Well, hello there! I know that sometimes, like me, you sit in the evening with a cup of tea, or maybe something a bit stronger, and think: “Damn, what should I watch that will give me goosebumps?” And that’s when historical TV shows come to the rescue. Even better if it’s on Netflix. Because, let’s be honest, Netflix knows how to do scale, detail, and emotion. Not always, of course, but often they hit the mark. I’ve watched so many of them that I could lead my own guide to TV adaptations. Seriously, I tried to compile my top list, and it was tough. Incredibly tough. But I think I managed. No extra words, no fluff. Just the best stuff. Let’s go!
1. The Crown (2016-2023)
Well, where to start? With, probably, the most famous one. The Crown. Oh my god, it’s just something else. I remember starting to watch it with, you know, a bit of caution. Like, the history of the British monarchy… Won’t it be boring? And how wrong I was! It’s not just about kings and a queen. It’s about people. About their relationships, their dramas, and how power and duty weigh on their shoulders. The series, by the way, is so well-made that I sometimes forgot it wasn’t a documentary. And the actors… Oh, that’s a whole other topic. Every one of them is just a perfect hit. Watching them transform, you really believe it. Emotions are overflowing. After watching it, I kept thinking: “What was it really like?” And what’s interesting is that the series even covers modern times. That’s really cool.
2. The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Now, here’s something for those who like to swing a sword, so to speak. The Last Kingdom. If you’re a fan of “Game of Thrones” but want something more… historical, this is for you. Essentially, it’s the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who is caught between two worlds: the Saxon and the Danish. He, damn, doesn’t truly belong to anyone. And that’s his drama, you know? Constant struggle, betrayal, war. Very realistic, without any dragons. You can really feel the spirit of that time in the series: the dirt, the blood, the despair. I remember being breathless after one episode. The scene was so powerful. And the fights. The fights are just fantastic. You watch it and you believe that people fought like that.
3. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Ohhh, Peaky Blinders. This is probably my favorite from this list. Why? Because it’s not just a show, it’s an atmosphere. The music, the style, those bloody suits, the caps with razor blades… It’s just genius. Thomas Shelby… he’s a character you love and hate at the same time, a fascinating one to watch. He’s so, you know, complex, multilayered. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. And those dialogues! I sometimes re-listen to them, honestly. It’s not about historical accuracy, it’s more about the spirit of the time, about the life of Birmingham gangsters after World War I. It’s like immersing yourself in another world. It’s brutal, it’s harsh, but it’s so… captivating. When I watch it, I feel like I’m there on that street, and something is about to go down. By the way, the series has inspired many people’s style, haven’t you noticed? That’s a true sign of success.
4. Bridgerton (2020-2024)
Okay, now for something different. For those who love romance, balls, and intrigue. Bridgerton. To be honest, I initially thought: “This isn’t for me.” But damn, it’s so addictive! It’s like “Gossip Girl,” but set in the Regency era. Here you’ve got scandals, love, secrets, and, of course, brilliant dresses. The series doesn’t claim to be 100% historically accurate, but it’s so vibrant and dynamic that it doesn’t matter. The music, by the way, is just awesome. It’s so cool when classical music is performed with a modern twist! You know, I watched the first season and was a little disappointed when it ended. But then I eagerly awaited the new one. Although, to be honest, the third season, in my opinion, was a little… well, not as good as the first. But that’s just my subjective opinion.
5. The Empress (2022-2024)
Alright, a little more romance. The Empress. It’s about Sissi, the Empress of Austria. If “The Crown” is too serious for you, then “The Empress” is a lighter, but no less dramatic, version. The main character is simply stunning, and her acting is convincing. The series tells the story of her life at court, her struggle with the rules, with her family, with herself. It’s, you know, a story about a rebellious soul in a gilded cage. And damn, the costumes are incredible! When I was watching, I kept finding myself scrutinizing the details. It’s like a fairy tale, but with a real historical foundation. And, most importantly, it’s not boring. On the contrary, each episode is like a small piece of a puzzle that you’re putting together. And the intrigue holds until the very end. Honestly.
6. Barbarians (2020-2022)
Back to the battles. Barbarians. This series is about the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, a battle that changed history. And it’s, damn, very, very coolly filmed. As a history lover, I’ve read a lot about it, but when I saw it on the screen… it’s just another level. It’s brutal, bloody, and realistic. But the main thing is that there’s a plot, there are characters you root for. And it’s not just about the fighting; it’s about choice, betrayal, and how people become heroes or monsters. I remember being so impressed after the first season that I even Googled some of the facts. And it turned out that a lot of it was true! It’s so cool when a show not only entertains but also teaches you something. Although, of course, with artistic liberties. What would we do without them?
7. Vikings: Valhalla (2022-2024)
I think this one is self-explanatory. If you loved “Vikings”… you know, the ones that were on the History Channel, then this is their sequel. Vikings: Valhalla. And I, you know, was skeptical at first. Like, can they repeat the success? And, you know, they did. The series may not be as epic as the original, but it’s about something different. It’s about the end of the Viking era. Here you have faith, political intrigue, and, of course, battles. By the way, I really enjoy how they portray Norse mythology. It’s not just some kind of fairytale; it’s a part of their lives. And the main characters—Leif Erikson, Freydis Eiriksdottir, Harald Hardrada—are real historical figures. And it gives you, you know, a sense of belonging to something great. When I watch, I imagine myself there, on a longship, somewhere in the middle of the North Sea. It’s, damn, really cool!
8. Medici (2016-2019)
Welcome to Italy! To Florence in the Renaissance era. Medici. As an art lover, I just couldn’t pass this one by. This series is, damn, just an aesthetic ecstasy. The costumes, the sets, the actors—everything is top-notch. It’s about power, about intrigue, about how one family controlled all of Europe. Lorenzo de’ Medici… he’s just a legend. And his story, damn, is like a detective novel. You sit there and think: “Who is his enemy? Who is trying to kill him?” And, of course, art. The series is steeped in it. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo… they are there, they live. It’s not just a TV show; it’s like a tour into the past, when geniuses created history. And also… well, honestly, I was impressed by how beautifully everything is filmed. Every scene is like a painting. I just enjoyed it, seriously.
9. Outlander (2014-2023)
Okay, now for something completely different. Outlander. This is, damn, such a mix of genres that it makes your head spin. History, fantasy, romance… All in one. The main character, Claire, travels through time from the 20th century to the 18th. And she, damn, gets into such adventures that I get scared. It’s about love, about war, and about betrayal. And, most importantly, it’s very emotional. I’ve cried so many times watching this series that I probably can’t count anymore. And, by the way, there’s such incredible chemistry between the main characters. It’s just something else. I think I even reread all of Diana Gabaldon’s books that the series is based on. It was so captivating! So, if you want something unusual but with a deep historical foundation, this is your option. You won’t regret it, honestly.
10. All the Light We Cannot See (2023)
And finally—a mini-series. But what a mini-series! All the Light We Cannot See. It’s based on a book that won the Pulitzer Prize, by the way. I read it, and it was incredible. And the series… it’s no worse. It’s the story of a blind girl and a German soldier during World War II. And it’s, you know, not just about war. It’s about human destinies, about hope, about how people try to find light in the darkness. The series is very atmospheric, very emotional. And it, damn, makes you think. I remember thinking about it for a long time after watching it. It’s about how war changes people, but not always for the worse. About how even in the darkest of times, you can find something good. It’s, well, just a must-see. No jokes.
So, what do you think of my list? I know it’s only a small part of what’s on Netflix. But, damn, these are my favorites, and I’m ready to vouch for them. I, by the way, sometimes rewatch some episodes when I want to feel that atmosphere again.
And if you liked this article, please share it with your friends. Because, you know, you can never have too much good content.
Author – ReelPoint
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