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 Elkhorn to The Ipcress File, this list will help lovers of the historical drama stay up to date on the most popular history shows available.
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. ‘Elkhorn’
↑ 3 vs. Prior Week
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.
2. ‘The Sympathizer’
↑ 3 vs. Prior Week
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.
3. ‘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 docudrama The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family 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.
4. ‘Vienna Blood’
↑ 2 vs. Prior Week
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.
5. ‘Frankie Drake Mysteries’
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Boasting daring stunts and spirited performances, Frankie Drake Mysteries takes you back to the roaring twenties for a thrilling ride through crime-solving in one of American history’s most dynamic decades.
6. ‘The Chosen’
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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.
7. ‘Marie Antoinette’
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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.
8. ‘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 such as ‘Junior Massey’ and ‘Zeke Garrett’ 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.
9. ‘Carmen Curlers’
↑ 2 vs. Prior Week
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’
↔ vs. Prior Week
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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