If you are like many others who found themselves utterly compelled byShōgunand are craving more epic historical dramas, we have some recommendations that should keep you occupied.Shōgunis the latest sensation on FX and Hulu that drew audiences in with its intricate plot and stunning visuals. Created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, it brings to life the tumultuous period of feudal Japan, when John Blackthorne, an English sailor, shipwrecked in Japan and found himself in a complex relationship with Lord Toranaga, a powerful daimyo.
The series, which includes a brilliant cast led by Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai has set new standards for historical dramas by sweeping the 2024 Emmy Awards. Itracked up an unprecedented 18 awards, including Outstanding Drama Series. Critics have gushed over its meticulous attention to detail, phenomenal performances, and intriguing narration. Even Sanada and Sawai earned awards for Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series respectively.
Shogun (2024)
If you have joined in on the hype just recently and finished the epic series, we have curated a list of 10 shows with themes and aesthetic similar to that ofShōgun. These shows combine historical depth, plot twists, epic battles, and a politically charged narrative to offer a spectacular viewing experience.
10Vikings (2013 – 2020)
A mesmerizing show that gained widespread popularity despite premiering on network television before hitting the streaming services,Vikingstells the story of an ambitious farmer named Ragnar Lothbrok, who years to prove himself powerful in battle and rise up the ranks in his village. He not only voyages into unknown territories where no other Norseman has been before, but also carries out bold raids in England before eventually becoming a Scandinavian king and changing the course of history.
The Unfolding of a Glorious Saga
Developed by Michael Hirst,Vikingsbrought the brutal events of the Vikings era to vivid life. The breathtaking production paired with the complex and layered performance of Travis Fimmel as a man on a dynamic quest for power, wealth, and glory, makes the show a total standout.LikeShōgun, the historical drama relishes politically charged tales about cultural crossoversand features the Vikings as the first Europeans arriving on foreign shores. Vikings also led to a spin-off series,Vikings: Valhalla.
9Black Sails (2014 – 2017)
Black Sails
Capturing the Golden Age of pirates in the 1700s,Black Sailsfollows Captain Flint, the most fearsome pirate in the West Indies as he scours the Caribbean and terrorizes the British colonies to ensure New Providence Island survives. But what anchored his villainous rebellion and how did he come to command such a large, diverse, and fiercely loyal crew? The show dives into his seafaring adventures, treasure hunting, and pirate wars.
An Absolute Triumph in Storytelling
Shōgunbegins with the European sailors struggling to find land, andBlack Sailsbrings the pirate mythos blazingly to life across four climatic seasonsfor all those who thought the pilot episode ofShōgunwas worth expanding on. Showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine helm this epic prequel to the iconic 1983 novelTreasure Island, but infuse it with more complexity than any pirate tale that came before. The lavish production values and authentic recreation of the Golden Age of Piracy, combined with riveting performances from the cast, make it worth watching.
10 Historical TV Shows With Incredible Attention to Detail
Here are shows that revel in period accuracy and elaborate production design.
8Marco Polo (2014 – 2016)
Marco Polo (2014)
Before the streamer became as huge as it is now, Netflix created shows that are still sitting in its catalog as undiscovered gems.Marco Polo, made on a $200 million budget, encapsulated the life and journeys of the titular character, a great merchant and explorer, who, after navigating seas and deserts for three years, finds himself a prisoner of the great Kublai Khan, a 13th-century Mongolian emperor. Marco is young and easily dismissed, but he soon curries favor with the emperor and his inner circle.
Rich Tale of Forgotten History
Despite offering old-fashioned entertainment to a tiny demographic,Marco Polowas canceled after two seasons. Its portrayal of 13th-century China and Mongol rule was spectacular regardless. The stunning set pieces, period-accurate costumes, and sweeping scope transported viewers to a far-off realm.In relation toShōgun, the Netflix original also tracked a Western outsider drawn into exotic Eastern power plays. Lorenzo Richelmy headlined with flair and was supported by standouts like Benedict Wong, Joan Chen, Rick Yune, and more.
7Tokyo Vice (2022 – 2024)
Tokyo Vice
Tokyo Viceis a compelling crime series that plunges viewers into the gritty underworld of 1990s Tokyo through the eyes of American journalist Jake Adelstein, who lands a job at a major Japanese newspaper and navigates the dangerous world of the yakuza. The series is based on true events, and it chronicles Jake’s journey as he goes from being a rookie reporter to a seasoned investigator, diving headfirst into the dark secrets of the city and risking his own life to expose the truth.
Fascinating Slice of Neo-Noir
Set against Tokyo’s raw and unsympathetic criminal landscape,Tokyo Vicebrings Adelstein’s non-fiction memoirs about going undercover for the Tokyo police gloriously to life. The intricacies in its plot, the aesthetic, and the sordid layers of power and survival in a freewheeling world make the show a visual treat.For fans ofShōgun, it is particularly immersive because it combines crime and drama. As for the cast, Ansel Elgort, Ken Watanabe, and Rinko Kikuchi are spectacular as ever.
20 Chilling Noir Crime Shows That Will Keep You On the Edge of Your Seat
Incorporating dark themes, pessimism, and complex characters, noir often makes for gripping crime shows that reel viewers into their seedy world.
6Pachinko (2022 – Present)
Created by Soo Hugh, Pachinko is a Drama series created for Apple TV that was released in 2022. The series stars Soji Arai, Jun-woo Han, and Jin Ha. The series follows multiple characters as they attempt to navigate their lives in New York, Japan, and Korea.
An Apple TV+ original created by Soo Hugh and adapted from Min Jin Lee’s 2017 novel of the same name,Pachinkois a sweeping saga that spans four generations of a Korean family, beginning in the early 20th century. The story follows Sunja, a young woman who leaves her homeland under Japanese rule to start a new life in Osaka. From her struggles as a Korean immigrant in Japan to the changes in the historical and cultural landscape, Pachinko captures it all vividly.
An Intimate Portrait of a Family’s History
Pachinkois a sensitive adaptation as it features a multi-generational storyline in the context of Japanese history. The country has been both colonized and colonizer, and the series focuses largely on the latter. The reason it is an excellent follow-up toShōgunis its exploration of themes of displacement and immigrant experiences.LikeShōgun, its attention to detail, emotional depth of the characters, and sympathetic lens towards an overlooked chapter in history, make it profound and engaging. Along with Youn Yuh-jung and Lee Min-ho,Pachinkoalso features Anna Sawai in a small capacity.
5Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
Peaky Blinders
A British ganagster saga set in 1919 post-war Birmingham. Cillian Murphy is Thomas Shelby, leader of the most feared and powerful local gang, the Peaky Blinders. Named for their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, they make money from illegal betting, protection and the black market. But when a crate of guns goes missing from an arms factory, their battle-hardened leader recognizes an opportunity to move up in the world.
A star-studded period crime drama written and created by Steven Knight,Peaky Blinderstransports you to 1919 Birmingham, England, where the fierce and formidable Shelby family runs the city. When World War II veteran Thomas Shelby returns home and seeks to grow his business so they can make more money, he quickly draws the attention of a powerful gang with evil intentions. As Thomas makes increasingly dangerous enemies, the unrest within his own family grows. Meanwhile, he’s pursued by an inspector named Chester Campbell.
Dark Deeds in Dirty Birmingham Streets
Knight fashions a gritty series marked by dazzling set pieces and an atmosphere of dread and suspense. Cillian Murphy leads a powerful cast and is supported by Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, and Joe Cole. Their trendy caps and tailored suits are a perfect foil to help keep their blurred moralities hidden.While not quite as sweeping in scope asShōgun,Peaky Blindersmatches the intrigue, the volatile human core, and the exploration of one’s willingness to let moral lines bendin the face of turbulent eras of change. Plus, it features a cameo fromCosmo Jarvis, who plays John Blackthorne inShōgun.
4Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023 – Present)
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Monarch: Legacy of Monstersis based onGodzillaby Toho Co., Ltd, and it is the second TV show intheMonsterversefranchise. It takes place in 2015, in the aftermath of Godzilla’s battle with the Titans, and follows a family’s quest to uncover their connection to a secret organization known as the Monarch. The main characters are half-siblings Cate and Kentaro Randa, who discover that their missing father might have some connection with the giant monsters.
A Fresh Take On Science Fiction Legacy
Only one season ofMonarch: Legacy of Monstersis out yet, but it’s got enough switching of timelines, action, adventure, and epic battles to redefine the monster genre. Fans who enjoyed the thrilling narrative and character development inShōgunwill enjoy binging the show. But that’s not all.The Apple TV+ series also featuresShōgun’sAnna Sawai and Takehiro Hira in an interesting reunionas they immerse themselves in larger-than-life events. Overall, the show does justice to its cinematic namesake and is only poised to be a greater success in the future.
3The Last Kingdom (2015 – 2022)
the last kingdom
Almost entirely similar toShōgun,The Last Kingdomis based onThe Saxon Storiesseries of novels by Bernard Cornwell. It is created by Stephen Butchard, spans five seasons, and tells the story of Alfred the Great during late 9th century England. Essentially, when England is divided into multiple kingdoms and is under constant threats from the Vikings, Uhtred, the son of a Saxon nobleman, allies with King Alfred and tries to reclaim his ancestral lands and unite England.
Provides A Highly Satisfying Viewing Experience
The Last Kingdomwas a lost gem before Netflix acquired it in 2018. It is now known for infusing the most absorbing battles with Shakespearean characters on a magnificent scale. The series hops around themes of identity and allegiance, as well as cultural clashes and protecting personal honor.Just likeShōgun, it captures the raw brutality of the era and dives deep into the two sides of conflict. Alexander Dreymon excels as Uhtred, caught between a deadly duel, and is supported by a strong ensemble cast.
2Six Flying Dragons (2015 – 2016)
Serving as a prequel to another K-drama,Deep Rooted Tree,Six Flying Dragonsis a fictional retelling of the true events surrounding the foundation of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. It focuses on the ambitions and conflicts of six key figures, with two being central to the story: Yi Bang-won, who later becomes King Taejong, and Jeong Do-jeon, his mentor.
Sets Standards For Korean Historical Fiction
Weaving an all-star cast into a mesmerizing 50-episode saga,Six Flying Dragonsguides viewers through the courts and battlefields of 13th-century Korea. It showcases the rise of the dynasty from the perspective of some of the most influential players in history and isthe perfect watch afterShōgun. Shot with layers of sophistication and on an ambitious scale, it features a huge cast, but Yoo Ah-in and Kim Myung-min are especially memorable.
1Kingdom (2019 – 2021)
Korean dramas do not usually expand beyond a season, butKingdomisamong the fewthat was not only renewed for another season, but also spawned a spin-off movie. Set in the medieval-inspired Joseon era, Kingdom follows a young prince and skilled warrior named Lee Chung, who is forced to investigate a mysterious plague afflicting his father and sweeping the land. He joins forces with a doctor and navigates the political conspiracies and deadly threats while trying to protect his people and the throne.
A Fusion of Politics and Zombie Carnage
Netflix’s first original Korean series was a global hit. Created and written by Kim Eun-hee, it stood out because of its seamless fusion of historical drama and zombie horror.What makes it an interesting watch afterShōgunis that it takes place at the same time, during the 16th and 17th centuries. Moreover, the detailed plot, lavish cinematography, and intense action sequences are amplified due to the politics and power struggles. Critics describe it as “a refreshing addition to the zombie landscape” that “delivers a satisfying, bloody good time.”
