1. The Last Kingdom, Netflix
Uhtred son of Uhtred was born a Saxon but raised by the Danes. In the 800’s A.D., his loyalties are put the test. With his luxurious hair and his amber pommeled sword, he tries to find the balance between being an Ealderman or a Viking warrior. Should he help fight against the Viking’s and aid King Alfred’s dream of uniting one kingdom under the name England? Or, should he avenge the brutal murders of his adopted family? History, action, romance, mystery, and so much more are thrown into the two seasons currently on Netflix. This is an adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories. It stars Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
2. Reign, the CW
In this fictionalized telling of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, the audience is plunged into the dangerous—and scandalous—royal court. As Mary waits to wed the heir to the French throne, she must face multiple political, mystical, and personal issues. She finds herself trying to hold onto her crown while her enemies plot to take it from her. While the show strays from historical accuracy, it does not fail to entertain. Will she wed Francis? Will she hold onto her crown? And, will she ever befriend Queen Catherine de’ Medici of France? This stars Adelaide Kane as Mary Stuart, Megan Follows as Catherine Medici, Rachel Skarsten as Elizabeth Tudor, and Toby Regbo as Francis Valois.
3. Frontier, Netflix
The fact that this stars Jason Momoa should be enough motivation for you to watch this. The series follows his character, Declan Harp. He fights against the Hudson Bay Company and their fur trade with the help from a few allies. The HBC has to face not only Declan and his agenda, but they also have to keep their fur trading competitors from gaining the upper hand. This is a show full of revenge, action, drama, and so much more. There are currently two seasons on Netflix and has been renewed for a third season.
4. Merlin, BBC
Almost everyone knows the tales of King Arthur and his sorcerer Merlin ruling over Camelot. But, what about when they were younger, when Arthur was but a Prince? Merlin arrives in a Camelot where magic is forbidden and punishable by death. It isn’t long before he finds himself as Arthur’s manservant with a great destiny. He must use his powers to protect Arthur from those who wish him harm, like goblins and wicked knights. This show stars Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Arthur Pendragon, Katie McGrath as Morgana, and John Hurt as the voice of the dragon.
5. The Musketeers, BBC
Based off of Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Three Musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are members of the Musketeers and are charged with protecting King Louis XIII of France. d’Artagnan is brought to Paris to avenge the death of his father and finds himself fighting alongside the Musketeers. Even with the court drama, political backstabbing, and heart breaking romances, the four men form a bond that makes this show so memorable to its viewers. The show stars Santiago Cabrera, Tom Burke, Howard Charles, and Luke Pasqualino.