20 Best History TV Shows on Paramount Plus 2026
Explore 20 Paramount Plus history picks, from royal drama and true crime to documentaries and comedy, with quick notes to help you choose what to watch.
If you’re searching for the best history TV shows on Paramount Plus, this lineup gives you a wide mix of drama, documentary, crime, and even comedy. You can move from the political intrigue of The Borgias and The Tudors to modern historical storytelling in A Gentleman in Moscow and Waco. There are also offbeat and fact-focused picks like Drunk History, Britain in Color, and The Fourth Estate if you want something less conventional. Whether you prefer royal courts, real-world standoffs, or deeper dives into cultural history, these titles cover a lot of ground without feeling repetitive.
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01
The Borgias
Won 3 Emmys Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (2011) · 16 nominations
crime · drama · history · romance
Set in 15th century Italy at the height of the Renaissance, The Borgias chronicles the corrupt rise of patriarch Rodrigo Borgia to the papacy, where he proceeds to commit every sin in the book to amass and retain power, influence and enormous wealth for himself and his family.
Why watch: If you enjoy royal power struggles with drama and romance, this is a strong pick. Its focus on Renaissance-era politics and family ambition makes it a natural fit for viewers who like court intrigue.
Directed by Neil Jordan, Kari Skogland, John Maybury, Jon Amiel, David LelandCast Jeremy Irons, François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, Peter Sullivan, Sean HarrisParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
The Tudors
Won 6 Emmys 15 nominations
drama · history · romance · war
The Tudors is a history-based drama series following the young, vibrant King Henry VIII, a competitive and lustful monarch who navigates the intrigues of the English court and the human heart with equal vigor and justifiable suspicion.
Why watch: If you like history-led drama with court politics and romance, this should be high on your list. It centers on Henry VIII and the pressures of the English court, which gives it plenty of intrigue.
Directed by Ciaran Donnelly, Jeremy Podeswa, Dearbhla Walsh, Steve Shill, Brian KirkCast Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Anthony Brophy, James Frain, Sarah BolgerAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
A Gentleman in Moscow
1 BAFTA TV Award nomination
drama · history · thriller
Count Alexander Rostov finds himself going from riches to rags following the Russian revolution. A Soviet tribunal banishes him to the attic room of an opulent hotel, where, oblivious to the world outside, he discovers the true value of friendship, family and love.
Why watch: If you want a historical drama with a more reflective tone, this may be a good match. Its story of a Russian aristocrat after the revolution leans into history, drama, and thriller elements.
Directed by Sam Miller, Sarah O'GormanCast Ewan McGregor, Johnny Harris, Leah Harvey, John Heffernan, Lyès SalemParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
Waco
3 Emmy nominations
crime · drama · history · thriller
The harrowing true story of the 1993 standoff between the FBI, ATF and the Branch Davidians, a spiritual sect led by David Koresh in Waco, TX that resulted in a deadly shootout and fire.
Why watch: If you prefer history that comes from real events and high-stakes conflict, this is worth a look. Its crime, drama, and thriller blend suits viewers drawn to tense true-story storytelling.
Directed by John Erick Dowdle, Dennie GordonCast Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch, Andrea Riseborough, Paul Sparks, Rory CulkinParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
Drunk History
Won 1 Emmy 17 nominations
comedy · history
Historical reenactments from A-list talent as told by inebriated storytellers. A unique take on the familiar and less familiar people and events from America’s great past as great moments in history are retold with unforgettable results.
Why watch: If you like history with a lighter, comedic edge, this is an easy choice. It takes a playful approach to historical events while still keeping the subject matter rooted in the past.
Directed by Jeremy Konner, Derek WatersCast Bennie Arthur, Craig Cackowski, Maria Blasucci, Mort Burke, Michael ColemanParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for history on Paramount Plus →
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06
Inside the Factory
documentary · history
Paddy McGuinness and Cherry Healey get exclusive access to some of the largest factories in Britain to reveal the secrets behind production on an epic scale.
Why watch: If you’re curious about how major products are made, this documentary series may appeal to you. Its history angle comes through industrial production and behind-the-scenes access.
Directed by Michael Rees, Sam Bailey, Gavin Ahern, Steve Bonser, Chris ParkinCast Phillip Lucas, Adam Francis, Oliver JonesParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
Murderous History
crime · documentary · history
At the scene of every crime is a story of a time, the place, and its people. This six-part series steps back in time to examine the most gruesome and compelling murder mysteries of the past 200 years, viewed through the lens of the eras and cities in which they took place. Through cinematic reenactments, we follow the determined investigators and complex perpetrators while revealing how each case made its own mark on history.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime history and procedural storytelling, this could be a strong fit. The series looks at murder mysteries across the past 200 years, so it suits viewers who like historical cases.
Directed by Steven Perring, Ben MoleCast Jon Birkbeck, Steve LangleyParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
Britain in Color
documentary · biography · history
Britain in Color showcases key moments in 20th century Britain seen for the first time in color.
Why watch: If you’re interested in modern British history and archival-style storytelling, this one stands out. Its colorized look at 20th century Britain should appeal to documentary fans.
Directed by Tom BrisleyCast Stephen ManganParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
Flashpoint
action · crime · drama · history · mystery · thriller
The Strategic Response Unit (SRU) is an elite team of cops who specialize in high-risk critical incidents. Trained in tactics and psychology, they deal with extreme situations, where split-second decisions could save a life...or cost one.
Why watch: If you want an action-driven series with crime and thriller elements alongside its historical label, this could be a fit. It is geared toward viewers who like high-pressure incidents and team-based drama.
Directed by David Frazee, Kelly Makin, Erik Canuel, Holly Dale, Charles BinaméCast Hugh Dillon, Amy Jo Johnson, David Paetkau, Sergio Di Zio, Enrico ColantoniParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
Liberation: D-Day to Berlin
war & military · history
Experience the liberation of Western Europe from every angle, as astonishingly colourised and expertly restored footage bring the historic turning point of World War II back to vivid life.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to World War II history and restored footage, this series may be especially appealing. Its war-and-history focus makes it a natural choice for viewers interested in military turning points.
Directed by Ian Bremner, Rosalind Bain, Jonathan DrakeCast Guillaume Laroche, Wolf Kahler, Alexander Devrient, Anne Gallien, Daisy CarolathParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
UFO
documentary · history · mystery
Ignited by a bombshell story revealing the Pentagon had been tracking UFOs for years, the series examines the history of the phenomenon through cultural and political touchpoints, including testimony from eyewitnesses across the country.
Why watch: If you like mystery documentaries that connect history with cultural and political questions, this is a good option. It focuses on the UFO phenomenon through eyewitness accounts and broader context.
Directed by Paul Crowder, Mark MonroeCast Tom KingParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
13
Mafia Spies
history · documentary · drama
Reveals the startling tale of the CIA's, the mob's, and Sinatra's Rat Pack's connections from Vegas to Miami to Havana, exploring America's most amazing espionage operations ever.
Why watch: If you enjoy stories about espionage, organized crime, and celebrity-linked history, this one may grab you. Its documentary-drama mix gives it a broader lens on a surprising chapter of American history.
Directed by Tom DonahueCast Nick Annunziata, Chris Pinto, Douglas Vermeeren, Rachel Comeau, Aislinn EvansParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
14
Million Dollar American Princesses
history
These are the true stories of American heiresses who travelled to England to marry titled English men in the late 1800s.
Why watch: If you like social history and stories about marriage, class, and status, this is a fitting pick. It focuses on American heiresses marrying into English aristocracy in the late 1800s.
Directed by Michael Burke, Ian LilleyCast Lorelei King, Robert Bathurst, Rebecca Dyson-Smith, Vivien Reid, Mark SpidenParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
16
The Fourth Estate
1 Emmy nomination
documentary · history
Explore the process and progress of The New York Times and its journalists in covering the Trump administration. Through extraordinary access, on-the-scene filmmaking, and exclusive sit-down interviews, this documentary series illuminates critical issues facing journalism today – including the challenge to the bedrock concept of truth, the changing role of the media, and the Times’ response to President Trump’s war of words.
Why watch: If you’re interested in journalism, politics, and recent American history, this documentary series is a natural choice. It follows The New York Times through its coverage of the Trump administration.
Directed by Liz Garbus, Jenny CarchmanCast Maggie Haberman, Arthur Gregg Sulzberger, Elisabeth Bumiller, Dean Baquet, Donald TrumpParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
17
The Comedy Store
documentary · comedy · history
This documentary series brings to life the legends, heartbreak and history created at iconic L.A. club The Comedy Store, which over the past 47 years has launched the careers of a breathtaking array of stars.
Why watch: If you like documentary series about entertainment history, this is a smart pick. It explores the legacy of an iconic Los Angeles comedy club and the careers it helped launch.
Directed by Mike BinderCast Conrad Hurtt, Molly CravensParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
18
Sun Records
biography · drama · history · music
The untold story of nothing less than the birth of rock ‘n’ roll. Guided by Sam Phillips, young musicians like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis combined the styles of hillbilly country with the 1950s R&B sound created by artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Fats Domino and Ike Turner, and changed the course of music forever.
Why watch: If you enjoy music history and biographical drama, this series may be a strong fit. It traces the rise of rock ’n’ roll through artists and influences that shaped the genre.
Directed by Roland JofféCast Chad Michael Murray, Margaret Anne Florence, Keir O'Donnell, Drake Milligan, Kevin FonteyneParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
19
We Need to Talk About Cosby
4 Emmy nominations
documentary · biography · crime · history
During his nearly 50 years in show business, Bill Cosby became one of America's most recognizable black celebrities: his career was a model of excellence for millions of Americans, until the painful testimonies of dozens of women uncovered the sinister grimace behind the smile of the so-called America's dad.
Why watch: If you want a serious documentary about fame, legacy, and accountability, this title stands out. Its history and biography elements make it best for viewers comfortable with difficult subject matter.
Directed by W. Kamau BellCast Hamilton Morris, Matt WilliamsParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
20
George & Tammy
4 Emmy nominations Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2023)
biography · drama · history · music
A look at the romance between famed country musicians George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
Why watch: If you enjoy music-centered period drama with a romance angle, this one is likely to appeal. It looks at the relationship between George Jones and Tammy Wynette, so it suits fans of biography and history.
Directed by John HillcoatCast Jessica Chastain, Michael Shannon, Steve Zahn, David Wilson Barnes, Walton GogginsParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This list works well because it includes both scripted drama and nonfiction series, so you can choose the tone that fits your mood. From period power struggles to true stories, music history, and investigative documentaries, there’s a clear mix of styles and eras here. Bookmark this page and check back when you want a fresh starting point for your next watch, since it is updated regularly.
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 Paramount Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Paramount 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.