Hey there, history buffs and TV enthusiasts! Are you looking for your next binge-worthy series that transports you to another era? Look no further! Reddit, the treasure trove of opinions and recommendations, has spoken. I've scoured the threads to bring you the best historical drama TV shows according to the Reddit community. These shows aren't just entertaining; they're immersive journeys into the past, filled with compelling characters, intricate plots, and stunning visuals. Whether you're a seasoned historical drama aficionado or a newbie looking to dip your toes in the genre, there's something on this list for everyone. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to travel through time!

Why Reddit's Recommendations Matter

Before we dive into the list, let's talk about why Reddit is such a valuable resource for finding great TV shows. Unlike traditional critics, Reddit users offer a diverse range of perspectives and tastes. You're getting recommendations from real people who have watched these shows and are passionate about sharing their opinions. Plus, Reddit's upvote system ensures that the most popular and well-regarded shows rise to the top. Think of it as a crowdsourced guide to the best historical dramas, vetted by a community of discerning viewers. You'll find hidden gems you might otherwise miss and get a sense of what aspects of each show resonate most with audiences. This collective wisdom is invaluable when you're trying to decide what to watch next, especially in a genre as vast and varied as historical dramas. You can also often find discussions about historical accuracy, character development, and other nuances that add to the viewing experience.

Top Historical Drama TV Shows Recommended on Reddit

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Based on numerous Reddit threads and discussions, here are some of the top historical drama TV shows that consistently receive high praise. I've included a brief overview of each show and why Reddit users love them:

1. Vikings

Vikings is a historical drama television series created and written by Michael Hirst for the History channel. Filmed in Ireland, it premiered on March 3, 2013, in Canada. Vikings is inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the best-known legendary Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of England and France. The show portrays Ragnar as a farmer who rises to fame by successful raids into England, and eventually becomes a Scandinavian king, with the support of his family and fellow warriors. The later seasons of the series focus on Ragnar's sons and their adventures in England, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean.

Reddit users rave about the show's gritty realism, compelling characters, and intense battle scenes. Many appreciate the show's efforts to portray Viking culture and mythology, even if it takes some creative liberties. One user wrote, "Vikings got me hooked from the first episode. The characters are so well-developed, and the action is non-stop!" Another added, "I loved learning about Viking history and culture through this show. It's definitely one of the best historical dramas I've ever seen."

2. The Crown

The Crown, a historical drama television series created and principally written by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television for Netflix, follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The series traces Elizabeth's life from her wedding in 1947 to the early 21st century. The first season covers the period from Elizabeth's marriage to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947 to the dissolution of her sister Princess Margaret's engagement to Group Captain Peter Townsend in 1955. The second season covers the period from the Suez Crisis in 1956 to the birth of Prince Edward in 1964. The third season spans 1964 to 1977, beginning with Harold Wilson's election as prime minister and ending with the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II. The fourth season spans from 1979 to the early 1990s and includes Margaret Thatcher's tenure as prime minister and the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

Reddit users praise The Crown for its impeccable production values, stellar performances, and nuanced portrayal of the British royal family. Many appreciate the show's attention to historical detail and its ability to humanize these iconic figures. One user commented, "The Crown is absolutely stunning. The acting, the costumes, the sets – everything is top-notch." Another said, "I'm not usually into royal dramas, but The Crown completely captivated me. It's a fascinating look at the personal and political challenges faced by the Queen."

3. Peaky Blinders

Peaky Blinders is a British period crime drama television series created by Steven Knight, that aired on BBC Two for its first four series and on BBC One for its fifth and sixth series. Set in Birmingham, England, the series follows the exploits of the Peaky Blinders crime gang in the aftermath of World War I. The gang is loosely based on a real urban youth gang of the same name who were active in the city from the 1880s to the 1910s.

Reddit users are drawn to Peaky Blinders for its stylish visuals, charismatic characters, and gripping storylines. The show's soundtrack, featuring contemporary music, also receives high praise. One user wrote, "Peaky Blinders is just so cool. The characters are badass, the music is amazing, and the story is always engaging." Another added, "I love the way this show blends historical fiction with crime drama. It's definitely one of the best historical dramas out there."

4. Rome

Rome is a historical drama television series created by Bruno Heller, John Milius, and William J. MacDonald. The series is set in the 1st century BC, during Ancient Rome's transition from republic to empire. Rome features a sprawling ensemble cast, often led by the stories of two ordinary Roman soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, who are caught up in the major historical events of the time. The first season covers the period from Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon in 49 BC to his assassination in 44 BC. The second season covers the period from Caesar's assassination to the defeat of Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC.

Reddit users appreciate Rome for its historical accuracy (within the bounds of dramatic license), its complex characters, and its depiction of the political intrigue and violence of the Roman era. One user commented, "Rome is a must-watch for anyone interested in Roman history. It's a bit graphic at times, but it's also incredibly well-made and historically informative." Another said, "I loved the way this show brought the Roman world to life. The characters felt real, and the story was always compelling."

5. Outlander

Outlander is a historical drama television series based on the ongoing novel series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon. Developed by Ronald D. Moore, the series premiered on Starz on August 9, 2014. It stars Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall, a married former World War II nurse who is transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland, where she finds adventure and romance with the dashing Highlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan).

Reddit users are captivated by Outlander's blend of historical drama, romance, and fantasy. The show's stunning Scottish scenery and the chemistry between the lead actors are also major draws. One user wrote, "Outlander is my guilty pleasure. It's romantic, adventurous, and historically interesting all at the same time." Another added, "I love the way this show transports me to another time and place. The characters are so well-developed, and the story is always exciting."

Honorable Mentions

Of course, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Here are a few other historical drama TV shows that frequently get mentioned on Reddit:

• The Last Kingdom
• Downton Abbey
• Boardwalk Empire
• TURN: Washington's Spies
• Marco Polo

Dive Deeper: Finding More Recommendations on Reddit

If you're still looking for more historical drama TV shows to watch, Reddit is your friend! Here are some tips for finding more recommendations:

• Search for specific subreddits: Check out subreddits like r/historicaldrama, r/television, and r/movies for discussions and recommendations.
• Use the search function: Search for keywords like "best historical drama," "historical TV shows," or "period dramas" to find relevant threads.
• Ask for recommendations: Start your own thread and ask for recommendations based on your specific interests. Be sure to mention what you've already watched and enjoyed.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a curated list of the best historical drama TV shows, as recommended by the Reddit community! Whether you're into Vikings, royalty, gangsters, or time-traveling nurses, there's a show on this list that's sure to transport you to another era. Happy watching, and don't forget to share your own recommendations in the comments below! And hey, if you discover a new favorite thanks to this list, be sure to give Reddit a little shout-out. After all, it's the community that makes these discoveries possible. Now go forth and explore the past through the magic of television!