13 Best History TV Shows on Apple TV Plus 2026
Explore Apple TV Plus history series, from Masters of the Air and Manhunt to The New Look, Prehistoric Planet, and more top picks.
If you’re hunting for smart, gripping period storytelling, Apple TV Plus has a surprisingly deep bench of shows that bring the past to life in very different ways. This list spans battlefield drama in Masters of the Air, political tension in Manhunt, and the sweeping cultural scope of The New Look, plus imaginative picks like Prehistoric Planet and the animated charm of This Is America, Charlie Brown. You’ll also find powerful nonfiction stories such as 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything and Vietnam: The War That Changed America, which dig into the moments that shaped modern history. With action, drama, history, war, and animation all represented, there’s something here whether you want prestige, perspective, or pure momentum.
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01
Masters of the Air
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.
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 Plus -
02
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!
Directed by Sam Jaimes, Evert Brown, Bill Melendez, Sam NicholsonCast Bill Melendez, Erin Chase, Jason Mendelson, Brandon Stewart, Gregg BergerApple TV Plus -
03
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.
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 Plus -
04
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.
Directed by Eva Sørhaug, John Dahl, Carl FranklinCast Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Will Harrison, Brandon FlynnApple TV Plus -
05
Prehistoric Planet
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.
Directed by Andrew R. Jones, Adam Valdez, Nigel Walk, Krzysztof Szczepanski, Leah ArnoldCast David Attenborough, Tom Hiddleston, Heïdi Sevestre, Victoria HerridgeApple TV Plus -
06
The New Look
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.
Directed by Helen Shaver, Julia Ducournau, Todd A. Kessler, Jeremy PodeswaCast Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, David Kammenos, Maisie Williams, Joseph OlivennesApple TV Plus -
07
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything
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.
Directed by Asif Kapadia, James Rogan, Danielle PeckCast Muhammad Ali, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, George Harrison, John LennonApple TV Plus -
08
Vietnam: The War That Changed America
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.
Directed by Rob ColdstreamCast Ethan HawkeApple TV Plus -
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.
Directed by Barak Goodman, Jacqueline OliveCast Jeffrey Wright, Leslie Odom Jr., Bill Camp, Jeff McNealApple TV Plus -
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.
Directed by Timothy Van PattenCast Michael Douglas, Noah Jupe, Daniel Mays, Ludivine Sagnier, Thibault de MontalembertApple TV Plus -
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.
Directed by Rob Coldstream, Nick HoltCast Kiefer SutherlandApple TV Plus -
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.
Directed by Ryan WhiteCast Neil Patrick Harris, Aidan QuinnApple TV Plus -
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.
Directed by Laïla Marrakchi, Martin Bourboulon, Matias BoucardCast Alice Da Luz, Benjamin Voisin, Jérémie Renier, Lyna Khoudri, Micha LescotApple TV Plus
Wrapping Up
Taken together, these Apple TV Plus picks show how varied historical storytelling can be, from grounded war dramas to music documentaries and animated classics. Whether you want the scale of Chief of War, the urgency of Masters of the Air, or the cultural insight of The New Look, this page is built to help you find the right next watch fast. Bookmark it and come back whenever you want a fresh recommendation, because the lineup is updated regularly as new series arrive and old favorites shift in relevance. It’s a useful guide for anyone browsing the platform’s strongest period and history-driven series.
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 a 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.
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Last updated: September 4, 2026