The best historical dramas and historical shows on Netflix right now (2023)

Sometimes you just want to escape the present and delve into the past, take a break from all the stresses and annoyances of everyday life, and historical drama TV series are the perfect way to do that. Who wouldn't want to live in a castle with luxurious dresses and attractive suitors? Or fight a war that will decide the future of an entire country? Whatever the reason, people love historical drama.

Fortunately, as the entertainment industry and technology become more advanced, television shows have the ability to create more realistic depictions of historical events, giving creators the freedom to further explore the on-screen past. In the 21st century, some of the best television series have been historical dramas, such asvikingjSpartacus, or largely inspired by the past, such aswar two thronesIt has a clear medieval influence. For fans of this TV genre, streaming platforms are the best place to find these series and Netflix in particular has a lot to offer. There are plenty of great TV shows here for people looking for new binge-watching period drama.

For more historical content, check out our list ofThe best realistic historical dramasÖBest Historical Film Award.

Editor's Note: This list was updated in October 2022 to include Rebellion.

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Wikings: Valhalla (September 2022)

The creator: Jed Stuart

result: Morgan O'Sullivan, Michael Hirst, Sheila Hockin, Steve Stark, James Flynn, John Weber, Niels Arden Oplev, Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, Paul Buccieri

WhenvikingFirst premiered on the History Channel, it was a violent and gripping look at the ancient Norse after the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok.Wikinger: Walhallais the continuation of the series that follows America's favorite Viking, Leif Erikson. Over 100 years after the events of the first series, Scandinavian culture has now blended with English and English culture.Walhallabrings with it cultural clashes among Vikings, as well as religious tensions. After Ragnar landed in England, the Vikings who followed him began to convert to Christianity andWalhallaExamine the two conflicting religions. By depicting historical events, the show sets up an exciting ride for a new generation of raiders. 🇧🇷Teresa Lakson

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Uprising (2016-2019)

The creator: Colin Teevan

result: Charlie Murphy, Ruth Bradley, Sarah Greene, Brian Gleeson

A dramatization of the events surrounding the 1916 Easter Rising,Rebellionshows the birth of modern Ireland. Focusing on a group of friends from Dublin, Belfast and London, the series follows how they each play a crucial and sometimes conflicting role in Ireland's quest for independence. with notable accomplishments,Rebellionsheds light on a part of history that has often been overlooked. 🇧🇷taylor holders

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Barbarians (since 2020)

The creator: Andreas Heckmann, Arne Nolting, Jan Martin Scharf

result: Laurence Rupp, Jeanne Goursaud, David Schütter

Look for a sex and violence side to your story to get thewar two thronesÖSpartacus🇧🇷 Add tobarbariansOn your watch list The show focuses on the occupation of Germany by the Roman Empire and the subsequent uprising of the Germanic tribes. From disagreements between tribal chiefs to certain leaders wanting peace with the Romans, freedom won't be easy. However, it is sure to be a bloody and fun ride filled with battles and betrayals. 🇧🇷taylor holders

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The Last Czars (2019)

Made by: Nutopia

result: Robert Jack, Susanna Herbert, Bernice Stegers, Ben Cartwright

the last tsarsis a captivating six-part documentary series that follows the life of Nicholas II, the last emperor of the Romanov dynasty, from his rise to power in 1894 to his tragic assassination in 1918. This fascinating look at Russian history is based onRobert JackThe achievement of Nicholas II as we see Nicholas II as a ruler and a loving husband and father. If you're a fan of shows likethe crowns, you will definitely like it. 🇧🇷taylor holders

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Mindhunter (2017-2019)

The creator: Joe Penhall

result: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Hannah Gross, Cotter Smith, Anna Torv, Stacey Roca, Cameron Britton, Michael Cerveris, Joe Tuttle, Lauren Glazier, Albert Jones, Sierra McClain, June Carryl

Needmind hunterHow Much We Miss You While it's unlikely we'll get a third season of the show any time soon, the first two capture some of the most perplexing and intriguing elements of serial killers ever presented. Follow Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff), Bill Tenca (McCallany tot) e Dra. Wendy Carr (Ana Torv) while trying to gain a complete understanding of the psychology of history's most terrifying monsters. With deliberate pacing and meticulous acting, the show doesn't offer as many explicit answers, instead finding its terror in the darkness of the unknown. With each gruesome new interview with the Ford and Tench killers, the show delves deeper into the darkness of the killers' minds. Each of these scenes takes its time, capturing a stifling sense of suspense as ordinary people talk about the most horrific violence. It's not always easy to swallow, but my God, stay with you. 🇧🇷Hutchinson or I

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Call the Midwife (2012–present)

The creator: Heidi Tomás

result: Jenny Agutter, Linda Bassett, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Laura Main, Leonie Elliott, Stephen McGann, Daniel Laurie, Cliff Parisi, Annabelle Apsion, Ella Bruccoleri, Fenella Woolgar, Georgie Glen, Zephryn Taitte, Olly Rix, Megan Cusack

Based on a series of memoirs byJennifer vale a pena, the BAFTA-winning drama seriescall the midwifeexamines the unpredictable and demanding work of midwives in east London in the late 1950s and 1960s. Each episode of the decades-long series deals with important political and social issues such as poverty, disease and racism, as well as the possible complications of pregnancy. These nurses form strong and lasting bonds with one another as they deal with the many difficulties that come with life as a midwife in the post-war period. All 11 seasons of the critically acclaimed series are available on Netflix. 🇧🇷Emily Bernhard

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The English Game (2020)

The creator: Julian Fellowes, Tony Charles, Oliver Cotton

result: Edward Holcroft, Kevin Guthrie, Charlotte Hope, Niamh Walsh, Craig Parkinson, James Harkness, Ben Batt

Have you ever wondered how football (or as Americans call it, football) came about? Well, it's time to hit the field and find out! The limited series is set in Britain in the 1870s.the english gameHe explains how the hugely popular sport evolved from a sport for the wealthy members of society to a world-famous game for people from all walks of life. Thanks to the teamwork of two players at opposite ends of the financial spectrum, football was able to expand and transform itself into the hugely successful sport it is today. This series also includes some very impressive cylinders. 🇧🇷Emily Bernhard

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Narcos: Mexico (2018-2021)

The creator: Carlo Bernard, Chris Brancato, Doug Miro

result: Michael Peña, Diego Luna, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Alyssa Diaz, Joaquín Cosío, José María Yazpik, Matt Letscher, Ernesto Alterio, Alejandro Edda, Fernanda Urrejola, Teresa Ruiz

AnesthesiaIt may have ended its third and final season in 2017, but the series has moved on for the equally compelling spin-off.Narcos: Mexico🇧🇷 It focuses on the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel and its ruthless leader, Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo (diego lua) in the 1980s,Narcos: Mexicoit contains the same combination of fast-paced action and historical insight that made the original show so binge-worthy. Although you don't necessarily need to have seenAnesthesiaenjoy the fascinating portrait of the beginning of the war on drugs in MexicoNarcos: Mexico, there are some fun crossover elements that longtime fans can appreciate. 🇧🇷Liam Gahan

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Ajejo (2017)

The creator: Errol Morris

result: Peter Sarsgaard, Molly Parker, Christian Camargo, Scott Shepherd, Tim Blake Nelson, Jimmi Simpson, Bob Balaban, Michael Chernus

the legendary documentary filmmakerMorris Errorcreates an intriguing blend of docudrama and psychological thriller genres with its in-depth investigation of a real-life CIA biological research program in the 1950s. The six-part miniseries includes up-to-date historical footage and interviews with scientist Frank Olson, who mysteriously died in 1953 after working undercover in the Maryland government. Murder suspects, LSD doses and biblical references are present in this gripping true crime story that is stranger than fiction. However, Morris also includes dramatic re-enactments of the unfolding events.that are always underestimatedPedro Sarsgardlike Olson. It will likely surprise you with its mysteries long after you've watched it. 🇧🇷Liam Gahan

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Damengambit (2020)

The creator: Scott Frank, Allan Scott

result: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Isla Johnston, Christiane Seidel, Rebecca Root, Chloe Pirrie, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Marielle Heller

It's probably safe to say that almost everyone knowsqueen moveYes, but it must be included in this list. protagonistAnya Taylor-Joy,queen movebased onwalter youThe 1983 novel of the same name, which tells the story of a young chess prodigy named Beth Harmon. The series takes place in the 1950s and 1960s,focuses on Beth's journey to become an elite chess playerin an extremely patriarchal society that struggles not only with sexism but also with addiction and depression. The show has stars tooinvoice warehouse,Thomas Brodie-Sangster, jIngram Moisesin supporting roles. It aims to be one of the most watched original series on Netflix,queen movewon 11 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes in 2021, and Taylor-Joy received particular praise for her lead role. 🇧🇷devon striker

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Misfits (2014–present)

The creator: Ronald D. Moore

result: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan

unknownIt explores different time periods across the seasons, but most of the story takes place in 18th century Scotland. Followingcatalina balfeAs former World War II nurse Claire Randall, the show begins in 1945 when she is on her honeymoon with her husband Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) until an encounter with menhirs at Craigh na Dun sends Claire back to 1743. There she meets a young Scottish Highlander named Jamie Fraser, played byheughan himself, jsoon they fall in love, as Claire tries to navigate a moment in history that she knows could be very dangerous.unknownIt's been five seasons and it's an amazing show, so if you haven't seen it now is the time. 🇧🇷devon striker

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Grace pseudonym (2017)

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The creator: Sara Polley

result: Sarah Gadon, Edward Holcroft, Rebecca Liddiard, Zachary Levi, Kerr Logan, David Cronenberg, Paul Gross, Anna Paquin

related toMargaret AtwoodThe 1996 novel of the same namealso known as graceis a fictionalized account of the 1843 murders of Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery by their maids Grace Marks and James McDermott, with the television program focusing specifically on Grace. protagonistSarah Gadonlike grace,also known as gracetakes place in two timelines: one features the research of a psychiatrist named Dr. Simon Jordan (Eduard Holcroft) to whom Grace tells her story and recalls Grace's upbringing and the events leading up to the murders. Alongalso known as graceWell, you never know if Grace is telling the truth or manipulating her story to flatter Jordan, and the show will keep you going back and forth to find her guilty. A fantastic critique of the social problems of the 19th century.also known as graceIt's a scary watch. 🇧🇷devon striker

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Derry Girls (2018–2022)

The creator: Lisa McGee

result: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn

One of the few comedies on this list.derry girlis a popular and critically acclaimed author series from Northern IrelandLisa McGee🇧🇷 The series follows a group of friends who attend an all-girls Catholic secondary school in Derry, Ireland, during the conflict known as the 1990s Troubles.derry girlis non-stop hilarity, with the talentedSaoirse-Mónica Jacksonleads the cast as Erin Quinn, a smart but proud teenager who dreams of being super popular. Fortunately, her extreme self-confidence is constantly tested by her friends, including her eccentric cousin Orla McCool (Louis Harland), troublemaker Michelle Mallon (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell), to Clare Devlin's mesa (Nicola Coughlan), who always questions her evil plans, and Michelle's English cousin, James Maguire (Dylan Llewellyn🇧🇷 It's hard to explain the absurd adventures the group is going through, but in short:Derry Girls is a must. —devon striker

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Troy: The Fall of a City (2018)

The creator: David Farr

result: Louis Hunter, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Bella Dayne, David Threlfall, Frances O'Connor, Tom Weston-Jones, Joseph Mawle, Chloe Pirrie, Johnny Harris, David Gyasi, Jonas Armstrong, Alfred Enoch, Hakeem Kae-Kazim

As you might have guessed from the title of the series,Troy: Fall of a CityIt deals with the Trojan War in the 13th century BC. protagonistLudwig JaegerAs Paris, Prince of Troy, the story focuses on his love affair with Helen of Sparta, played byhermosa dayne, wife of King Menelaus (Jonas Armstrong).Troy: Fall of a Citychronicles the 10-year war that resulted from the couple's affair, and features both human and divine drama, with the Greek gods playing an important role in the story. With beautiful costumes and production design, as well as great performances, the series has all the drama and action you would expect from a Trojan War show. Unfortunately it only had one season.Troy: Fall of a City, but this makes for a quick binge. 🇧🇷devon striker

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Kingdom (2019–present)

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The creator: Kim Eun Hee

result: Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doo-na, Kim Sang-ho, Kim Sung-kyu, Kim Hye-jun

From South Korea, the TV seriesKingdombecame a worldwide Netflix hit when it premiered in 2019. The show is set in a fictionalized version of the classic Joseon period, likely in the early 17th century. The focus of the story is Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji Hoon), whose kingdom is thrown into chaos after political enemies try to keep the king's death a secret by using a mystical resurrection plant to turn him into a sick, rabid zombie. As the king bites and spreads the disease to others in the country, putting everyone at risk, Prince Chang embarks on a journey to find the source of the disease and end it, and soon meets a doctor named Seo-bi (will) who wants to do the same. Up to this point,KingdomIt has two seasons and many people are eagerly awaiting the third season. A special episode calledRealm: Northern Ashincame out in 2021 and explains how the zombie plague started.KingdomIt has a lot of action and intense scenes based on zombies, while presenting a multifaceted drama based on the politics of the time and the reign of Prince Chang. Honestly, this is another series that everyone needs to watch and you better catch up before the third season finally arrives.devon striker

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Anna with E (2017-2019)

The creator: Moira Walley-Beckett

result: Amybeth McNulty, Geraldine James, Dalila Bela, Lucas Jade Zumann, Aymeric Jett Montaz, R. H. Thomson, Corrine Koslo, Dalmar Abuzeid, Cory Grüter-Andrew, Joanna Douglas, Ashleigh Stewart

Based on the classic story.Anna em Green Gablesthrough theLucy Maud Montgomery,Ana with Eis about the beloved character Anne Shirley, played byAmybeth McNulty, an orphaned teenager adopted by the Cuthbert family of Green Gables Farm. Set in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, in 1890, Anne faces bullying and prejudice from both the Cuthberts and her classmates, and slowly finds true friends and acceptance in the community. Anne has always been a character loved by many, andAna with Eit's a fantastic adaptation.Delilah Belplays Anne's closest friend, Diana BarryLucas Jade Zumannhe plays Gilbert Blythe, Anne's rival at school, whom she holds a grudge against for teasing him. Over time, the two become friends and possibly more. The Netflix series ran for three seasons before Netflix canceled the series in 2019.

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Sr. Sunshine (2018)

The creator:Lee Myung Han

result: Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, Byun Yo-han

Sr. Solis a Korean drama set in the late 19th century in Hanseong, present-day Seoul.Byung Hun LeeStars like Eugene Choi, a Korean-born slave who fled to the United States following the 1871 United States expedition to Korea, a historic event known in Korea as Shinmiyangyo. Eugene grows up in the United States and becomes a member of the Navy, but at firstSr. Sol, he eventually travels back to Korea for a mission. There he meets and falls in love with the granddaughter of an aristocrat named Go Ae-shin, played byKim Tae Riwho also playedThe maid🇧🇷 Like any unhappy lover, they face several challenges in the form of class differences, the presence of Ae-shin's fiance Kim Hui-seong (Byun Yo Han) and the growing tensions with the Japanese in the years immediately preceding the Japanese annexation of Korea, as the Army of the Righteous fights to preserve Korea's independence.Sr. SolIt seamlessly blends dense history with serious romance and is a great series across the board. 🇧🇷devon striker

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The Cable Girls (2017-2020)

The creator: Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira

result: Blanca Suárez, Maggie Civantos, Nadia de Santiago, Ana María Polvorosa, Ana Fernández García, Martiño Rivas, Concha Velasco, Ángela Cremonte, Yon González, Iria Del Río, Borja Luna

a Netflix Original,cape girlis a Spanish series set in the late 1920s and centered on the introduction of the National Telephone Company in Madrid, which employs women as telephone operators, paying them well and allowing them some freedoms that more traditional jobs do not offer. the stars of the seriesAna Fernandez,Nadia de Santiago,Blanca Suarez, jmaggie civantosof four women who join the company for different reasonscape girlExploring the challenges faced by women in Spain at the time due to sexist beliefs about women's role in society. Expect plenty of romance, intrigue, and drama throughout the show's five seasons. The first Spanish original series on Netflix,cape girlIt was a huge success and the series ended in July 2020. —devon striker

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Versailles (2015-2018)

The creator: Simon Mirren, David Wolstencroft

result: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan, Stuart Bowman, Amira Casar, Evan Williams, Noémie Schmidt, Anna Brewster, Sarah Winter

As mentioned no title,Versaillesit has to do with the city of Versailles and more specifically with the construction of the beautiful Palace of Versailles commissioned by King XIV of France. After 1667, the people of France began to turn against the monarchy, according to King XIV, thrown outGeorge Blagden, decides to move the French court, center of politics and the upper class of France, to Versailles, where he orders the construction of a vast and elaborate heritage. As the castle slowly grows and French funds dwindle, King Louis XIV begins to lose control of his country as everyone around him struggles for power and influence. While everything falls apart at Versailles, the wealthy elite always deliver intricate, elegant fashions and luxurious manipulations, so there's always plenty of drama throughout the series.Versaillesnow has a total of three seasons to watch. 🇧🇷devon striker

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Frontier (2016-2018)

The creator: Rob Blackie, Peter Blackie

result: Jason Momoa, Greg Bryk, Kyle M. Hamilton, Alun Armstrong, Landon Liboiron, Zoe Boyle, Jessica Matten, Christian McKay, Evan Jonigkeit, Shawn Doyle

His death occurred a few years after Khal Drogowar two thrones,mom jasonmoved on to another intense drama calledborder🇧🇷 Set in late 19th century Canada,borderchronicles the North American fur trade and the Hudson's Bay Company's attempt to maintain a corrupt and tax monopoly on the trade. Momoa plays a character named Declan Harp, a half-Irish, half-Cree outlaw who is one of Canada's largest Indian nations and challenges the control of the Hudson's Bay Company. Harp isn't afraid to do whatever it takes, however violent, to remove corporate control of Canada and the largest corporation in the country.borderIt's bold and exciting and a perfect watch for anyone who really misses Drogo and his intense nature. 🇧🇷devon striker

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