Summary- Don’t miss out on these five historical dramas that are surely going to take you back in time. From rebellious Elisabeth to heroic Blackthorne, each story comes with their own unique storytelling.
There is something so surreal about historical dramas and not in a magical way but more towards the way it takes us back in time. The characters and the story if blend perfectly gives you a taste of an era where you weren’t even born. There are many dramas out there which take on the backdrop of past centuries but only a few can grab the attention of viewers. It is easy to feel bored quickly as the episodes progress, especially when we talk about historical dramas. These top five series will surely keep you engaged and won’t leave any gap for boredom, not even a yawn.
5. Shōgun [2024]
The story follows Blackthorne, a smart and resourceful man rather than an arrogant Westerner. His relationship with Torunaga evolves from mutual use to genuine respect, showing two different cultures finding common ground. The political intrigue and the importance they put on character development and personal storylines packed a gut wrenching punch in the last two episodes. The casting is perfect with Toranaga, Yabu and Blackthorne coming to life more realistically, as do the other characters like Anna Sawai, Fumi Nagaido and Hiroyuki Sanada from Japan. Shogun’s best moments are not in the elaborate depiction of Japanese society of that period or the glorious display of militarised clans fighting each other, but the interaction of characters whose lives have unexpectedly been entangled and contained by their personal and political motives. Desires turn into conflict, and everyone’s in on the game.
Platform: JioHotstar
4. Wolf Hall [2015]
Wolf Hall takes you back to Tudor, England during the sixteenth century and the characters in the series are also historical figures. While the backdrop is visibly of historical dramas the story adds some fictional scenes and dialogue to portray the political intrigue and human motivations of the era. Mark Rylance‘s portrayal of Cromwell is outstanding, and the drama is made, and Damien Lewis Henry is the absolute best. Rylance underplays his Cromwell very thoroughly, knowing that a word misplaced in the hyper-paranoia of the Tudorian court might lead to the loss of a head-span from one’s height at any moment, at one word out of place or said in the wrong company.
Platform: Prime Video
3. SAS Rogue Heroes [2022]
The story is set in the North African desert during the era of World War two specifically in Cairo. The series tells the dramatized version of the formation of the British Army’s Special Air Service (SAS). Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Blair who is also known as Paddy is the protagonist. Mayne’s rambunctious nature came to the fore, smashing up teammates’ hotel rooms, temporarily freeing a convict he had befriended. The main characters are portrayed by Connor Swindells, Alfie Allen, and Jack O’Connell. Although Mayne is slightly tamed down to the man he was, it’s very well researched and acted well.
Platform: Prime Video
2. Call the Midwife [2012]
A unique time in history where women had many challenges back then with having children and choosing to love, even when it was difficult. The ugly face of poverty was present for those who did their best in trying to care for loved ones. This show sucks you in and nails you to the wall holding you captive from first musical intro note to last commentarial morsel from the legendary voice of Vanessa Redgrave. The confusion and pain portrayed in here is what moves the audience most. Through historical dramas like such we are made aware of how much people in history have suffered.
Platform: Prime Video
Also Read: 5 Highly-Rated IMDb Series You Need to Watch If You Haven’t Yet
1. The Empress [2022]
The plot follows the early life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria AKA “Sisi,” after her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph I. Devrim makes her character Sisi captivating. Elisabeth’s life changes after marriage and the story follows her majorly in the series. Her character is that of a rebellious and free-spirited princess. However, all these changes when she needs to follow the strict rule of the Viennese court. This series shows the life and rules which were ordered upon women of the time. There is court politics, division between love and duty and lastly how Elisabeth paves her path through the conservative society of the era. Thus, making this series one of the most intense historical dramas of all time.
Platform: Netflix
Final Thoughts
Before the cinema industry when novels were in high demand people used to read these historical novels to live in the past. Now we have all the means and especially OTT platforms that let you watch your favorite shows anytime and anywhere. These five shows are a must-watch if you are into the genre of historical accurate stories. Though there might be some sort of fictional element in them, the backdrop is what sets them apart. From the streets to the court room these stories will take you back in time with them.
Written by Kenbi Riba