The Best Historical TV Shows of Recent Years That Masterfully Blend Fact and Fiction
Historical dramas often transport viewers to the past, offering a glimpse into significant events, iconic figures, and captivating eras. These shows skillfully blend fact with fiction, creating engaging stories that entertain while educating. In this list, we’ve gathered some of the best historical TV series that have won audiences over in recent years. Enjoy watching!
1. Shogun (2024–2026)
IMDb: 8.6
When a mysterious European ship gets stranded near a fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could shift the balance of power and destroy his enemies.
Cast: Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano
2. The Crown (2016–2023)
IMDb: 8.6
The series chronicles the political rivalries, love stories, and events that shaped Britain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, particularly in the second half of the 20th century.
Creator: Peter Morgan
Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton
3. My Lady Jane (2024) IMDb: 7.4
IMDb: 7.4
Lady Jane Grey and her husband Guildford live during the reign of Edward, the son of Henry VIII. Unexpectedly crowned queen overnight, she becomes the target of those seeking her throne—and her life.
Creator: Gemma Burgess
Cast: Emily Bader, Edward Bluemel, Anna Chancellor
4. The Tudors (2007–2010)
IMDb: 8.1
This epic series reveals the scandalous life of a young king whose obsession with producing a male heir leads him to change his marriages, the church, and the world.
Creator: Michael Hirst
Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Anthony Brophy
5. Reign (2013–2017)
IMDb: 7.5
The series focuses on Mary, Queen of Scots, as she faces political and sexual intrigue in the dangerous world of the French court.
Creators: Laurie McCarthy, Stephanie Sengupta
Cast: Adelaide Kane, Megan Follows, Celina Sinden
6. Marco Polo (2014–2016)
IMDb: 8.0
Set in 13th century Mongolia, the series follows the adventures of the famous explorer in the court of Kublai Khan, amidst a world of greed, betrayal, sexual intrigue, and rivalry.
Creator: John Fusco
Cast: Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, Joan Chen
7. Vienna Blood (2019 - )
IMDb: 7.6
In 1900s Vienna, medical student Max Liebermann, under the mentorship of Sigmund Freud, assists Detective Rheinhardt in investigating a series of disturbing murders.
Creator: Steve Thompson
Cast: Matthew Beard, Juergen Maurer, Luise von Finckh
8. Gyeongseong Creature (2023 - )
IMDb: 7.3
Set in spring 1945, during Japan’s rule over Korea, the series follows two young adults as they face a strange creature born from greed and fight to survive.
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee, Kim Hae-sook
9. Call the Midwife (2012 - )
IMDb: 8.6
The series follows the lives of a group of midwives living in East London from the late 1950s to the late 1960s.
Creator: Heidi Thomas
Cast: Vanessa Redgrave, Laura Main, Jenny Agutter
10. Blue Eye Samurai (2023 - )
IMDb: 8.7
Set in Edo-period Japan, a young warrior embarks on a bloody path of revenge against those who have rejected them.
Creators: Michael Green, Amber Noizumi
Cast: Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka
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