History is often regarded as a boring subject. We tend to ignore what happened in the past and focus on bettering the future. Yet, lessons taken from historical events will always point to the mistakes done by us in the past. Learning about world history gives a better understanding about the way changes took place within various continents and across civilizations. Period dramas are a fun way to learn about various cultures and traditions. The following period dramas should be included in your list of TV series, if you want to learn what shaped the world the way it is today.
These period dramas focus on various significant and symbolic historical events. They also throws light on the way the world around us have been modeled due to past actions. Historical actions of the past does define our present. It is evident in the colonization by Britishers or plundering by the Vikings. Some of these TV series may start of on the original idea from a nonfictional point of view, yet you must understand that artistic liberty drives most of these dramas. The point is to learn the ways, thinking and attitude of the people of the past, and gain some insights about the present and the coming future. With that note, let’s dive into some of the best made period dramas that you shouldn’t miss out!
#1 The Crown
The Crown follows the initial years of the current reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. This historical drama chronicles her ascension to the thrown. It also focus on the conditions of monarchy in Britain after World War II. The TV series explain some of the significant events and people that played a major role in shaping the position of British monarchy. It should be understood that after WWII, the alliance of people of Britain with monarchy was losing its hold. With the advent in technology and science, the old customs were being considered outdated and regressive. Amidst all this, The Crown places a young and still learning Elizabeth, who is trying to control a nation as a sovereign. Furthermore, she is trying to be a mother and wife at the same time.
This period drama is intense, reflective and all in all educational. You will be introduced to various scandals, political clashes between the parliament and British monarchy and the personal lives of all people related to Elizabeth. The Crown will keep you hooked and entertained, yet the same time, it will also let you know a few things about British monarchy and the power of a crown that always needs constant vigilance and moderation as a queen.
#2 Vikings
Vikings is a historical drama that follows the life of legendary Norseman Ragnar Lothbrock. He is initially a farmer who wants to explore the world. With his crafted boat builder friend Floki and brother, he embarks on journey where no viking has gone before. Eventually, he gains power and fame and become King of Kattegat.
This period drama follows the introduction of Vikings to the christian land of England and how they assimilate and adapt to new situations and events. The costumes, characters and story line of Vikings makes it one of the best period dramas of all time. You should watch Viking to understand many Norse myths. You will also find new things about the invasion of vikings in France and England and later to Mediterranean.
Also Read: 10 TV Shows Every GOT Fan Must Watch
#3 Game of Thrones
Although this fantasy period drama essentially may not be directly related to historical events, but it still has its charms. Among the viewers of the show and reader of book series, many student of history have realized similarities and inspiration that RR Martin have for his work of historical fiction. Martin rewrites the famous War of Roses between York and Lancaster, with Starks and Lannisters.
He takes certain brutal historical events which are symbolic to the outcome of the war. Game of Thrones is absolutely brutal and savage, both for viewers and the characters. The show presents the history from the point of view of important men and women, without romanticizing it. You will be fooled if you think Game of Thrones is just another historical drama. The show will tell you more about English history if you really want to learn how the characters within this TV series were formulated. Many of them are artistic take on some real people, something that might interest you.
Also Read: 11 Interesting Ways GOT Series Could End
#4 Tudors
Tudors is essentially based on 16th century England, but primarily focuses on the reign of King Henry VIII. It adapts history through a period drama written with great details. You will learn and understand the way kingdoms and kings had to do virtually everything to stay in power. Furthermore, this TV series throws light on the way power is essentially the most important and revered entity, not even the king or God.
Tudors depicts the corruption of church, the cunning tricks of clergy and mind games of politics inside the royal palace. All in all, you won’t ever be bored while this period drama. It is very educational and interesting, and therefore should be on your list of “must-watch period dramas”.
#5 Victoria
Victoria shows the initial life of Queen Victoria, who was one of the longest serving British monarch and also hugely celebrated. Her reign is known as Victorian era, which saw the rise of British power on almost all front of political and social order. The series depicts her struggle as a female sovereign who has to have a tight hold on her subjects, yet retain her femininity as a wife and mother. Queen Victoria, along with her husband Prince Albert, laid the foundations of many revolutionary changes during her reign. The actress who plays Victoria, Jenna Coleman, prepared for her role by reading the diary of the late queen.
You can feel that the series will be really beneficial and interesting due to the amount of hard work the production team as well as the actors have done. The series has impeccable costumes, set designs and amazing insights on the workings of Victorian era British society. The series also focus on issues which were controversial and unacceptable, making analysis on how the society functioned at that time. Needless to say, Victoria will definitely be helpful and educational with important history lessons.
#6 Spartacus
This period drama is inspired by the historical figure of Spartacus, who was a Thracian gladiator. He led a major slave uprising against the Roman empire. The series focus on Spartacus’ early life before he became a warrior and a leader. The series has amazing fight scenes, and all in all, a very detailed plot line that will make you learn a lot about Roman culture.
Although most of this drama may not have historical accuracy, still you may enjoy it for the fictional aspects based around a real-life figure of importance in history.
#7 The White Queen
The White Queen is again a TV series in the line of period dramas that is based on War of Roses. While the formerly mentioned Games of Thrones merely takes off with a base inkling to this historical war, this historical drama focus on the events from women’s point of view. This series will definitely be interesting because it provide the point of view of the mistreated half of the world, the women of medieval era. They had to be cunning and smart, but stealthily and silently.
It focuses on women who manipulated the events in the war. It merely suggests that in history, the story of women have neither been told, nor heard. This TV series should be given a chance to see the brutal power that women posses but often unleash it secretly. You will definitely enjoy the suspense and tension and learn how it was the cunning and smartness of women that made them survive in a men’s world.
#8 Rome
This period drama follows the lives of characters based on real historical person. The two lead characters, however, are entirely fictional, their actions leading them to events that are historically real. The first season depicts the civil war led by Julius Caesar (ever heard of this guy?) and his subsequent rise as dictator. Furthermore, the series also features events leading to his demise and assassination. Next you will get to understand the uprising of young Octavian, who will go on to become the first Roman emperor. We think we have given enough hints to interest you into watching this series. Hope you have fun!
#9 Deadwood
Deadwood is an American TV series based on some historical facts around the formation of Deadwood, Dakota. The show charts the growth of Deadwood from a camp to a town, illustrating the formation of a communities. The series, set in the 1870s, includes historical figures and events, as well as some fictional liberty in the story line. The writer of this period dram, David Milch, used actual newspaper clipping and diaries to create the characters in this TV series. He also used it to create the costumes, set designs and overall look of this TV show, making it a sure bet for authenticity.
The series received great reviews and after three season, there is a movie in the pipeline. It is slated to be released in 2019. If you want to get familiar with some American history, then Deadwood should be right up your alley.
#10 Peaky Blinders
Set in Birmingham, England in 1919 Peaky Blinders starts after WWI. The story is set around a gang named Peaky Blinders and their criminal activities. The gang comes under the attention of a police detective and the series takes off with an interesting start. This TV series has stylish cinematography, writing, visual style and acting, making it one of the best period dramas. It explore a part of English history which is rarely talked abut, mainly about Irish immigrants and their life in England. Even though it is fictional, yet the series can be highly educational and informative about the concerned time period. We hope you gain insights from this show.
#11 Dae Jang Geum
Dae Jang Geum is a celebrated South Korean period drama that has achieved global popularity. Broadcasted in over 60 countries, this TV series is essentially one of the best amidst the various period drams created in South Korea. Based on a real life figure of Jang geum, who was the first women to be bestowed the title of “dae”, which means great in Korean. She was reportedly the first female Royal Physician in Korean history. In a time when women weren’t provided literacy and education, Jang geum became a representative of female strength and wit.
The period drama, however, takes various forms of artistic liberties which makes the show historically less accurate. Yet if you are interested in ancient Korean history, costume and Korean cuisine, this TV series will be informative for you.
While many of these period dramas can’t attest to accurate historical authenticity, they are nevertheless highly informative. You will have an amazing time learning about various time periods of world history. Through these brilliant period dramas, you will also learn about some of the most important historical events and how they took place. With these TV series, you won’t be bored while you study history, not to mention, get to enjoy various amazing costumes as well. Have fun and remember that history is just a story that needs a better way to be told. These period dramas will ensure it.
