Historical drama series have grown increasingly popular in the 21st century, thanks to their lavish set designs; immersive world-building; fictionalized narratives focused on intimate human experiences and epic events; and reinterpretations of history through a contemporary lens. They’re fascinating to watch, and we can’t get enough of them.
From royal scandals and mad kings to a biblical retelling of a simple shepherd versus a giant, we’re going back in time this weekend on Amazon Prime Video to explore some of the best historical fiction series that the platform has to offer.
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The Tudors
King Henry VIII like you’ve never known him
A longtime favorite historical series of mine is 2007’s The Tudors, another Michael Hirst (Vikings) creation that lured audiences in with its intrigue, elaborate costumes and set designs, intricate storylines, and emotionally charged performances. You will become obsessed.
Set primarily in 16th-century England, the dynamic drama brings to life the power struggles, scandalous romances, and political machinations of King Henry VIII’s royal court. It also exposes us to his relationships with his six wives while showcasing one of the most tumultuous periods in English history, replete with treachery, ambition, lust, and greed. Bend It Like Beckham’s Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as King Henry VIII, a shrewd, charismatic, passionate leader determined to leave his mark on the world. Watch as he impulsively navigates his way through love, wars, and politics to secure the future of his country.
We are flies on the wall of this historical masterpiece as we watch the king’s sanity unravel thread by thread, woman by woman, wife by wife. The series is a stellar, entertaining period piece swimming in emotional intensity and complexity that’ll have you glued to your screen. Man of Steel’s Henry Cavill, Game of Thrones’ Natalie Dormer, Outlander’s Maria Doyle Kennedy, and True Blood’s James Frain also star.
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Reign
Gossip Girl meets Game of Thrones
Acting as a loosely dramatized successor to The Tudors, The CW’s Reign series covers the late 16th-century French and Scottish courts immediately following the peak Tudor era. The vivid historical drama tells of the rise to power of Henry VIII’s grandniece Mary, Queen of Scots, amid a court full of sexual and political intrigue.
A major political rival to her cousin, Elizabeth I, Queen of Scotland, Mary Stuart (Adelaide Kane of Grey’s Anatomy) travels to France with four of her ladies-in-waiting to secure her politically strategic engagement to the king’s son, Prince Francis (Tony Regbo of A Discovery of Witches). Though they share a mutual attraction, he has reservations about aligning with Scotland, and he isn’t the only one. As Mary wades through the waters of her new life, she’s faced with threatening challenges—from Francis’s illegitimate half-brother and the French court. After finding an ally in a mysterious shrouded guide, she rallies hard and readies herself to rule as she searches for a balance between the demands of her country and those of her heart.
If you’re looking for an addictive, indulgent guilty pleasure, look no further, because Reign is it. The costumes are breathtaking, the sets are immaculate, and the drama, romance, and political intrigue are so scandalous, you won’t be able to look away. The series is not meant to be historically accurate, so abandon those expectations if you have them. This is just pure, unadulterated historical royal fun.
Reign
Release Date
2013 – 2017-00-00
Network
The CW
Showrunner
Brad Silberling
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House of David
How one stone changed the course of history
Those seeking a high-quality, faith-based historical drama will want to tune in for House of David, a new Prime Video series retelling the biblical story of David. Its tone and atmosphere will totally surprise you, as will its large-scale production and big-budget, action-infused drama.
Primarily set in the Middle East in 1000 B.C., the series depicts King David’s (Michael Iskander) rise to power, tracing his journey from his paternal servitude as a shepherd in Bethlehem to his battle with Goliath and eventual kingship. After the once-mighty King Saul (Ali Suliman of The Kingdom) falls victim to his own pride and insanity, the prophet Samuel (Stephen Lang of Don’t Breathe), under God’s direction, anoints an unlikely, outcast teenager as the new king. Season 1 culminates with David’s battle against Goliath (Martyn Ford of Those About to Die), while season 2 focuses on his transformation to warrior-commander in King Saul’s army, navigating the chaotic aftermath of Goliath’s death.
It’s important to note that House of David is not a literal retelling of the Bible, but rather, it’s a historical drama using biblical events as a framework. While rooted in the book of Samuel, chapter one, the series takes great creative liberties to enhance the drama, making it more of a faith-based adaptation rather than a direct scriptural transcription. I hope you dig its Game of Thrones-style take on the narrative with strong, gritty, often violent moments. I was impressed.
House of David
Release Date
February 27, 2025
Network
Prime Video, Wonder Project
Directors
Jeff T. Thomas, Jon Gunn, Jon Erwin, Lynsey Miller
Other newer historical fiction series to check out on the platform include King & Conquerer, My Lady Jane, Robin Hood, The Bloody Duchess, and Downton Abbey. Of course, there are plenty more where these came from, and if we had to guess, plenty more are on the way. Now is the time to go ahead and level up your Prime Video experience.
Subscription with ads
Yes, via Prime membership or $9/month
Simultaneous streams
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