20 Best History TV Shows on Max 2026
Explore the best history TV shows on Max, from Band of Brothers and Chernobyl to Deadwood, John Adams, and more period dramas.
If you’re hunting for the best history TV shows on Max, this lineup gives you a wide range of eras, tones, and true-story angles to choose from. You’ll find war miniseries like Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Chernobyl, along with character-driven dramas such as John Adams, The Knick, and Perry Mason. There’s also frontier drama in Deadwood, political intrigue in White House Plumbers, and globe-spanning conflict in The Sympathizer and Warrior. For something lighter or stranger, Prens, Our Flag Means Death, Ghost Adventures, and Expedition Files bring comedy, reality, or mystery into the mix without losing the historical hook.
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01
High Value Target: The Hunt for Saddam
drama · history · mystery & thriller · war & military
The first American to interrogate Saddam Hussein slowly starts to realize that the US invasion of Iraq is not as cut and dry, nor its outlook as positive, as Washington believes.
Why watch: If you like war-and-politics stories with a mystery angle, this one may fit. Its history, drama, and thriller blend suggests a tense look at a major modern conflict.
Directed by Leslie GreifCast Joel Kinnaman, Tom Berenger, Dar Salim, Waleed Zuaiter, Lena GóraMaxMore details on IMDb → -
02
Band of Brothers
Won 6 Emmys 19 nominations
action · drama · history · war
Drawn from interviews with survivors of Easy Company, as well as their journals and letters, Band of Brothers chronicles the experiences of these men from paratrooper training in Georgia through the end of the war. As an elite rifle company parachuting into Normandy early on D-Day morning, participants in the Battle of the Bulge, and witness to the horrors of war, the men of Easy knew extraordinary bravery and extraordinary fear - and became the stuff of legend. Based on Stephen E. Ambrose's acclaimed book of the same name.
Why watch: If you want a top-tier World War II miniseries, this is an easy pick. Its history and war focus, plus the strong ensemble premise, should appeal to viewers who like large-scale military storytelling.
Directed by David Frankel, Mikael Salomon, Tom Hanks, David Leland, Richard LoncraineCast Scott Grimes, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Shane Taylor, Donnie WahlbergMaxMore details on IMDb → -
03
Chernobyl
Won 10 Emmys 19 nominations
drama · history · thriller
The true story of one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history: the catastrophic nuclear accident at Chernobyl. A tale of the brave men and women who sacrificed to save Europe from unimaginable disaster.
Why watch: If you prefer historical drama that feels urgent and intense, this is a strong choice. The true-story disaster premise and thriller element make it a good fit for viewers who want history with high stakes.
Directed by Johan RenckCast Jessie Buckley, Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Adam Nagaitis, Emily WatsonMaxMore details on IMDb → -
04
Deadwood
Won 8 Emmys Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (2004) · 28 nominations
crime · drama · history · western
The story of the early days of Deadwood, South Dakota; woven around actual historic events with most of the main characters based on real people. Deadwood starts as a gold mining camp and gradually turns from a lawless wild-west community into an organized wild-west civilized town. The story focuses on the real-life characters Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen.
Why watch: If you enjoy frontier stories with crime and western energy, this should be on your list. Its history-drama mix and setting in early Deadwood make it a good match for fans of lawless period settings.
Directed by Ed Bianchi, Daniel Minahan, Davis Guggenheim, Gregg Fienberg, Mark TinkerCast Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Brad Dourif, W. Earl BrownMaxMore details on IMDb → -
05
Ghost Adventures
documentary · history · reality-tv
Paranormal investigator Zak Bagans and his crew, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin, search for haunted locations both domestically and internationally. During their investigations, Zak and crew acquaint themselves with the general area; interview locals about the hauntings; and go face-to-face with the evil spirits who reportedly haunt these locations.
Why watch: If you like documentary-style shows about haunted places, this is the obvious fit. The history and reality-TV mix gives it a different flavor from straight period drama.
Directed by Nick Groff, Zak Bagans, Milton Lage, Lauren QuinnCast Deanna Jaxine Stinson, Janice Oberding, Ciaron Davies, Adrian Alexander Gamez, Dustin AremburgHuluMaxMore details on IMDb →
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06
The Pacific
Won 8 Emmys 24 nominations
action · adventure · drama · history · war
Track the intertwined real-life stories of three U.S. Marines – Robert Leckie, John Basilone, and Eugene Sledge – across the vast canvas of the Pacific Theater during World War II. A companion piece to the 2001 miniseries Band of Brothers.
Why watch: If Band of Brothers worked for you, this companion miniseries is worth a look. Its World War II setting and war-focused storytelling make it ideal for viewers interested in the Pacific Theater.
Directed by Jeremy Podeswa, Timothy Van Patten, David Nutter, Carl Franklin, Tony ToCast James Badge Dale, Joseph Mazzello, Jon Seda, Ashton Holmes, Josh HelmanMaxMore details on IMDb → -
07
Prens
history · comedy
Following the suspicious death of the Bongomian king, his disregarded prince assumes the throne, initiating an intricate tale.
Why watch: If you enjoy historical stories with comedy mixed in, this looks like a good match. Its premise centers on an unlikely ruler stepping into power, which should suit viewers who like political setups with a lighter tone.
Directed by Bülent Isbilen, Gökdeniz UsluCast Giray Altinok, Canberk Gültekin, Çagdas Onur Öztürk, Onur Özaydin, Bahadir VatanogluMaxMore details on IMDb → -
08
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: an Almost History of America
comedy · history
Comedy sketches exploring various historical moments, with four different sketches per episode.
Why watch: If you like history served through sketches and comedy, this is the pick to try. Its format suggests a broad, playful take on American historical moments rather than a traditional drama.
Directed by Jeff SchafferCast Larry David, Samuel L. Jackson, Kaley Cuoco, Bill Hader, Katie AseltonMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
Warrior
3 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama · history
A gritty, action-packed crime drama set during the brutal Tong Wars of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the second half of the 19th century. The series follows Ah Sahm, a martial arts prodigy who immigrates from China to San Francisco under mysterious circumstances, and becomes a hatchet man for one of Chinatown’s most powerful tongs.
Why watch: If you want a tougher, action-heavy period series, this one stands out. The crime and history blend, plus its San Francisco Chinatown setting, makes it a strong choice for fans of gang conflict stories.
Directed by Loni Peristere, David Petrarca, Dennie Gordon, Dustin Nguyen, Lin OedingCast Andrew Koji, Olivia Cheng, Jason Tobin, Dianne Doan, Kieran BewMaxMore details on IMDb → -
10
Perry Mason
6 Emmy nominations Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2021)
crime · drama · history
Set in 1932 Los Angeles, the series focuses on the origin story of famed defense lawyer Perry Mason. Living check-to-check as a low-rent private investigator, Mason is haunted by his wartime experiences in France and suffering the effects of a broken marriage. L.A. is booming while the rest of the country recovers from the Great Depression — but a kidnapping gone very wrong leads to Mason exposing a fractured city as he uncovers the truth of the crime.
Why watch: If you like legal drama with a historical setting, this is a natural fit. The 1932 Los Angeles backdrop and crime-drama angle should appeal to viewers who want period detail wrapped around a case.
Directed by Timothy Van Patten, Deniz Gamze Ergüven, Fernando Coimbra, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Jessica LowreyCast Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance, Chris Chalk, Shea Whigham, Eric LangeMaxMore details on IMDb → -
11
The Knick
Won 1 Emmy 2x Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series · 9 nominations
drama · history
Set in downtown New York in 1900, 'The Knick' is centered on the Knickerbocker Hospital and its staff, notably Dr. John Thackery, the hospital's brilliant chief surgeon who pushes medicine's boundaries, pioneering new procedures despite a severe drug addiction.
Why watch: If medical history and character-driven drama appeal to you, this series is a smart pick. Its 1900 New York setting and hospital focus give it a strong period atmosphere.
Directed by Steven SoderberghCast Clive Owen, André Holland, Jeremy Bobb, Juliet Rylance, Eve HewsonMaxMore details on IMDb → -
12
Our Flag Means Death
action · adventure · biography · comedy · history · romance
After trading in the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede Bonnet becomes captain of the pirate ship Revenge. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes change after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard. Stede and crew attempt to get their ship together and survive life on the high seas.
Why watch: If you want history with adventure, comedy, and a bit of romance, this one is an easy recommendation. Its pirate premise gives the historical setting a playful, offbeat spin.
Directed by Fernando Frias, Andrew DeYoung, Nacho Vigalondo, Bertie Ellwood, Amber TemplemoreCast Rhys Darby, Joel Fry, Samson Kayo, Matthew Maher, Nathan FoadMaxMore details on IMDb → -
13
John Adams
Won 13 Emmys 23 nominations
biography · drama · history
Adapted from David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, this lavish seven-part miniseries chronicles the life of Founding Father John Adams, starting with the Boston Massacre of 1770 through his years as an ambassador in Europe, then his terms as vice president and president of the United States, up to his death on July 4, 1826.
Why watch: If you enjoy biography-driven historical drama, this is a strong choice. It follows a major founding figure across key moments in early U.S. history, so it suits viewers who like politics and personal stakes together.
Directed by Tom HooperCast Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, John Dossett, Stephen Dillane, Sarah PolleyMaxMore details on IMDb → -
14
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Won 6 Emmys 17 nominations
drama · history · western
Beginning just after the bloody Sioux victory over General Custer at Little Big Horn, the story is told through two unique perspectives: Charles Eastman, a young, white-educated Sioux doctor held up as living proof of the alleged success of assimilation, and Sitting Bull the proud Lakota chief whose tribe won the American Indians’ last major victory at Little Big Horn.
Why watch: If you want a western that looks at Native history and the aftermath of conflict, this is worth your time. Its dual-perspective setup makes it a thoughtful pick for viewers interested in that era.
Directed by Yves SimoneauCast Anna Paquin, Chevez Ezaneh, August Schellenberg, Duane Howard, Aidan QuinnMaxMore details on IMDb → -
15
The Sympathizer
1 Emmy nomination
comedy · drama · history · thriller · war
Near the end of the Vietnam War, a spy who was embedded in the South Vietnam army flees to the United States and takes up residence in a refugee community, where he continues to gather intelligence and report back to the Viet Cong.
Why watch: If you like history mixed with spy intrigue and war drama, this should fit your tastes. The Vietnam War context and espionage premise give it a tense, layered setup.
Directed by Park Chan-wook, Marc Munden, Fernando MeirellesCast Hoa Xuande, Robert Downey Jr., Fred Nguyen Khan, Vy Le, Phan Gia Nhat LinhMaxMore details on IMDb → -
16
The Sixth Commandment
Won 2 BAFTA TV Awards 6 nominations
crime · drama · history
A series that dramatises the shocking story of the true-life murder of former Stowe schoolmaster and deeply closeted evangelical Christian, 69-year-old Peter Farquhar by his 28-year-old student and young churchwarden Ben Field in October 2015.
Why watch: If true-crime stories with a historical angle interest you, this series is a good match. Its drama and crime blend suggests a serious look at a real murder case.
Directed by Saul DibbCast Conor MacNeill, Éanna Hardwicke, Adrian Rawlins, Amanda Root, Sheila HancockMaxMore details on IMDb → -
17
Portobello
biography · crime · drama · history
Tells the story of Enzo Tortora, the famous host of the television program "Portobello", accused by some collaborators of justice of being part of a Camorra organization dedicated to drug trafficking.
Why watch: If you enjoy biographical crime dramas, this title may be for you. Its story about a well-known TV host facing criminal accusations should appeal to viewers who like real-life controversy on screen.
Directed by Marco BellocchioCast Fabrizio Gifuni, Barbora Bobulova, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Lino Musella, Claudio BureiMaxMore details on IMDb → -
18
Expedition Files
documentary · adventure · history · mystery
Josh Gates travels through history on a search to uncover new evidence and answers to the world's most captivating unexplained mysteries, and true stories that defy explanation, offering stunning revelations and surprising new insights.
Why watch: If you like documentary adventures built around unexplained history, this is a strong pick. The mystery element and true-story focus should suit viewers who enjoy digging for answers.
Directed by David Klassen, Daniel ZagayerCast Marc Polymeropoulos, Robert Anderson, Costa Nicholas, Jake Laney, Kevin ClarkeHuluMaxMore details on IMDb → -
19
Strangest Things
documentary · history
From a piece of meteorite found in Tutankhamun's tomb to the Crown of Thorns, explore some of the most perplexing and unusual objects lying hidden away in museums, laboratories and storage rooms.
Why watch: If you’re curious about unusual artifacts and museum mysteries, this docuseries is a good fit. Its history-only framing makes it appealing for viewers who like odd corners of the past.
Directed by Billie PinkCast Corey Johnson, Ruth Goodman, Kevin Macdonald, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Keon WestHuluDisney PlusMaxMore details on IMDb → -
20
White House Plumbers
biography · drama · history
The true story of how Nixon’s own political saboteurs and Watergate masterminds accidentally toppled the Presidency they were zealously trying to protect.
Why watch: If political scandal stories interest you, this is a solid watch. Its biography and history labels point to a real-life account of the Watergate era and the people around it.
Directed by David MandelCast Woody Harrelson, Justin Theroux, Lena Headey, Domhnall Gleeson, Kim CoatesMaxMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
Whether you want a prestige miniseries, a gritty period drama, or a history-adjacent series with a twist, this list gives you plenty of starting points. The strongest picks here span war, politics, medicine, crime, and frontier life, so it’s easy to match a show to your mood. Bookmark this page and come back when you want another period-story recommendation. It’s updated regularly as new titles are added and availability changes.
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 Max subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Max. 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.