ensemble cast of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the intersections of sports, politics, and dynasties. Enjoy the theatrics; they are plentiful.
Peacock
There’s only one season ofThose About to Dieso far, but it’s a gladiator series you need to watch.
2013
6
89
Catch all seasons of the epicVikingsseries on Netflix now.
Another golden nugget from creator Michael Hirst,Vikingsis a beast of a masterpiece you won’t want to miss.
Riddled with fierce shield maidens, ravenous Viking warriors soaked in emotional depth, and raw tribal violence wrapped in near-perfect narratives, the series is garnished with drama, suspense, violence, and mythology.
Vikingsfollows the legendary chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), who claims to be a direct descendant of the god Odin, and his band of Norse warriors as they explore and conquer new lands in all their brutal glory. As he works to secure his legacy, he must deal with betrayals, unexpected turns of fate, and the growing power of his enemies. Additionally, we also meet his family and descendants and explore the paths their lives take.
2022
24
Set roughly a full century after the original series,Vikings:Valhallais meant to serve as the hit show’s sequel. It follows a new set of historical figures as they fight for political and religious dominance in early 11th-century Europe.
While the series does include descendants of Ragnar Lothbrok and explores how their legacy influences the storyline, our narrative follows the adventures of famous Vikings like Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett), Freydis Eriksdotter (Frida Gustavsson), and Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter) as they navigate a changing landscape.
Vikings: Valhallais important because it marks the end of the Viking Age.
Three seasons ofVikings: Valhallaare on offer from Netflix, so get out your axes and shields.
If you’re hungry for more historical action after bingeing the shows on this list, I highly recommend visiting these hidden gems:Reign,1899,Marco Polo,The White Princess,Salem, The White Queen,The Serpent Queen,andThe Spanish Princess.
