13 Best History TV Shows on Apple TV Plus 2026
Discover standout Apple TV Plus history series, from war dramas to documentaries, with picks like Masters of the Air, Lincoln's Dilemma, and more.
If you’re looking for the best history TV shows on Apple TV Plus, this list gives you a strong mix of war stories, documentaries, biographies, and period dramas. You’ll find big-scale picks like Masters of the Air and Chief of War alongside thoughtful nonfiction such as Lincoln's Dilemma, Visible: Out on Television, and Vietnam: The War That Changed America. There’s also room for a few surprising angles on the past, from Prehistoric Planet to The New Look and 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything. Whether you want military history, political turning points, or culture-driven storytelling, these shows cover a lot of ground without feeling repetitive.
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01
Masters of the Air
Won 1 Emmy 3 nominations
action · drama · history · war
During World War II, airmen risk their lives with the 100th Bomb Group, a brotherhood forged by courage, loss, and triumph.
Why watch: If you enjoy World War II stories with a strong military setting, this is a natural pick. Its action, drama, history, and war genres suggest a broad appeal for viewers who want a large-scale historical series.
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Dee Rees, Timothy Van PattenCast Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Austin Butler, Darragh Cowley, Matt GavanApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
Prehistoric Planet
3 Emmy nominations
documentary · animation · history
Experience the wonders of our world like never before in this epic series from Jon Favreau and the producers of Planet Earth. Travel back 66 million years to when majestic dinosaurs and extraordinary creatures roamed the lands, seas, and skies.
Why watch: If you like history told through documentary storytelling with a visual twist, this could fit well. Its focus on prehistoric life and its blend of documentary and animation make it especially appealing for viewers interested in deep-time history.
Directed by Andrew R. Jones, Adam Valdez, Nigel Walk, Krzysztof Szczepanski, Leah ArnoldCast David Attenborough, Tom Hiddleston, Heïdi Sevestre, Victoria HerridgeApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
This Is America, Charlie Brown
animation · comedy · family · history · music
From the voyage of the Mayflower to the bold exploration of outer space, join the Peanuts gang as they take you on a timeless journey through American history! Groove along with Charlie Brown and Snoopy as they discover the beginnings of jazz and ragtime music, accompanied by Lucy's speech about American heroes. So all aboard with Peanuts because This Is America, Charlie Brown!
Why watch: If you want a history series with a lighter, family-friendly tone, this is a good match. The mix of animation, comedy, family, history, and music points to an easy entry point for viewers of different ages.
Directed by Sam Jaimes, Evert Brown, Bill Melendez, Sam NicholsonCast Bill Melendez, Erin Chase, Jason Mendelson, Brandon Stewart, Gregg BergerApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
Chief of War
drama · history
With Hawaii's four kingdoms divided by war, the ferocious warrior Kaʻiana embarks on an epic mission to unite his people—as an existential threat approaches their shores.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to historical drama centered on conflict and leadership, this one is worth a look. Its story of divided kingdoms and an urgent mission should appeal to viewers who like high-stakes history.
Directed by Brian Andrew Mendoza, Anders Engström, Justin Chon, Jason MomoaCast Jason Momoa, Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Mainei KinimakaApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
Manhunt
drama · history · thriller · western
The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln's Reconstruction plans.
Why watch: If you enjoy history mixed with political tension and thriller elements, this title stands out. It looks like a good choice for anyone interested in the aftermath of a major turning point in U.S. history.
Directed by Eva Sørhaug, John Dahl, Carl FranklinCast Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Will Harrison, Brandon FlynnApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for history on Apple TV Plus →
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06
The New Look
1 Emmy nomination
biography · drama · history
Explores the rise of fashion designer Christian Dior, as he dethrones Coco Chanel and helps return spirit and life to the world with his iconic imprint of beauty and influence.
Why watch: If you like biographical drama about influential cultural figures, this series should be on your list. Its focus on Christian Dior and the history genre suggests an interest in style, identity, and changing tastes.
Directed by Helen Shaver, Julia Ducournau, Todd A. Kessler, Jeremy PodeswaCast Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, David Kammenos, Maisie Williams, Joseph OlivennesApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
Won 1 BAFTA TV Award
documentary · history · music
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.
Why watch: If music history is your thing, this is an easy recommendation. It focuses on 1971, a year shaped by musical innovation and wider cultural change, so it suits viewers who like history through sound and context.
Directed by Asif Kapadia, James Rogan, Danielle PeckCast Muhammad Ali, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, George Harrison, John LennonApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
Vietnam: The War That Changed America
Won 1 BAFTA TV Award 2 nominations
documentary · history
The reunion of old friends, first-person accounts, and rarely seen footage paint an extraordinary and deeply profound picture of what it was like to live through one of history's longest wars.
Why watch: If you prefer documentary history built from firsthand accounts, this series is a strong fit. Its emphasis on old friends, personal memories, and rare footage should appeal to viewers who want a grounded look at the Vietnam War.
Directed by Rob ColdstreamCast Ethan HawkeApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
Lincoln's Dilemma
documentary · history
Discover a side of Abraham Lincoln you've never seen before. In this four-part docuseries, a diverse panel of historians and rare archival materials offer a more nuanced look into the man dubbed the Great Emancipator.
Why watch: If you want a more nuanced look at Abraham Lincoln, this docuseries is a good option. The documentary format and archival materials make it a fit for viewers who like history with expert context.
Directed by Barak Goodman, Jacqueline OliveCast Jeffrey Wright, Leslie Odom Jr., Bill Camp, Jeff McNealApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
Franklin
drama · history
Explores the story of one of the greatest gambles of Franklin's career. At age 70, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies and French informers while engineering the Franco-American alliance of 1778.
Why watch: If you enjoy historical drama about diplomacy and ambition, this series may be for you. Its premise around Benjamin Franklin at age 70 suggests a story shaped by strategy, power, and political maneuvering.
Directed by Timothy Van PattenCast Michael Douglas, Noah Jupe, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, Thibault de MontalembertApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial
documentary · crime · history
For the first time, key figures from John Lennon's life and death—including friends, doctors, and investigators—share personal memories and reveal what happened on the night of his killing.
Why watch: If you’re interested in history told through investigation and personal testimony, this documentary could work well. Its crime and history mix makes it a thoughtful pick for viewers drawn to true-account storytelling.
Directed by Rob Coldstream, Nick HoltCast Kiefer SutherlandApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
Visible: Out on Television
documentary · history
Explore the history of the American LGBTQ movement through the lens of TV in this five-part docuseries. Combining archival footage with new interviews, the series looks at homophobia, the evolution of LGBTQ characters, and coming out in the TV world.
Why watch: If you want a history series focused on media and social change, this is especially relevant. It explores the American LGBTQ movement through television, which should appeal to viewers interested in culture, identity, and archival storytelling.
Directed by Ryan WhiteCast Neil Patrick Harris, Aidan QuinnApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb → -
13
Carême
drama · mystery & thriller · war & military · history
Witness the rise of the world's first celebrity chef, Antonin Carême, and his descent into espionage in Napoleon-era France—where manipulation is king. With his gifts for gastronomy and seduction, he becomes the perfect weapon in a fight for power.
Why watch: If you like historical drama with espionage and courtly intrigue, this one may suit you. Its mix of drama, mystery, war, and history suggests a good pick for viewers who enjoy power struggles in Napoleonic-era France.
Directed by Laïla Marrakchi, Martin Bourboulon, Matias BoucardCast Alice Da Luz, Benjamin Voisin, Jérémie Renier, Lyna Khoudri, Micha LescotApple TV PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This lineup makes it easy to find a history series that fits your interests, whether you prefer documentary detail, wartime drama, or stories about culture and change. From Franklin and Manhunt to Carême and This Is America, Charlie Brown, there’s a wide range of subjects and tones here. Bookmark this page if you want a quick way to revisit the strongest historical picks in one place. We update this guide regularly as new titles become part of the conversation.
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 Apple TV Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Apple TV Plus. 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.