20 Best History TV Shows on Netflix 2026
Explore royal dramas, wartime sagas, true stories, and historical mysteries with this guide to Netflix series and films worth adding to your watchlist.
If you’re searching for the best history TV shows on Netflix, this list gives you a mix of royal drama, wartime stories, political intrigue, and character-driven period pieces. You’ll find widely watched picks like The Crown, Vikings, The Last Kingdom, and When They See Us, alongside newer choices such as Blue Eye Samurai, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and Death by Lightning. There’s also room for docuseries and true-story drama, including The Bombing of Pan Am 103, The American Experiment, and Radioactive Emergency. Whether you want battles, biography, or a historical mystery, these titles offer plenty of ways to explore the past.
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01
The Apothecary Diaries
animation · drama · history · mystery · romance
Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she's sold as a lowly servant to the emperor's palace. But she wasn't meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she's making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!
Why watch: If you enjoy court drama with a mystery edge, this one fits well thanks to its history, drama, and romance mix. The premise centers on solving medical problems inside an emperor’s palace, which makes it a good pick for viewers who like clever leads.
Directed by Norihiro Naganuma, Akinori Fudesaka, Jun Ôwada, Wataru Nakagawa, Akira KoremotoCast Aoi Yûki, Emi Lo, Takeo Otsuka, Katsuyuki Konishi, Kaiji TangNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
02
El problema final
crime · drama · history · mystery & thriller
In 1959, 13 people are stranded on an islet near Mallorca during a storm. At their small hotel, English tourist Elisa Mander is found dead. When suicide seems unlikely, retired actor Basil, once Sherlock Holmes on screen, investigates.
Why watch: If you like locked-room style whodunits set against a historical backdrop, this could be a fit. Its crime, drama, and mystery-thriller blend gives it a different feel from the more traditional period titles here.
Directed by Félix ViscarretCast Jose Coronado, María Valverde, Martiño Rivas, Gonzalo de Castro, Pepón NietoNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
03
Call the Midwife
Won 2 BAFTA TV Awards 6 nominations
drama · history
Drama following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth.
Why watch: If you want a grounded historical drama, this follows midwives working in 1950s East End London. The setting and focus on everyday life make it a strong choice for viewers who prefer human stories over big battles.
Directed by Syd Macartney, David O'Neill, David Tucker, Lisa Clarke, Sarah EsdaileCast Jenny Agutter, Vanessa Redgrave, Laura Main, Stephen McGann, Judy ParfittNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
04
100 Days of Deception
action & adventure · crime · drama · history · mystery & thriller · romance · reality tv
Hoping for freedom, Gyeongseong's top pickpocket infiltrates the Japanese colonial government to steal secrets — only to fall for her target's son.
Why watch: If you enjoy historical tales with danger, politics, and romance, this one may appeal to you. Its action, crime, and mystery-thriller elements suggest a fast-moving story with a historical setting.
Directed by Yu In-sikCast Kim Yoo-jung, Park Jin-young, Kim Hyun-joo, Lee Moo-saeng, Jin Seon-kyuNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
05
Vikings
Won 1 Emmy 14 nominations
action · adventure · drama · history · romance · war
The adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age. The series tells the sagas of Ragnar's band of Viking brothers and his family, as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. As well as being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods. Legend has it that he was a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.
Why watch: If Viking-era warfare and family power struggles are your thing, this is an easy pick. The history, action, adventure, and war mix makes it a strong match for viewers who want a bigger, more aggressive period story.
Directed by Ciaran Donnelly, Ken Girotti, Steve Saint Leger, Jeff Woolnough, Helen ShaverCast Katheryn Winnick, Gustaf Skarsgård, Alexander Ludwig, Georgia Hirst, Alex Høgh AndersenNetflixMore details on IMDb →
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06
The Last Kingdom
action · drama · history
A show of heroic deeds and epic battles with a thematic depth that embraces politics, religion, warfare, courage, love, loyalty and our universal search for identity. Combining real historical figures and events with fictional characters, it is the story of how a people combined their strength under one of the most iconic kings of history in order to reclaim their land for themselves and build a place they call home.
Why watch: If you like historical drama with battles, politics, and questions of identity, this should be high on your list. Its action-heavy setup and focus on real figures and events make it a natural fit for fans of sweeping medieval storytelling.
Directed by Jon East, Edward Bazalgette, Peter Hoar, Andy Hay, Paul WilmshurstCast Alexander Dreymon, Eliza Butterworth, Arnas Fedaravicius, Mark Rowley, Emily CoxNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
07
The Bombing of Pan Am 103
action · drama · history · thriller
A path to examining the 1988 flight Pan Am 103 bombing, with interviews with Lockerbie residents and victims' families, investigating various theories surrounding the attack.
Why watch: If true-story investigations interest you, this docudrama-style title may be the right choice. Its focus on the Pan Am 103 bombing and the wider search for answers suits viewers who like history told through real-world tragedy and inquiry.
Directed by Michael KeillorCast Connor Swindells, Patrick J. Adams, Lauren Lyle, Phyllis Logan, Estrid BartonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
08
One Hundred Years of Solitude
drama · fantasy · history
In the mythical town Macondo, seven generations of the Buendía family navigate love, oblivion and the inescapability of their past — and their fate.
Why watch: If you prefer historical storytelling with a touch of fantasy, this may stand out for you. The family-centered premise and mythical setting make it a good option for viewers who like broad, multigenerational stories.
Directed by Laura Mora Ortega, Alex Garcia Lopez, Carlos MorenoCast Claudio Cataño, Susana Morales Cañas, Viña Machado, Jesus Reyes, Carla BarattaNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
09
Vinland Saga
animation · action · adventure · drama · history
For a thousand years, the Vikings have made quite a name and reputation for themselves as the strongest families with a thirst for violence. Thorfinn, the son of one of the Vikings' greatest warriors, spends his boyhood in a battlefield enhancing his skills in his adventure to redeem his most-desired revenge after his father was murdered.
Why watch: If you want an animated historical series with action and a revenge-driven plot, this is a strong match. Its Viking setting and adventure focus make it ideal for viewers who like intense, character-led storytelling.
Directed by Shûhei Yabuta, Kazuya Murata, Yoji Sato, Michiru Itabisashi, Yôsuke YamamotoCast Shin'ya Takahashi, Yûto Uemura, Mike Haimoto, Hiroki Gotô, Tsuguo MogamiNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
10
Death by Lightning
4 Emmy nominations
biography · drama · history
The story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America's 20th President — and Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him.
Why watch: If biography and U.S. political history interest you, this is worth a look. The story of Garfield and Guiteau suggests a serious historical drama built around a pivotal moment in American history.
Directed by Matt RossCast Matthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, Bradley WhitfordNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
11
The East Palace
action · fantasy · history · horror
A man who walks the spirit world and a court lady who hears the dead enter the East Palace by the king's orders — can they unravel its dark secrets?
Why watch: If you enjoy supernatural-leaning historical stories, this one may be for you. Its mix of action, fantasy, history, and horror points to a darker period piece with an unusual premise.
Directed by Jung Kyu ChoiCast Nam Joo-hyuk, Roh Yoon-seo, Cho Seung-woo, Park Su-yeon, Jang Young-namNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
12
The American Experiment
documentary · history
A documentary examining the origins of American democracy and the concept of self-rule, featuring insights from politicians, scholars, judges, Indigenous leaders, and commentators representing various political viewpoints.
Why watch: If you like documentaries that dig into big political ideas, this one should fit. It examines the origins of American democracy and self-rule, which makes it a good pick for viewers who want history with commentary and context.
Directed by Brian KnappenbergerCast Patrick McDermott, Kirby McDermott, Scott Kuza, Jordan Wall, Paul NobregaNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
13
The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare
crime · documentary · history
Chronicles one of the most chilling murder cases in recent memory — honoring the four young lives that were taken while tracing every step from the night of the killings to the eventual arrest of a suspect.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to recent true-crime cases framed through a historical lens, this may hold your attention. Its documentary and crime mix suggests a careful look at a major investigation and its aftermath.
Directed by Skye BorgmanNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
14
Traitors
history · thriller
1945 London. Feef is seduced by a rogue American spy into spying on her own country. Her task? To uncover a Russian agent in the heart of the British Government.
Why watch: If you like espionage stories set during World War II, this could be a good match. The thriller setup and 1945 London backdrop make it appealing for viewers who want tension with historical stakes.
Directed by Dearbhla Walsh, Alex WincklerCast Emma Appleton, Brandon P Bell, Keeley Hawes, Luke Treadaway, Benjamin WalkerNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
15
Straight to Hell
biography · drama · history
Japan's most famous fortune-teller, Kazuko Hosoki, once held the nation in her thrall. Was she a savior or a devil? Wealth, fame, romance she had it all. But what shocking, untold half-life lay behind it?
Why watch: If you enjoy biography-driven history about famous public figures, this title may suit you. Its drama and historical framing suggest a character study focused on fame, wealth, and personal legacy.
Directed by Tomoyuki Takimoto, Norichika ÔbaCast Erika Toda, Ayumu Nakajima, Tôko Miura, Kentarô Tamura, Gaku HosokawaNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
16
The Crown
Won 24 Emmys Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2017) · 87 nominations
biography · drama · history
The gripping, decades-spanning inside story of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers who shaped Britain's post-war destiny.
The Crown tells the inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world – Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street – and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Two houses, two courts, one Crown.
Why watch: If you want a long-running royal drama, this is one of the clearest choices here. Its biography and history blend makes it a strong pick for viewers interested in the reign of Elizabeth II and the politics around her.
Directed by Benjamin Caron, Philip Martin, Christian Schwochow, Jessica Hobbs, Stephen DaldryCast Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith, Tobias MenziesNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
17
Radioactive Emergency
drama · history · thriller
In 1987 Brazil, scavengers discover a mysterious glowing substance in an abandoned hospital. As the material changes hands, scientists and doctors desperately work to prevent a radioactive disaster from claiming countless lives.
Why watch: If historical disaster stories grab you, this one may be a good fit. The drama, history, and thriller mix works well for viewers who want a tense story built around a real-world emergency.
Directed by Fernando Coimbra, Iberê CarvalhoCast Johnny Massaro, Paulo Gorgulho, Bukassa Kabengele, Tuca Andrada, Ana CostaNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
18
When They See Us
Won 2 Emmys 16 nominations
biography · crime · drama · history
Five teens from Harlem become trapped in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park.
Why watch: If you’re looking for a powerful historical drama based on a true case, this is one of the most compelling options. Its biography, crime, and history elements make it especially suited to viewers who want a serious, real-life story.
Directed by Ava DuVernayCast Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Marquis Rodriguez, Marsha Stephanie BlakeNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
19
All the Light We Cannot See
4 Emmy nominations
drama · history · war
A blind French girl and a young German soldier's paths collide during WWII.
Why watch: If wartime drama appeals to you, this is a strong choice. The WWII setting and the intersecting paths of two young people give it a focused, emotional historical premise.
Directed by Shawn LevyCast Aria Mia Loberti, Louis Hofmann, Lars Eidinger, Hugh Laurie, Mark RuffaloNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
20
Blue Eye Samurai
Won 4 Emmys 5 nominations
animation · action · adventure · drama · history · thriller
Driven by a dream of revenge against those who made her an outcast in Edo-period Japan, a young warrior cuts a bloody path toward her destiny.
Why watch: If you like stylized animated series with action and historical setting, this should be on your list. Its revenge story in Edo-period Japan makes it a good fit for viewers who want history with thriller energy.
Directed by Jane Wu, Federico D'Alessandro, Earl A. Hibbert, Ryan O'Loughlin, Michael GreenCast Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka, Brenda Song, Darren BarnetNetflixMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
From palace politics and Viking sagas to courtroom injustice and historical documentaries, this roundup keeps the focus on stories that bring earlier eras into view. It’s a handy place to start if you want period drama with different tones, from action-heavy series to quieter, fact-based picks. Bookmark this page and check back when you’re ready for your next historical binge. We update it regularly so the selection stays fresh as new titles appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some new historical series on Netflix?
The newest picks on this list are El problema final (2026), 100 Days of Deception (2026), The East Palace (2026), The American Experiment (2026), The Idaho Murders: College Nightmare (2026), Straight to Hell (2026), Radioactive Emergency (2026), The Bombing of Pan Am 103 (2025) and Death by Lightning (2025), all streaming on Netflix.
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 Netflix subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Netflix. 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.