Top Medieval Shows: Epic Battles, Royal Intrigue, and More!
A Knight's Tale or Something More? The Best Medieval TV Shows
Medieval-themed shows are exploding! We're talking knights, kings, queens, Vikings— the works! But the best shows go beyond that simple stuff. They use this awesome era— with all its brutal battles, shocking plots and betrayals and power plays— to create seriously gripping stories! They do it so well, that these very productions bring to life a lot of intrigue around certain timeframes and locations.
Some shows dive into historical fiction; others tell wildly different, fantastic tales. There's so much variety: from Game of Thrones' epic scale (and epic budget) to those grounded, historically authentic tales that are rarely shown or emphasized. This list breaks down 25 shows in various tones— emphasizing its strengths and shortcomings, the variety present in all genres included.
The 25 Best Medieval TV Shows, Ranked: From Vikings to Renaissance Italy!
25. The Borgias (2011-2013): Renaissance Intrigue and Brutal Power Plays
This show's incredible and this unique approach sets it apart! Instead of that usual Medieval European backdrop – it shines the spotlight on 15th-century Italy, the rise of the Borgia family to power, leading up to this dramatic portrayal surrounding Rodrigo Borgia's ascension to the papacy (that became Pope Alexander VI). It might not have those massive battles, but the constant intrigue; the almost endless betrayals; this was as cutthroat and intensely violent, like Game of Thrones, only this actually happened.
24. Shogun (2023): Feudal Japan and the Clash of Cultures
Forget Europe for a while. This takes viewers into 17th-century Japan following John Blackthorne, a foreigner thrown into the heart of the Shogunate’s politics and warfare. It perfectly highlights just how incredible this historical clash was— both incredibly authentic and well-done and that dramatic tension creates an unforgettable viewing experience that blends historical fiction and intense drama. It does have its share of shocking twists and turns. Plus, it’s critically acclaimed; incredibly compelling, and delivers those awesome plot reveals that made those late-night viewings utterly unforgettable!
23. Da Vinci's Demons (2013-2015): Leonardo Da Vinci, Mastermind and Fighter!
This historical fiction show focuses on Leonardo da Vinci's early life. It might take liberties with that actual history; but that’s okay! It uses da Vinci's skills— crafting mindblowing inventions while secretly getting involved with Florence’s deadly power struggles! It’s violent; sneaky, a constant mix of thrilling plots and this great sense of mystery! The intense tone creates those amazing thrills typical of Game of Thrones, only it has a wildly different focus; that creative decision helps appeal to audiences far wider than they anticipated!
22. Blackadder (1983-1989): Medieval Britain— The Hilarious Way!
For those who love comedy; this list includes an exception and its classic British humour shines! Rowan Atkinson's Blackadder is that totally charming villain in two series focusing on the Middle Ages— 1485 and during Queen Elizabeth I's reign. Its sharp wit is surprisingly very memorable— creating a uniquely fun way of seeing that turbulent and historically complicated time frame.
21. Reign (2013-2017): Romance in the Royal Court
Reign's an amazing series, focusing on that specific aspect often lacking in medieval tv shows. Instead of constant conflict– its primary element becomes intense, incredibly complex romance; focusing on Mary, Queen of Scots. That intensely dramatic journey brings its own share of political intrigue; those unexpected romances— the whole thing captures those very authentic elements of the 1500s with more emphasis on that incredibly human romantic component of its storyline. Those surprisingly sexual moments really made the series memorable.
20. Britannia (2018-2021): Ancient Britain, Fantasy and Warfare!
Britannia takes us back to 43 AD to depict the Roman invasion of Britain— using magic, strong warrior women, Celtic Queens and that brutal historical conflict for intensely dramatic flair. That blend of realistic battles and mythology is fairly rare; creating an experience only achieved with intense creativity and intelligent planning of how such historically-relevant topics and other similar content could interact with well-defined creative plans. It might seem unusual at times, especially because it uses some surprisingly modern pop tunes but that creative touch creates unexpected appeal which only further expands its base.
19. Vinland Saga (2019-2023): Viking Revenge, Enslavement and Redemption!
This intense anime series is surprisingly epic, creating amazing narrative arcs with intense emotional storytelling— following young Thorfinn’s bloody quest for revenge in a historical backdrop focusing on the Danish invasion of England. The anime showcases an evolution throughout; moving from pure, unfiltered vengeance; changing to that intense focus on self-discovery that made it so beloved and that emotional core— is truly moving, highlighting some really excellent creative moments and intelligent transitions within those surprisingly realistic emotional responses. The story evolves; its ending presents a beautiful narrative and an incredibly moving arc for all involved.
18. El Cid (2020-2021): Medieval Spain's Legendary War Hero!
El Cid shows another different perspective– its focus on 11th-century Spain. It focuses on Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, following the struggles, political conflict and high-octane action that marks this particular point in Spanish history; its rich narrative— filled with complex individuals, creates an unusually high emotional investment within this incredibly violent but remarkably intriguing story arc which focuses on high suspense moments that constantly kept viewers anticipating for that next installment!
17. Knightfall (2017-2019): The Knights Templar’s Rise and Fall
This series brings to light an often underrepresented part of Medieval history. Its focus: the Knights Templar! Its depiction is shocking— filled with both political conflict, intense fighting and the ultimate tragedy— that betrayal and ultimate destruction by King Philip IV of France. Despite its rather short runtime, it delivers surprisingly memorable moments! Plus, Mark Hamill’s presence makes it way better.
16. Medici (2016-2019): The Italian Renaissance—Power, Art, and Betrayal
This focuses on another powerful Italian family; showcasing the power and influence of the Medici family in 15th-century Florence; combining intense drama with those authentic moments regarding the era, with lavish backdrops, the artistic details, plus that ever-present intrigue within its intensely emotional conflicts. It balances all these different elements and its creative balance; the unexpected focus on creating realistic romantic elements creates unexpected appeal.
15. Merlin (2008-2012): Arthurian Legend Reimagined!
Forget gritty realism! This one’s more whimsical— focusing on young Merlin's quest protecting King Arthur, while showcasing fun magical adventures! It lacks those gory battle scenes, making for great family viewing— yet retaining some really exciting plots, compelling narratives and creating a solid cast of characters. It’s a good and fun introduction to that particular time period without having all the gore and intensely harsh details!
14. Marco Polo (2014-2016): 13th-Century Asia – A Cultural Clash!
This show’s depiction is another surprisingly unique take: instead of focusing solely on European backdrops and themes; it shines a much deserved light upon 13th-century China – during the Yuan Dynasty. It showcases Marco Polo's life at the court of Kublai Khan, capturing a vast and expansive storyline which contains high levels of intensity but rarely ever ventures into the overly bloody aspects sometimes shown in other entries. That lavish budget adds incredible value; a detail quite obvious from the intense visual appeal and generally high quality present everywhere, despite its polarizing critical reception at launch.
13. The Pillars of the Earth (2010): A Cathedral’s Construction During a Civil War
This one takes us to 12th-century England; this intense, gripping story about constructing a cathedral amidst the chaotic conflicts and intense civil war. The authenticity, the historical accuracy shown combined with compelling individual storylines adds surprisingly high intensity; yet never feeling over-the-top while showcasing a very compelling drama around this unique scenario! The scale; the effort required for such an effort is made intensely valuable by focusing on intense details such as the backstories involved. Yet its ending; entirely created to produce its specific version is ultimately something notably different from its literary source; adding yet another critical point.
12. Cadfael (1994-1998): Medieval Mysteries!
Ever think of combining mysteries with Medieval Europe? Cadfael does this perfectly! It’s got this awesome crusader-turned-monk detective in 12th-century Shrewsbury! It brilliantly takes inspiration from Columbo; mixing this familiar mystery structure with a surprisingly creative depiction which creates this very unique but equally effective narrative storytelling that really takes full advantage of what this setting offers while remaining completely compelling even though those narratives remain completely driven by clever wordplay and engaging story arcs that made them so impressive!
11. The Tudors (2007-2010): Henry VIII’s Reign— Love, Intrigue, and Power!
This show's immense popularity remains critically well-received; it might use some creative liberties— however that was precisely its point! The entire purpose here was never accuracy but instead capturing intense and thrilling events from King Henry VIII's reign; capturing the drama through relationships; the political plotting and other intense conflicts throughout that tumultuous Renaissance era! This historical saga is beautifully acted, a surprisingly effective blend of fantasy and reality creating unexpected moments that add tremendous intrigue and further justify this title.
10. Redwall (1999-2002): Medieval Fantasy for Kids— With Teeth!
This animated show's extremely unique: talking animals in a medieval world! It shows Matthias's quest protecting Redwall Abbey from that infamous villainous rat Cluny! While lacking those historically authentic details, the creative approach uses a whimsical, appealing style that really conveys a certain style and delivers that fun take on medieval life that creates high stakes even in its surprisingly tame format. And it totally tackles mature themes. Plus it’s great for families who aren’t necessarily into blood and gore.
9. Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020): The Conquest of Constantinople!
Game of Thrones fans? This is your gateway drug for history-based dramas. Forget fantasy elements; the events surrounding the Ottoman Empire’s rise and fall (especially the 1453 conquest of Constantinople) are totally crazy, insanely dramatic! The impressive production shows this accurately— it never sacrifices the storytelling experience in favor of spectacle, resulting in an unforgettable depiction of this critically significant and rarely displayed historical conflict! The details about certain characters involved— are especially compelling and worth discussing! A surprise; but very enjoyable even to people unaware.
8. Isabel (2011-2014): Queen Isabella of Castile— Ruling with an Iron Will!
Another underdog! This series details the powerful story of Queen Isabella I of Castile; using historical detail but intelligently building drama! This short-lived show, focused on the compelling characters combined with strong and unique historical backdrop— those authentic details around 15th-century Spain. Its immense impact creates an even larger emotional investment that truly surprises viewers and this great show creates intense stories; those intense performances and authenticity are compelling!
7. The Hollow Crown (2012-2016): Shakespeare's Medieval England!
This adaptation of Shakespeare's historical plays (like those amazing plays detailing Richard II and the War of the Roses) gives fans of those dramatic historical plays some fantastic production. This epic-scale storyline really emphasizes both authenticity, creating detailed backdrops. It further showcases its amazing acting, this show’s compelling narratives and powerful emotional responses!
6. The Last Kingdom (2015-2022): 9th-Century England and a Hero Torn Between Worlds
The final pick: This brings another fantastic setting, a period far removed from that later medieval era: 9th-century England! The epic story follows Uhtred’s conflicted loyalties— torn between his Saxon heritage and his Dane upbringing, creating that intensely moving arc and delivering surprisingly unique emotional detail within its epic, intensely violent historical battles. The impressive story, its compelling narrative elements that create surprising moments are utterly worth mentioning.
Conclusion: Dive Into History – The Medieval Way!
These twenty-five medieval shows run the gamut— showcasing historical accuracy and some unique takes on those incredibly important narratives surrounding history, delivering exciting viewing experiences. It does include family-friendly stories as well as the bloody, gripping, realistic historical portrayals! The sheer variety; the number of amazing and unique storytelling moments displayed creates some high value content!
