These 7 historical drama TV shows bring the epic without the homework
These 7 historical drama TV shows bring the epic without the homework
They may be based on true events (or inspired by them), but these dramas never forget to entertain first.
My wife and I are always looking for our next great epic TV show, and lately we’ve been all-in on “Chief of War” (you’ll see it later on this list). It checks every box for us: stunning setting, complicated but compelling lead, and battles that feel like they really do matter. But it’s definitely not the only epic drama worth streaming right now. If you’re in the mood for a sweeping, high-stakes story that’s grounded in (somewhat) real history, here are seven of the best historical dramas on streaming right now.
Top 7 historical epic drama TV shows on streaming right now:
No. 7: ‘Spartacus’ (2010) | STARZ
“Spartacus” wastes no time getting into the grit. The show kicks off with a Thracian warrior ripped from his home and thrown into the brutal, bloody world of Roman gladiators. Over four seasons, he goes from survivor to rebel leader, and it’s just pure chaos in the best way. It’s got backstabbing, slow-mo fight scenes, wild politics, and a ton of drama. Sure, it can be super intense and a little over-the-top sometimes, but if you’re good with that, it’s a nonstop thrill ride through ancient Rome.
Spartacus
Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment.
No. 6: ‘TURN: Washington’s Spies’ (2014) | AMC+
“TURN: Washington’s Spies” is a Revolutionary War drama that feels like a spy thriller dressed up in powdered wigs. Set between 1776 and 1781, it follows a group of childhood friends from Long Island who secretly form America’s first spy ring. There are coded laundry lines, tavern brawls, and a lot of sneaky, high-stakes moves behind enemy lines. It’s slower-paced than some others on this list, but the tension builds in a really satisfying way.
TURN: Washington’s Spies
The story of New York farmer, Abe Woodhull, who bands together with a group of childhood friends to form The Culper Ring, an unlikely group of spies who turn the tide in America’s fight for independence.
No. 5: ‘Shōgun’ (2024) | Hulu
“Shōgun” is one of those rare shows that feels like a full-on event. Based on the James Clavell novel, this 10-episode epic drops you straight into feudal Japan right as a civil war is about to kick off. A shipwrecked English sailor ends up caught in the power struggle, and everything spirals from there. The show is mostly in Japanese (which rules), and it doesn’t hold back — think political games, brutal executions, full-on war strategy, and some really tender character stuff too. It’s beautifully made and demands your full attention.
Shōgun
In Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.
No. 4: ‘Vikings’ (2013) | Netflix
If you ever wondered what a Norse saga would look like with a cable-TV budget, “Vikings” delivers. The show follows Ragnar Lothbrok, a farmer-turned-warrior who starts raiding England and eventually becomes a king. It’s big and sprawling — lots of longships, brutal combat, and family drama — and once Ragnar’s arc wraps, the story shifts to his sons. The vibe is muddy, violent, and mythic… basically “Game of Thrones” but with more boats and fewer dragons.
Vikings
The adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age. The series tells the sagas of Ragnar’s band of Viking brothers and his family, as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. As well as being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods. Legend has it that he was a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.
No. 3: ‘The Last Kingdom’ (2015) | Netflix
“The Last Kingdom” is all about Uhtred of Bebbanburg (born a Saxon, raised by Vikings), who ends up stuck between two worlds. It’s set during the Viking invasions of England, and Uhtred’s whole deal is reclaiming his stolen birthright without turning his back on the people who raised him. The show mixes smart political stuff with great action and surprisingly emotional moments. It’s a little more personal than “Vikings,” but just as intense.
The Last Kingdom
A show of heroic deeds and epic battles with a thematic depth that embraces politics, religion, warfare, courage, love, loyalty and our universal search for identity. Combining real historical figures and events with fictional characters, it is the story of how a people combined their strength under one of the most iconic kings of history in order to reclaim their land for themselves and build a place they call home.
No. 2: ‘Nautilus’ (2024) | AMC+
Okay, okay, I know this one isn’t technically a historical drama, but “Nautilus” absolutely earns its spot on this list. It finally puts Captain Nemo front and center and reimagines him as an Indian prince hellbent on revenge. After getting locked up by the East India Company, he escapes, hijacks a prototype submarine, and sets sail with a rogue crew. Part steampunk, part anti-colonial revenge saga, it’s got everything from underwater showdowns, sea monsters, to a hunt for lost treasure. It’s pulpy, it’s fun, and it’s a bold new spin on a classic character… one rooted in historical injustice even if the story itself goes full sci-fi adventure.
Nautilus
The origin story of the iconic Captain Nemo: an Indian Prince robbed of his birthright and family, a prisoner of the East India Mercantile Company and a man bent on revenge against the forces that have taken everything from him.
No. 1: ‘Chief of War’ (2025) | Apple TV+
“Chief of War” is my current favorite historical drama, full stop. Set in 18th-century Hawai‘i, it follows Ka‘iana, a warrior caught in the middle of a war to unify the islands. Jason Momoa plays him with just the right mix of strength and inner conflict. The show’s gorgeous — beaches, rainforests, canoes — but it’s also got big battles, heavy politics, and a really emotional story underneath it all. You can tell this is personal to Momoa, who didn’t just co-write the series but executive produces and even directs the Season Finale. It’s clear he poured a lot into getting this series made, and it’s something he should be seriously proud of.
Chief of War
With Hawaii’s four kingdoms divided by war, the ferocious warrior Kaʻiana embarks on an epic mission to unite his people—as an existential threat approaches their shores.