The medieval period, also referred to as the Middle Ages, lasted from the 5th to the late 15th centuries. Beginning with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and transitioning into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery, the medieval period was full of upheaval, discovery, and kingdoms. If you enjoy delving into this time in places around the world, check out these seven best medieval TV shows, highlighting epic battles and intrigue.
7. Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020)
Our seventh selection for the best medieval TV shows is Rise of Empires: Ottoman. The series follows the rise of the Ottoman Empire, specifically during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II. The first season tackles the siege of Constantinople in 1453, while the second delves into Mehmed’s friendship and later war with the ruler of Wallachia, Vlad Dracula. Mehmed’s actions shaped the course of history in his region for centuries.
–IMDb score: 8.0
6. The Tudors (2007-2010)
Next up on our list of the best medieval TV shows is The Tudors, traveling west to England during the early years of King Henry VIII’s nearly 40-year reign from 1509 to 1547. The series reveals the scandalous life of the king, whose obsession with producing a male heir changed the idea of marriage, the church, and the world during the time. Notable historical characters that appear in the series include Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, Cardinal Wolsey, and Charles Brandon.
–IMDb score: 8.1
5. The Hollow Crown (2012-2016)
While it is based upon Shakespeare’s history plays (Richard II, Henry IV: Parts I and 2, and Henry V), there is a lot of history to be gleaned from our fifth selection for best medieval TV shows, The Hollow Crown. The series depicts a continuous period in British history from the end of the fourteenth century to the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Common themes throughout include power struggles, redemption, family conflict, and betrayal.
–IMDb score: 8.2
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4. Isabel (2011-2014)
Viewers can head to Spain for our fourth selection of the best medieval TV shows, Isabel. Each season is a biography about Isabella, Queen of Castile, and her eventual rise to power in Spain, becoming one of the greatest rulers in the history of Spain. The first season follows Isabel at the end of her childhood and her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon, the second season her crowning and the conquest of Granada leading to Columbus’ journey, and the third season the marriages and deaths of some of her children.
–IMDb score: 8.3
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3. Robin of Sherwood (1984-1986)
Entering the top three best medieval TV shows is Robin of Sherwood, also referred to as Robin Hood. While including strong fantasy elements and being based on a legend, there are some interesting medieval elements throughout the series. The main character is Robin of Loxley, who gathers a band of comrades and fights a guerilla campaign against their Norman dictators, seeking to bring justice to those less fortunate.
–IMDb score: 8.4
2. The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
Second on our best medieval TV shows list is The Last Kingdom, one of two Viking-themed shows on our list. It’s 872, and many of the small kingdoms in what is now England have fallen to the invading Danes, leaving Wessex as the only one standing. In the middle of it all is Uhtred, who was born to a Saxon nobleman but raised by the Danes (Vikings) as one of their own. As the turmoil comes to a boiling point, Uhtred must choose between his birth country and the people who raised him in a fight to reclaim his ancestral lands.
–IMDb score: 8.5
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1. Vikings (2013-2022)
Last but not least on our best medieval TV shows list is Vikings, one of the forefront shows from the Middle Ages that provides a glimpse into the world of the Vikings. The series follows Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age, who is trying to become King of the Viking tribes. Along with being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion, with legend saying he was a direct descendant of Odin. It will take everything Ragnar has to make his way to King, no matter who or what is in his way.
–IMDb score: 8.5
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