Historical TV dramas have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment, transporting viewers to different eras and allowing them to escape from their daily lives. From the lavish costumes and exquisite sets to the complex characters and thrilling plotlines, there’s something about these shows that keeps us coming back for more.
While some people might dismissTV dramas as mere fluff and fantasy, the truth is that many of them are incredibly accurate in their portrayal of real historical events. These shows can be an excellent source of education for anyone looking to learn more about the past, and they can also be a powerful way to connect with our shared history.
The popularity of historical TV dramas has only continued to grow in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. With so many different shows to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into period dramas, political thrillers, or action-packed adventures. And the best part is that theseshows often have multiple seasons, so you’re able to really immerse yourself in the world and get to know the characters over time.
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But what makes a historical TV drama truly great is its ability to balance accuracy with entertainment value. While it’s important to stay true to the facts, it’s also crucial to create a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged. And the most successful shows are the ones that manage to strike this delicate balance, presenting historical events in a way that is both informative and enjoyable to watch.
In this list, we’ll be exploring some of the most highly realistic historical TV dramas out there. These are the shows that manage to capture the essence of their respective eras while also providing top-notch entertainment. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a new show to binge-watch, you won’t want to miss these gems. So sit back and get ready to travel through time with some of the most captivating TV dramas around.
9Boardwalk Empire (2010 – 2014)
Step into the roaring twenties withBoardwalk Empire, the critically acclaimed drama set in Atlantic City during prohibition. Follow the life of Nucky Thompson, a corrupt politician who runs the city’s underground alcohol trade. From rival gangsters to his own inner demons, Nucky faces a series of challenges that put his power and life at risk. But it’s not just about Nucky; the show also delves into the lives of various characters, including FBI agents, bootleggers, and political figures.
The show’s highly realistic portrayal of the prohibition era is one of its most significant strengths. From the costumes to the sets, everything feels authentic, and the attention to detail is astounding. The show also deals with real-life historical events, including the 1920 presidential election and the rise of organized crime. The show’s excellent writing and acting further add to its realistic nature, making it one of the best historical dramas to watch.
8Hatfields & McCoys (2012)
Relive one of the most infamous family feuds in American history withHatfields & McCoys, a miniseries that tells the story of the feud between the two families from West Virginia and Kentucky. The series takes place after the Civil War, when tensions between the two families escalate and result in a series of violent confrontations. The show’s main focus is on the patriarchs of each family, Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy, and the events that led to their bitter rivalry.
The show’s unfiltered depiction of life in the late 1800s is impressive, from the costumes to the weapons used in the show. The show’s historical accuracy is one of its strong points, with events like the New Year’s Night Massacre, which isbased on a real-life incident, playing a prominent role in the story. The show’s acting is also excellent, with Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton giving standout performances as the two patriarchs. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history or the art of the miniseries.
7John Adams (2008)
Take a deep dive into the life of one of America’s founding fathers withJohn Adams, a miniseries based on David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography. The show covers Adams' life from his early days as a lawyer to his presidency and beyond. The show’s focus is on Adams' personal life and the challenges he faced as a statesman and family man.
The show’s true and authentic portrayal of the late 1700s and early 1800s is what makes it so remarkable. From the sets to the costumes, everything feels authentic, and the attention to detail is outstanding. The show’s writing and acting are also top-notch, with Paul Giamatti’s performance as John Adams being one of the highlights of the show.
The show’s historical accuracy is also commendable, with events like the Boston Massacre and the signing of the Declaration of Independence playing prominent roles in the story. Overall, John Adams is anexcellent historical dramathat provides a fascinating look at one of America’s most important figures.
6The Terror (2018 – 2019)
The Terroris a thrilling historical TV drama that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The show is set in 1845, where two British Royal Navy ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, embark on a treacherous voyage through the Arctic, in search of the Northwest Passage. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse as the crew members become stranded in the frozen wilderness, facing harsh weather conditions, starvation, and even a mysterious monster.
The show features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Jared Harris, Tobias Menzies, and Ciarán Hinds. The historical elements are spot on, accurately depicting the harsh realities of Arctic exploration during this time period. The storyline is based on the true story of the Franklin Expedition, which disappeared without a trace. The show also includes elements of horror and suspense, making it a unique and exciting addition to the genre of historical TV dramas.
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5Band of Brothers (2001)
Band of Brothersis a gripping World War II drama that follows the journey of Easy Company, a group of American soldiers in the 101st Airborne Division. The show is based on the real-life experiences of the soldiers who fought in the war, and the story is told through a series of interwoven vignettes that highlight the camaraderie, sacrifice, and heroism of the soldiers.
The characters are well-developed, and the cast includes talented actors such as Damian Lewis and Ron Livingston. The show accurately depicts the realities of war, from the brutal fighting to the emotional toll it takes on the soldiers. The attention to historical detail is impressive, with the show featuring accurate uniforms, weapons, and even using real locations for filming. Overall,Band of Brothersis a must-watch for anyone interested inWorld War II historyand is a testament to the bravery of the soldiers who fought in the war.
4Chernobyl (2019)
Chernobylis a chilling historical TV drama that depicts the events surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. The show follows the efforts of a group of Soviet scientists and officials as they attempt to contain the disaster and prevent it from causing further harm to the surrounding areas and people.
The show features a talented cast of actors, including Jared Harris and Stellan Skarsgård, who deliver powerful performances. The attention to historical detail is impressive, with the show accurately depicting the Soviet-era bureaucracy and the culture of secrecy that surrounded the disaster. The storyline is based on real events, and the show makes a concerted effort toportray the disaster in a realistic and respectful manner.Chernobylis a sobering reminder of the dangers of nuclear power and the importance of transparency and accountability in government actions.
3The Crown (2016 – 2023)
The Crownis a historical TV drama that chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, from her early days as a princess to her present-day reign. The show offers a captivating insight into the British monarchy, and the political and social challenges faced by the royal family. The performances of the cast, particularly Claire Foy as the young queen, are exceptional.
The storylines inThe Crownare well researched and offer an accurate portrayal of historical events, such as the Aberfan disaster, the Profumo affair, and the Silver Jubilee celebrations. The show also delves into thepersonal lives of the royals, including their relationships, marriages, and scandals.
What makesThe Crownhighly realistic is its attention to detail, fromthe costumes and set designsto the accents and mannerisms of the characters. The show uses real-life footage and photographs to recreate historical events, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the British monarchy or 20th-century history.
2Deadwood (2004 – 2006)
Deadwoodis a historical drama set in the late 1800s in the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota, during the gold rush. The series follows a diverse group of characters, from saloon owners to prostitutes to lawmen, as they navigate the harsh and brutal environment of the Wild West.
What makesDeadwoodso realistic is its portrayal of the rough-and-tumble life in a mining town. The characters are not romanticized but portrayed as human beings with all their flaws and quirks. The show’s historical accuracy is also impressive, capturing the time period’s violence, racism, and class struggle.
The performances inDeadwoodare outstanding, with Ian McShane’s portrayal of the saloon owner Al Swearengen being a standout. The writing is also top-notch, with the dialogue being both poetic and gritty. Overall,Deadwoodis a historical drama that is highly realistic, showcasing the harsh realities of life in the Wild West.
Related:Deadwood: Every Major Character, Ranked
1The Knick (2014 – 2015)
The Knickis another fabulous medical TV drama set in the early 1900s in New York City. The show focuses on the lives of the staff at the Knickerbocker Hospital, a fictional institution that deals with the medical challenges of the time, such as the outbreak of tuberculosis and the use of new surgical techniques. The acting is superb, with Clive Owen delivering a standout performance as the brilliant but troubled Dr. John Thackery.
The storylines inThe Knickare based on real medical practices and discoveries of the time, such as the use of cocaine as an anesthetic and the experimentation with X-rays. The show also addresses social issues of the time, such as racism and gender inequality.
What makesThe Knickso true to history is the way it uses period-accurate costumes and set designs, as well as accurate medical terminology and practices. The show also features real-life medical pioneers, such as Dr. William Halsted and Dr. Howard Kelly, portrayed in a realistic and nuanced manner. The show’s gritty and dark portrayal of turn-of-the-century New York City adds to its authenticity, making it a must-watch forfans of medical dramasand historical fiction.
