Are you a bit of a history buff? Whether you are already interested in history or not, there are a number of critically acclaimed historical television shows available. Even if you didn’t love history classes in high school, these great shows might just change your mind.
Maybe you have a Netflix or Amazon Prime video subscription but are overwhelmed by its huge library of TV shows and movies. If so, historical dramas are a great place to start. History has a very alluring quality which is very interesting to explore on TV.
After all, you get to go back to a time long forgotten, and imagine what it would be like to be alive then. On top of the obvious entertainment factor, you also get to enjoy the fascinating fact that much of what you see is based on true events. Besides, the fashion, the customs, the characters, and the politics make for very exciting drama.
Without further ado, here’s a list of the best historical shows you must watch on TV today. You might even learn a thing or two about history along the way.
Secrets of Great British Castles
Renowned historian Dan Jones explores the tempestuous history that surrounds Britain’s mysterious and famous castles. The series explores over 1,000 years of the proud history of the British. Castles in Warwick, York and even the Tower of London are explored in Secrets of Great British Castles.
The Crown
The Crown is a popular Netflix original for a reason. It’s just that good. The plot follows Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and charts her life from the early 1940’s all the way through to the modern era. Production values are top-notch, with the show rumored to have cost over a staggering $130 million to produce. This admittedly large figure makes it the most expensive television show in history.
Vikings
Admittedly, British history may not be to everyone’s taste. Maybe a show about Vikings with a little bit of Norse tradition thrown in might tickle your fancy? Vikings is a show about a man named Ragnar Lothbrok, who became the greatest hero of his time. Ragnar is believed to be the direct descendent of Odin.
The Last Kingdom
This story is set in the year 872. It’s about a hero named Uhtred who was captured by the invading Danes and raised as one of their own. The Danes had invaded and conquered almost all of the kingdoms that we now recognize as England. The question that’s on everyone’s mind is whether he will choose his birthplace or the people who brought him up.
Mad Men
Mad Men isn’t set as far back as the rest of the shows on this list. Some might even argue that it has no place on this list but the truth is that America in the 1960s was a very different place than it is now. Mad Men is about the “Mad Men” at a prestigious ad agency called Sterling Cooper. No more should be said, because the show is so much fun and you should be able to experience it for yourself.
