Some people learn about history in school, which is fine if you’re into that sort of thing. But for those of you who consider yourselves a Netflix intellectual, there’s no better way to fill your head with the knowledge of important events of yesteryear than through the stylish and fictionalized accounts of TV’s hottest scripted shows.
While they might not be super accurate — hey, at least The Tudors covered the basics in between those steamy love scenes — they make history exciting with high-stakes drama and opulent costumes that are most certainly way out of your budget. If you’re among those who can’t get enough of these racy period pieces, grab a cup of tea and settle in. We’ve got you covered with a list of the best historical dramas currently streaming on Netflix.
The Crown
This lavish series offers an intimate look at Queen Elizabeth’s reign, chronicling her personal drama, romances, political rivalries and the historical events that shaped not only her life but that of the latter half of the 20th century. If you’re in the mood for a thrilling history lesson set against the backdrop of a troubled royal family, this one is definitely for you.
The Tudors
This steamy take on the early years of Henry VIII’s rein serves up political intrigue and explicit scenes that are sure to make you blush, so maybe don’t watch with your parents. The series covered the king’s political conflicts but more importantly, his romantic relationships with Catherine of Aragorn and Anne Boleyn. Featuring a swoon-worthy cast that includes Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Henry Cavill, this one’s a feast for the eyes.
Versailles
Luxurious digs, perfectly coifed wigs and fancy attire adorn this ambitious drama about King Louis XIV of France. With the nobles on the brink of rebelling against the monarchy, the mustached king moves French court out of Paris to Versailles, the home of his father’s old hunting lodge, in an effort to control them. But it’s quickly realized that their stunning new home is nothing more than a gilded cage full of secrets, lies and vicious politics.
Borgia
This exciting series follows the infamous Spanish Cardinal’s rise to power during what is considered a dark period for the Papal States. Surrounded by a family driven by greed and wrought with sibling rivalries, there’s no shortage of drama as Borgia’s quest for power takes center stage.
The Borgias
No, this isn’t a typo. Showtime also chronicled Rodrigo’s ascension to popehood through bribery, extortion and torture during the Renaissance era. The series, which boasts an all-star cast anchored by Jeremy Irons as the corrupt cardinal, features sex, drama and blasphemy which means it’s definitely worth checking out.
The Last Kingdom
If you’re really into Game of Thrones, you’ll probably dig this action-packed drama set in ninth-century England when the country was divided into seven kingdoms– all at war. Based on the novel of the same name by Bernard Cornwell, the story follows Uhtred who must a dangerous path as he is forced to choose between the nation he was born in and the one in which he was raised. It might not have dragons but you’ll never be bored with the interconnected drama and awesome sword fights.
Marco Polo
This epic drama follows the famed explorer as he navigates risky interpersonal relationships while at the court of Kublai Khan in what is now Beijing. While the series is grounded in political rivalries and sexual intrigue, it also takes you out on the open seas where the explorer finds adventure and, of course, plenty of danger.
Ripper Street
Mr. Darcy himself Matthew McFadyen headlines this drama mystery set in the wake of Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror in London in 1888. The series follows the members of H Division, a special task force trying their best to maintain order in a chaotic city rife with paranoia and the rumblings of a seedy underground criminal network.
Medici: Masters of Florence
For those who were devastated over Robb Stark’s untimely end on Game of Thrones, this one’s especially for you. Richard Madden again plays a conflicted heartthrob who must take over the family business upon the sudden death of his father, but you won’t have to worry about any Red Weddings. Instead, the series serves up family drama, steamy romances and a gorgeous Italian backdrop during the Renaissance.
TURN: Washington’s Spies
Based on the novel of the same name by Alexander Rose, this series turns the Revolutionary War into a thrilling spy adventure. Set in a dangerous world filled with double agents, code-breaking and covert operations, the series follows a secretive network charged with uncovering British military strategies. Their exciting adventures serve as the foundation for modern espionage and prove that history is so much cooler than you throw spies into the mix.
Call the Midwife
Perhaps the most modern series on this list, the story follows Jenny, a midwife who is surprised to find herself assigned to a convent in London during the ’50s instead of the private hospital she was expecting. Surrounded by nuns, she soon develops close friendships with the other nurses as their lives intersect with the women and families that they treat. If Friends were a period drama, it probably wouldn’t look like this but you should check the series out anyway.
Reign
Considered more of a historical fantasy than an accurate depiction of Queen Mary of Scotland’s life at French court, the CW took many liberties with the story — most notably the costumes which included off-the-rack pieces from designers like Steve McQueen. However, the series turned Mary and Francis’ engagement and eventual marriage into an epic tale of romance and tragedy, and kept you on your toes with dangerous liaisons and supernatural mysteries within the confines of a gorgeous castle.
Hell on Wheels
There’s nothing hellish about this Western drama taking place in the wake of the Civil War. With the wounds of that internal conflict still fresh, the series follows the construction of the first transcontinental railroad which isn’t an easy feat. At the center of it all is a former Confederate soldier named Bohannon who can’t seem to bury his past. But he tries his best while traveling alongside the railroad with a ragtag from the moving town aptly called “Hell on Wheels.”
Cable Girls
History, feminism and progress intersect in this Spanish-language drama set just before the financial crisis of 1929. The story explores a world quickly changing through four women from different backgrounds who are hired as telephone operators in what turns out to be a progressive workplace. A tale of sisterhood as they attempt to break through the glass ceiling, the show will leave you feeling every bit empowered and also longing for their stylish threads.
Babylon Berlin
This German-language series follows a World War I vet who uncovers a dangerous conspiracy while investigating a pornography ring in the ’20s. Yep, you read that correctly. Set during a time of great political and social change, this show takes you into the heart of Berlin while delivering some heart-pounding twists and turns.
Source : TVGuide
