Netflix made a bold move intothe world of historical dramawithMarco Polo. The series follows the famed explorer Polo from an early age; his resulting journey sees Polo traverse treacherous regions, all the while meeting a host of fascinating characters.
Lorenzo Richelmy stars as the lead character and offers a career-defining moment for the actor who previously starred in several Italian projects.Doctor Strangestar Benedict Wong additionally creates an unforgettable performance as Kublai Khan.
Unfortunately, the series was canceled by Netflix after two seasons. Historical dramas don’t end withMarco Polo. Check out these 10 series that will help even the most-die-hard fans missingMarco Polo.
10Frontier
Game of Thronesviewers might spot a familiar face as Jason Momoa leads this series. The actor portrays Declan Harp, a renegade fighting a major company’s hold on the region. Its plot is basically the common man versus big business that is still prominent in today’s headlines.
Frontieralso presents a rugged landscape with both treacherous terrain and awe–inspiring natural beauty. The latter is all the most intriguing as it matches up to the big-budget cinematography ofMarco Polo. The series also represents an originaltake on Canadian history, something not often seen in American film and TV.
9Da Vinci’s Demons
Leonardo da Vinci is renowned for his creations — spanning from the world of art to engineering. This dramatic series looks at a younger da Vinci, focusing on his 20s. Its time period sees the man face issues with his parents as well as a society’s disgust at anything outside its norms.
Through it all, the genius pushes through with discoveries celebrated centuries later.Da Vinci’s Demonscomes from screenwriter David S. Goyer. His work extends to popular superhero films likeBatman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeandBlade.
8Britannia
Yellowstonestar Kelly Reillyleads this large cast, which includes Zoë Wanamaker, David Morrisey, and Mackenzie Crook.Britannialooks at the period when Rome took over Britain, what follows is a historical drama in much the same vein asRomein its storytelling. A general seeks to avenge failure at the cost of an entire empire. Meanwhile, those tribes living on British soil face their own dilemmas as they fight a massive invasion.
Related:9 Historical TV Dramas That Are Highly Realistic
7The Tudors
Henry VIII’s reign is represented in Showtime’s acclaimed drama.Jonathan Rhys Meyers starsas the monarch who was arguably better known for his personal life; over the course of four seasons, the king encounters wives and lovers who forever shape England.
Rhys is joined by several influential actors during the series. The list of notable names includes Sam Neill, Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer, and Henry Czerny. Emmy voters took note of the project’s attention to detail — givingThe Tudorsseveral Outstanding Costumes and Outstanding Art Direction awards over its run.
The House of Medici is known for its scandals as well as its hold on Italian society. Netflix’s approach to the story divides the series into three distinct seasons representing various periods in the family’s story. Season 2 is arguably the best, starring Richard Madden as Cosimo de' Medici; the historical figure plays a prominent role in the family’s complex legacy. Madden did not return for subsequent seasons but his contribution is still arguably one ofMecidi’sbest performances.
San Francisco provides the backdrop for this historical drama based on the writing of latemartial arts icon Bruce Lee. Gangs threaten all-out war as one man arrives, his talents don’t go unnoticed as he fights his way through Chinatown. It soon becomes apparent that he could become a major figure in crime but not everything is as it seems.Warrioralso features a cast of outstanding Asian actors, making it an important step in diverse programming.
Related:20 Best TV Period Dramas if You Need an Escape From Modern Life
The rule of the Roman Empire continues to feature prominently invarious historical dramas.Romepresents itself as a historical piece built upon sex and intrigue; the underlying aspects point toward the complex and often treacherous world of politics. No one is spared from the period’s overwhelming brutality — something those averse to gore might be wary of during an initial viewing.
Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, and Polly Walker are just some of the respected actors featured in the cast. Ciaran Hinds notably steals the show as Julius Caesar while James Purefoy offers an equally impressive performance as Marc Antony.
3Black Sails
Pirates have long held audiences’ fascination andBlack Sailscontinues the tradition. The series focuses on Captain Flint,a brutal piratewhose reputation precedes him. Author Robert Louis Stevenson’s character creates a dominant presence, the series taking Flint on bigger adventures throughout the Caribbean. There’s even romance as Flint finds a passionate partner — Thomas Hamilton; the pair’s relationship becomes a highlight, paying off for viewers in the final season.
2Vikings: Valhalla
Vikingsisan addictive dramaitself butVikings: Valhallabuilds on an already winning formula. Occurring over a century after the first series, this project follows Vikings as they face a changing world. Viewers who appreciated the original will equally be at home with the brutality and violence of this follow-up. With at least three seasons planned, there’s also far more in store for the Norse fighters.
1The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdomis yet anotherliterary adaptation captivating viewers. In this case, the project comes from Bernard Cornwell’sThe Saxon Stories— these works cover England’s major historical events surrounding the ninth and tenth centuries.
Lasting five seasons, it started on BBC Two before transitioning to Netflix for its final seasons. Much likeMarco Polo, the series would also have a special one-off movie to complement its run.The Last Kingdom’s film,Seven Kings Must Die, helped viewers say goodbye to the series; this feature ties up loose ends as it satisfyingly closes out the run.
