12 Best History TV Shows on AMC+ 2026
Explore AMC+ history series, from TURN: Washington's Spies and The Son to Des, Quiz, and more true-story dramas, docs, and war tales.
If you are searching for the best history TV shows on AMC+, this list gives you a strong mix of period drama, true-crime storytelling, war narratives, and documentary-style history. You will find titles that move from the American Revolution in TURN: Washington's Spies to the wide-ranging frontier story of The Son, plus fact-based series like Des, Quiz, and The Long Shadow. There are also more specialized picks such as Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty, Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle, and The Making of The Mob for viewers who want history told through a sharper lens. Whether you want British cases, American conflict, or a deeper look at real events, these shows make it easy to find your next watch.
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01
The Son
drama · history · western
The multigenerational epic follows two concurrent time periods: One, the story of young Eli McCullough after he is kidnapped and indoctrinated into a tribe of Comanches in 1849. The other, 60 years later, when we see a grown Eli struggle to maintain his family’s cattle empire during the turbulent Bandit Wars of South Texas. Based on Philipp Meyer’s acclaimed novel.
Why watch: If you enjoy multigenerational dramas set against American frontier history, this one fits well. Its mix of western and history gives it a broad appeal for viewers who like family conflict tied to larger historical change.
Directed by Kevin Dowling, Jeremy Webb, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Tom Vaughan, Ellen KurasCast Pierce Brosnan, Jacob Lofland, Henry Garrett, Paola Núñez, Zahn McClarnonAMC+More details on IMDb → -
02
TURN: Washington's Spies
drama · history · war
The story of New York farmer, Abe Woodhull, who bands together with a group of childhood friends to form The Culper Ring, an unlikely group of spies who turn the tide in America’s fight for independence.
Why watch: If you like Revolution-era stories and espionage, this is an easy pick. The focus on a spy network and wartime pressure makes it a good choice for viewers who want history with suspense.
Directed by Jeremy Webb, Eagle Egilsson, Keith Boak, Andrew McCarthy, Nick CopusCast Jamie Bell, Seth Numrich, Daniel Henshall, Meegan Warner, Kevin McNallyAMC+More details on IMDb → -
03
Des
biography · crime · drama · history · thriller
The story of one of the most infamous cases in UK criminal history, that of serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Told through the prism of three men, the series explores the personal and professional consequences of coming into contact with a man like Nilsen.
Why watch: If you prefer crime stories rooted in real cases, this series may be a strong match. Its biography, drama, and thriller elements suit viewers who want a serious historical true-story angle.
Directed by Lewis ArnoldCast David Tennant, Daniel Mays, Jason Watkins, Ron Cook, Barry WardAmazon Prime VideoTubiAMC+FreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
04
Pan Am
3 Emmy nominations
drama · history · romance
In this modern world, air travel represents the height of luxury and Pan Am is the biggest name in the business. The planes are glamorous, the pilots are rock stars and the stewardesses are the most desirable women in the world. They're trained to handle everything from in-air emergencies to unwanted advances—all without rumpling their pristine uniforms or mussing their hair.
Why watch: If you like history with a stylish 1960s backdrop and a lighter dramatic tone, this could be for you. The romance and period setting make it a good fit for viewers drawn to workplace and social-history stories.
Directed by Andrew Bernstein, John Fortenberry, Thomas Schlamme, Alex Graves, Christopher MisianoCast Christina Ricci, Margot Robbie, Michael Mosley, Karine Vanasse, Mike VogelTubiAMC+More details on IMDb → -
05
Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty
documentary · history
Acclaimed historian Dan Jones tells the story of the dynasty who ruled England and much of France during the Middle Ages. More shocking, brutal and exhilarating than Game of Thrones, these events actually happened.
Why watch: If you enjoy medieval history presented in documentary form, this is a good option. It is especially suited to viewers who want a factual look at a powerful dynasty and the period around it.
Directed by James TovellCast Dragos Onisei, Adina Eady, Cezar Grumazescu, Cosmin DominteAMC+More details on IMDb →
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06
The Long Shadow
Won 1 BAFTA TV Award 5 nominations
biography · crime · drama · history
Dramatizing one of the most infamously notorious and shocking serial killer cases in the world, the hunt for Peter Sutcliffe, commonly dubbed the Yorkshire Ripper, between October 1975 and January 1981, South Yorkshire police undertook the biggest manhunt in British criminal history. The search for Sutcliffe lasted five years, involved over a thousand officers and changed the way the British police worked forever.
Why watch: If true-crime history is your thing, this series offers a detailed look at a major manhunt. The biography, crime, and history mix makes it a strong pick for viewers interested in real cases and policing history.
Directed by Lewis ArnoldCast Jack Deam, Kris Hitchen, Lee Ingleby, Michael McElhatton, Chloe HarrisAMC+More details on IMDb → -
07
Quiz
1 BAFTA TV Award nomination
crime · drama · history
The story of Charles Ingram, a former British army major who caused a major scandal in the early 2000s after being caught cheating his way to winning £1 million on the game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Ingram, his wife Diana and an accomplice, Tecwen Whittock, who was sitting in the audience, initially pulled off the on-screen heist before being caught and standing trial.
Why watch: If you like scandal-driven true stories, this is worth a look. Its crime and history blend works well for viewers who want a British case built around a very public deception and trial.
Directed by Stephen FrearsCast Matthew Macfadyen, Sian Clifford, Mark Bonnar, Aisling Bea, Elliot LeveyAMC+More details on IMDb → -
08
Steeltown Murders
crime · drama · history · mystery · thriller
Three murders - unsolved but never forgotten. Thirty years on, can DCI Bethall find the serial killer who terrorised 1970s Port Talbot?
Why watch: If you enjoy cold-case stories with a historical angle, this one may fit your taste. The mystery and thriller elements add extra pull for viewers who like unsolved crimes revisited years later.
Directed by Marc EvansCast Philip Glenister, Steffan Rhodri, Scott Arthur, Sion Alun Davies, Nia RobertsAMC+More details on IMDb → -
09
Eli Roth's History of Horror
documentary · history · horror
An in-depth look at the history and pop cultural significance of horror films.
Why watch: If you want a documentary series about a specific pop-culture genre, this is a solid choice. It suits viewers interested in horror history and the broader influence of horror films.
Directed by Kurt SayengaCast Alan Maxson, Ariel de Ment, Jacquie Nguyen, Mike Ancas, Jeffrey CombsAMC+More details on IMDb → -
10
Jonestown: Terror in the Jungle
documentary · biography · crime · drama · history
Documentary series that examines the Jonestown Massacre 40 years later.
Why watch: If you are drawn to documentaries about major historical tragedies, this series is a natural pick. It combines biography, crime, and history to examine the Jonestown Massacre from a distance of decades.
Directed by Shan Nicholson, Richard LopezCast Jason John Cicalese, Maiya Palmer, Jack Schrader, Matt Zako, Ian WhittAMC+More details on IMDb → -
11
The Making of The Mob
drama · crime · documentary · history
A docudrama series chronicling some of America's most notorious mobsters, each season dealing with a different city/region.
Why watch: If organized crime history interests you, this docudrama should be on your list. Each season focuses on a different city or region, which makes it appealing if you like a wider look at America’s mob history.
Directed by John EalerCast Ian Bell, Craig Thomas Rivela, Rich Graff, Michael Kotsohilis, Jason FitchAMC+More details on IMDb → -
12
Secret History of Comics
documentary · history
A six-part documentary series that takes a deeper look into the stories, people and events that have transformed the world of comic books.
Why watch: If you enjoy behind-the-scenes cultural history, this documentary series is a good fit. It focuses on the people and events that shaped comic books, so it works well for viewers who like media history.
Directed by Rory Karpf, Daniel Junge, Jesse James MillerCast Famke Janssen, J.K. Simmons, Neal Adams, Jim Lee, Chris Patrick-SimpsonAMC+More details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This lineup shows how varied historical TV can be, from sweeping period drama to crime stories and documentaries built around real events. If you like history with strong character focus, there is plenty here to explore, and if you prefer a narrower topic, the list still gives you several clear paths. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you want a fresh pick from AMC+'s history section. We update it regularly so you can keep finding new options without starting from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need an AMC+ subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on AMC+. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these history shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the history titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.