This list will give you my top 10 recommendations of original Netflix TV shows that you can watch right now. But before we begin, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel, History Spark, if you have any interest in historical TV shows or historical movies. Top 10 Historical TV Shows on Netflix
At present, some of the most popular shows on the small screen are historical TV shows like “Vikings” and “The Last Kingdom.” These shows are bringing historical TV back into mainstream attention, and Netflix has taken note of this trend by creating an extensive library of Netflix Originals.
10th on this list is “Roman Empire,” a historical TV show that revolves around various emperors and key figures such as Commodus, Julius Caesar, and Caligula. These figures left an indelible mark on Roman history. This show is a blend of historical drama and documentary, where the story plays out on screen and is then further detailed and explained by narrators and historians. If you’re looking for a show that simplifies and presents some of Roman Empire’s complex history in an easy-to-understand manner, then “Roman Empire” is the show for you.
At number nine, we have the Norwegian comedy series “Norsemen,” which is about a group of Vikings living in the village of Norheim during the year 790. It portrays the everyday events and struggles of Viking life in a humorous and comedic manner. This show won the Gold Award for Best Comedy Show in 2017 and is certainly a series that will entertain you with each episode’s duration and fun.
For number eight, we have “Barbarians,” a German historical TV series that does a spectacular job of bringing the lesser-discussed time in world history to the small screen. The show focuses on the Roman Empire’s attempts to conquer Germania in 9 AD and the subsequent rebellion by Germanic tribes led by Arminius. This show vividly brings to life the politics and social norms of Germanic tribes and highlights the brutality they endured, which ultimately forced them to rebel. However, I must say that the second season of this show is really subpar and lost much of the magic that made the first season great, but I’m still hopeful that season 3 can redeem this TV series, which is why I am still including “Barbarians” in this list.
At number seven, we have “Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan,” a documentary series that covers Japan’s most brutal and deadly era, focusing on the end of the Sengoku period from 1551 to 1616. This documentary follows the stories of three powerful daimyos—Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu—each of whom played a crucial role in unifying Japan and ending feudal rule in the country. This documentary takes you straight into the middle of civil wars and highlights how dangerous and tumultuous this time was for both samurai and common people. However, it must be noted that this is not a history book, as there are many historical inaccuracies and some of the narrators aren’t very engaging or interesting. But if you’re looking for a show about Japanese history and especially samurais, “Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan” is definitely a great place to start this journey.
At number six, we have “Medici,” a show centered around the powerful Italian family, the House of Medici, which had significant political and social influence during the Italian Renaissance. The show is set in Florence and begins in 1429 with the death of Giovanni de’ Medici and follows his son Cosimo as he takes control of the family bank. He has to navigate various political and religious intrigues and plots to ensure the bank’s wealth and power remain intact. So, if you’re interested in a slow-paced show with many plot twists, interesting characters, and a true reflection of the Renaissance period, then “Medici” is my recommendation for you.
At number five is “The Crown,” Netflix’s original historical drama focusing on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch of England and the longest-serving female head of state in world history. It starts with Elizabeth’s early life before becoming queen and ends with season six, which shows her reign and influence over the UK during the 21st century. “The Crown” features amazing actors across all seasons and tells the story in an honest and entertaining manner, portraying Elizabeth as a multifaceted person rather than a privileged monarch.
At number four, we have “Rise of Empires: Ottoman,” a TV series that vividly depicts the siege and fall of Constantinople by Mehmed the Conqueror. He faces numerous obstacles and struggles to breach the seemingly impregnable walls of Constantinople while also dealing with treachery, disease, and a limited time frame to end the siege. If you enjoy historical TV with a focus on military and warfare elements, then “Rise of Empires: Ottoman” is a great suggestion for you, as the show excellently uses historian commentary and offers an amazingly accurate level of realism regarding the siege strategies and tactics.
At number three, we have “My Country: The New Age,” a South Korean historical drama set at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty and the beginning of the Joseon Dynasty. The story focuses on a set of three friends from different walks of life who have to make great sacrifices to protect their country and the ones they love. There is also another storyline focusing on more historical aspects of the show, where Yi Bang-won is trying to legitimize his position as the heir to the Joseon dynasty. Being new to South Korean TV shows, I found the character development and battle scenes in this show to be quite different from the typical Hollywood historical series I’ve seen on Netflix or other platforms, and I think that’s what made me enjoy this show even more. So, if you want to introduce yourself to a whole new world of entertainment, then “My Country: The New Age” is my recommendation for you.
Second on this list is “Narcos,” a Netflix original series based on the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar. It’s one of the most interesting and unique shows I’ve watched, from its opening scene to the last moments of season two. “Narcos” never gets dull, and it’s one of the most exceptional shows I’ve observed on any platform. “Narcos” is a multi-layered series that accurately and captivatingly portrays the devastation caused by drugs in the US and Colombia. I really don’t have much to criticize about this show, except that I found the third season to be a bit weaker and not up to the standard of the original two seasons. But this doesn’t stop “Narcos” from being one of the best modern historical TV series I’ve seen in a long time.
At the top of this list is “The Last Kingdom,” a TV show based on Bernard Cornwell’s best-selling series of novels, “The Saxon Stories.” “The Last Kingdom” follows the main character, Uhtred, a born Saxon who becomes a valuable tool for leaders and kings due to his political and personal ambitions. I believe the main reason “The Last Kingdom” has become so popular is because of its central character and the intriguing story that unfolds throughout the show. When the BBC originally led the production of this show, very few people outside of historical buffs had even heard of “The Last Kingdom.” But once Netflix took over, it became a significant part of the show, and its popularity has grown with each season. With the “The Last Kingdom” movie set to be released later this year, the hype is at an all-time high, and in my opinion, it’s the best Netflix original historical TV series you can watch right now.
