You can’t spell “history” without “story,” and world history makes great source material for plenty of good ones. Here’s a list of the top 10 best historical period dramas to watch on TV right now.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest historical drama shows so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From The Sympathizer to The Ipcress File, this list will help lovers of the historical dramas stay up to date on the most popular shows available.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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TOP 10 HISTORY SHOWS TO WATCH
Let’s get started. Here are the trending history shows that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘The Sympathizer’
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The Sympathizer is a twisting narrative of espionage, identity and love set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Journey with The Captain, a half-French, half-Vietnamese army captain who falls on both sides of an ideological divide, as he navigates tumultuous times of betrayal and shifting alliances.
Based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the series grapples with ideologies, politics and morality as our protagonist sits as a spy in the South Vietnamese Army. This gripping tale delivers an intense blend of drama, romance and spy-thriller, and is sure to leave you at the edge of your seat.
2. ‘The Chosen’
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Step into the world of the first-ever multi-season show about the life of Jesus, The Chosen. Revel in the compelling and powerful narratives of Jesus and his disciples as they spread love, teaching, and miracles throughout their journey. Jesus will captivate your soul as a savior and friend, with his teachings brought to life in a groundbreaking and deeply human way.
This series will renew your faith, provoke your thoughts, and immerse you in the backdrop of the 1st century AD. Discover the inspiring message of Jesus through the eyes of those that followed him in The Chosen.
3. ‘Elkhorn’
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Elkhorn follows the transformative years of Theodore Roosevelt in the rugged Dakota Territory during the late 19th century. Following the devastating losses of his wife and mother on the same day, a young Roosevelt leaves his burgeoning political career and affluent New York life behind and makes for the American Frontier to establish the Elkhorn Ranch. There, he must face and overcome the myriad challenges of a lawless region populated by thieves and wild animals.
This period dramatically shapes his character, earning him the moniker The Cowboy President. Elkhorn promises a mix of historical drama and adventurous Western storytelling, chronicling a rarely seen chapter of Roosevelt’s life that defines his resilience and leadership.
4. ‘The Porter’
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Immerse yourself in the captivating series, The Porter (2022), an evocative tale of 1920s railway workers pushing against oppressive power structures. Set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, the series follows the rebellious journey of train porters whose work was the lifeblood of the American and Canadian railways.
Characters struggle to carve out personal and collective identities, considering their roles in the budding Civil Rights movement. With its gripping stories, The Porter is a compelling exploration of the intersection of race, class and friendship in a changing world.
5. ‘Mary & George
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Dive into the seductive and manipulative world of 17th-century English court in Mary & George, a gripping historical drama starring Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine. This STARZ miniseries reveals the ambitious Mary Villiers as she cunningly molds her son, George, into the lover of King James I, aiming to ascend the heights of power and influence.
Their scandalous rise is marked by strategic marriages, dangerous liaisons and the ultimate gamble for the throne. Each episode is rich with political intrigue, intimate betrayals and a mother’s relentless drive to secure her family’s legacy, set against the backdrop of a sumptuously depicted royal court.
6. ‘The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family’
↑ 5 vs. Prior Week
Immerse yourself in the scandal and intrigue that marked the Boleyn family’s rise and fall in British history. The three-part period drama masterfully unravels the complex narrative behind England’s most infamous family. This gripping docudrama reveals the darker side of the Tudor court, where Anne, the second wife of King Henry VIII, and her siblings, Mary and George, staged a swift social climb marked by myriad scandals, courtly machinations and an insatiable quest for power. Witness a historical tale that’s far more complex than just a king and his six wives. It’s a saga of ambition, downfall and grand historical spectacle.
7. ‘Vienna Blood’
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Travel to the beautiful, mysterious and alluring streets of 1900s Vienna with Vienna Blood. Follow the compelling partnership between Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt, a seasoned detective, and Dr. Max Liebermann, a student of Sigmund Freud, who uses his understanding of psychology to help solve gruesome murders.
These unique perspectives merge to create a fresh take on the crime genre, blending intellect, science and danger. The stunning backdrop of Vienna, combined with complex characters and thrilling storylines, makes Vienna Blood an irresistible watch for fans of historical crime dramas.
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8. ‘Marie Antoinette’
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Experience the incredible journey of one of history’s most iconic queens in the drama series Marie Antoinette. Torn away from her home at a young age and married off for political alliances, this series explores the life of the glamorous and tragic Queen of France.
The splendid opulence of court life and the cataclysmic French Revolution unfold as we delve into the world of Marie Antoinette, showcasing her evolution from a naive teenage bride to a symbol of decadence. It is a breathtaking portrayal of a woman caught in the whirlwind of royalty, revolution and public scrutiny.
9. ‘Carmen Curlers’
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Carmen Curlers is no ordinary beauty salon sitcom; it’s truly a superior comedy loaded with amusing banter, heartwarming characters and lovable storylines. Centered around charismatic hair stylist Carmen and her quirky staff in their small-town salon in 1963 Denmark, each story is a new adventure with hilarious escapades and heartfelt client interactions.
The amusing team dynamics, along with their idiosyncratic client’s demands, make each episode a plethora of laughter. Expect unexpected surprises, as Carmen Curlers promises a whirlwind of emotions, weaving hair, beauty, friendship and comedy into an unforgettable show with a historical twist. Don’t miss the compelling rollercoaster of hilarity and warmth at Carmen Curlers.
10. ‘The Ipcress File’
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Espionage. That’s what you can expect with The Ipcress File. Set in 1960s Berlin and London, you’ll be drawn into the intricate life of British spy Harry Palmer. This dynamic series is characterized by intense suspense, complex plot twists and the labyrinthine world of international espionage.
Palmer’s character adds a remarkable lens to the intricacies of Cold War-era operations. Get ready to journey through the shadows of grey moralities and the angst of patriotism in this captivating spy thriller.
And there you have it: the top 10 historical drama shows to stream at home. Stay tuned for updates to come so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
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And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
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