20 Best History TV Shows on Peacock 2026
Browse Peacock history picks from war dramas to true-crime documentaries, including War & Peace, The Bletchley Circle, and Air Crash Investigation.
If you're searching for the best history TV shows on Peacock, this lineup gives you a wide mix of real events, period drama, and docudrama-style storytelling. You can move from the sweeping war backdrop of War & Peace to the true-crime tension of Air Crash Investigation, then into the world of codebreakers with The Bletchley Circle. The list also includes historical drama with a lighter edge in 'Allo 'Allo!, plus character-driven picks like Da Vinci's Demons and The Paradise. Whether you want famous figures, wartime stories, or history told through investigations and documentaries, these titles cover a lot of ground.
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01
War & Peace
1 Emmy nomination
drama · history · romance · war
The love story of young Countess Natasha Rostova and Count Pierre Bezukhov is interwoven with the Great Patriotic War of 1812 against Napoleon's invading army.
Why watch: If you enjoy large-scale period drama with romance and war woven together, this is a strong fit. Its 1812 setting and historical backdrop make it a good pick for viewers who like stories rooted in major world events.
Directed by Tom HarperCast Paul Dano, James Norton, Lily James, Adrian Edmondson, Aisling LoftusAmazon Prime VideoPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
02
Air Crash Investigation
documentary · crime · history
Major real-life air disasters are depicted in this series. Each episode features a detailed dramatized reconstruction of the incident based on cockpit voice recorders and air traffic control transcripts, as well as eyewitnesses recounts and interviews with aviation experts.
Why watch: If you prefer history presented through real-world investigation, this series should click. The documentary and crime blend suits viewers who like detailed reconstructions and aviation cases.
Directed by Tim Wolochatiuk, Mark Mainguy, George D'Amato, Su Rynard, James HyslopCast Jonathan Aris, Stephen Bogaert, Von Flores, Dale Yim, Thom MarriottTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
03
The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek
history · documentary
Chronicles rare and fascinating details of how "Star Trek" began, where it's been, and how it's going where no television series has gone before.
Why watch: If you like behind-the-scenes history about a pop-culture landmark, this documentary is an easy choice. It focuses on the long run of Star Trek and how the franchise developed over time.
Directed by Brian Volk-WeissCast Gates McFadden, Robin Curtis, Catherine Hicks, Brooke Breton, Dominic KeatingAmazon Prime VideoTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
04
Da Vinci's Demons
Won 2 Emmys 4 nominations
adventure · biography · drama · fantasy · history · mystery · romance
The series follows the "untold" story of Leonardo Da Vinci: the genius during his early years in Renaissance Florence. As a 25-year old artist, inventor, swordsman, lover, dreamer and idealist, he struggles to live within the confines of his own reality and time as he begins to not only see the future, but invent it.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to historical fiction with adventure, mystery, and a strong creative bent, this one stands out. Its Renaissance Florence setting and mix of biography, drama, and fantasy give it a broad appeal.
Directed by Peter Hoar, MJ Bassett, David S. Goyer, Jamie Payne, Paul WilmshurstCast Tom Riley, Gregg Chilingirian, Eros V, Laura Haddock, Blake RitsonAmazon Prime VideoStarzTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
05
The Paradise
1 Emmy nomination
drama · history · made in europe
An intoxicating love story set in England's first department store in the 1870s. The Paradise revolves around the lives of the people who live and work in the store, each bound in their own way by the power of the world they live in, and the pasts that follow them there. A love story, mystery, and social comedy all in one.
Why watch: If you like period pieces centered on relationships and social change, this may suit you well. The 1870s department store setting adds a historical angle to the romance and mystery.
Directed by David Drury, Marc Jobst, Susan Tully, Bill Gallagher, Kenneth GlenaanCast Joanna Vanderham, Emun Elliott, Stephen Wight, Sonya Cassidy, Matthew McNultyAmazon Prime VideoTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb →
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06
Lockerbie: A Search for Truth
4 BAFTA TV Award nominations
drama · history
Dr. Jim Swire tragically loses his daughter when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over a small town on December 21, 1988. Travelling across continents and political divides, Swire embarks on a relentless journey that not only jeopardizes his stability, family and life, but completely overturns his trust in the justice system. As the truth shifts under Jim’s feet, his view of the world is left forever sullied.
Why watch: If you want a serious drama tied to a real disaster, this title is worth considering. Its focus on grief, justice, and the search for truth may appeal to viewers who like history-based stories with emotional weight.
Directed by Otto Bathurst, Jim LoachCast Colin Firth, Catherine McCormack, Sam Troughton, Ardalan Esmaili, Simon DelaneyPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
07
Wild West Chronicles
history · western · action & adventure · drama
Once a feared lawman, the legendary Bat Masterson trades his sheriff's badge for a pen and becomes a newspaper reporter. He now travels the frontier to chronicle the amazing true stories of the Wild West and bring them to life once more.
Why watch: If frontier history and Western settings interest you, this series is a good match. It mixes drama with true-story style chronicling of the American West.
Directed by Michael S. Ojeda, Jim Orr, Adrian Stewart, Robert Kirbyson, Cedric St. ClairCast Jack Elliott, Sid Kramer, Leslie Koch Foumberg, Robert Gatewood, Yakov KolontarovPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
08
The F.B.I. Files
documentary · biography · crime · drama · history · mystery · thriller
Witness the crime busting techniques and forensic science used by the FBI to break the most baffling cases. From crime scene analysis to the most up-to-date laboratories, FBI agents relentlessly comb through mountains of evidence to narrow their search, ultimately prevailing over the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime stories with a historical lens, this documentary series fits nicely. It emphasizes FBI techniques, forensic work, and case-solving across different investigations.
Directed by Joe Wiecha, Stuart Taylor, David Haycox, Jeffrey Fine, Bertrand MorinCast Bob Featherer, Boe Bostjancic, Paul Fleetwood, Nick Pizzillo, Mark SoleskyAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubiPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
09
The Bletchley Circle
crime · drama · history · mystery · thriller
The Bletchley Circle follows the journey of four ordinary women with extraordinary skills that helped to end World War II. Set in 1952, Susan, Millie, Lucy and Jean have returned to their normal lives, modestly setting aside the part they played in producing crucial intelligence, which helped the Allies to victory and shortened the war. When Susan discovers a hidden code behind an unsolved murder she is met by skepticism from the police. She quickly realises she can only begin to crack the murders and bring the culprit to justice with her former friends. The Bletchley Circle paints a vivid portrait of post-war Britain in this fictional tale of unsung heroes.
Why watch: If you like post-war stories with smart characters and a mystery at the center, this is a strong choice. The history, crime, and thriller elements work well together for viewers who enjoy period suspense.
Directed by Andy De Emmony, Sarah Harding, Jamie PayneCast Rachael Stirling, Julie Graham, Sophie Rundle, Anna Maxwell Martin, Mark DexterAmazon Prime VideoTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
10
'Allo 'Allo!
5 BAFTA TV Award nominations
comedy · history · war
The misadventures of hapless cafe owner René Artois and his escapades with the Resistance in occupied France.
Why watch: If you want history with comedy, this is a fun option. Its wartime setting and resistance-related misadventures make it appealing for viewers who prefer a lighter take on the period.
Directed by David Croft, Martin Dennis, John B. Hobbs, Richard Boden, Susan BelbinCast Gorden Kaye, Carmen Silvera, Vicki Michelle, Richard Marner, Kim HartmanAmazon Prime VideoTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
11
A Young Doctor's Notebook & Other Stories
comedy · drama · history
A young doctor who has graduated at the top of his class from the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry is thrust out into an isolated and impoverished country side as the village's only doctor. As he learns to adapt to his new lifestyle, he develops a morphine addiction to stay his sanity while realizing what being a doctor in the real world means.
Why watch: If you like historical stories with dark humor and character focus, this series may be a fit. The comedy-drama mix and medical setting create an unusual period piece.
Directed by Alex Hardcastle, Robert McKillopCast Jon Hamm, Daniel Radcliffe, Rosie Cavaliero, Adam Godley, Vicki PepperdinePeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
12
Aristocrats
drama · history
Based on a true story, Aristocrats draws back the curtain on an 18th century English family near the summit of society, revealing a tapestry of romance, prejudice, infidelity, and revolution.
Why watch: If you enjoy family drama set against the backdrop of social upheaval, this could be a good pick. Its romance, prejudice, and revolution elements suit viewers who like historical stories with personal stakes.
Directed by David CaffreyCast Siân Phillips, Alun Armstrong, Ben Daniels, Serena Gordon, Anne-Marie DuffAmazon Prime VideoPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
13
Kennedy
Won 2 BAFTA TV Awards 6 nominations
biography · drama · history
Kennedy is a five-hour miniseries written by Reg Gadney and directed by Jim Goddard. The miniseries was produced by Central Independent Television and originally aired in the United States starting on 20 November 1983 around the time of the 20th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination. The TV miniseries was a biography of the 1961-1963 presidency of John F. Kennedy.
The mini-series stars Martin Sheen as President John F. Kennedy, John Shea as Robert F. Kennedy, Blair Brown as Jacqueline Kennedy, E.G. Marshall as Joseph P. Kennedy, Vincent Gardenia as J. Edgar Hoover and Kelsey Grammer as Stephen Smith amongst many others.
The series was broadcast on NBC, and was also sold to 50 Countries, with 27 of them broadcasting the series simultaneous. The series was nominated for 3 Golden Globes and 4 BAFTA, and won Baftas for Best Drama Series and Best Make Up.
Why watch: If you’re interested in political history and biographical drama, this miniseries is a natural fit. It centers on John F. Kennedy’s presidency and should appeal to viewers who like real-life figures on screen.
Directed by Jim GoddardCast John Shea, E.G. Marshall, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Andrew Rayden, Kevin ConroyTubiPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
14
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
2 Emmy nominations
drama · history · romance · war
The powerful real-life story of Lali Sokolov, a Jewish prisoner who was tasked with tattooing ID numbers on prisoners' arms in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during World War II.
Why watch: If you prefer historical drama based on a powerful true story from World War II, this is likely to resonate. Its focus on survival and memory gives it a serious, emotional tone.
Directed by Tali Shalom-EzerCast Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Próchniak, Melanie Lynskey, Harvey Keitel, Jonas NayPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
15
Jesus of Nazareth
2 Emmy nominations
biography · drama · history
Dramatizes the Birth, Life, Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, largely according to the Holy Bible's New Testament Gospels.
Why watch: If you want a well-known biblical drama, this is a classic-style choice. Its biography and history tags make it a strong pick for viewers interested in the life of Jesus told on screen.
Directed by Franco ZeffirelliCast Robert Powell, Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, Claudia Cardinale, Valentina CorteseTubiPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
16
Into the Wild Frontier
drama · history · western
As America expands westward, intrepid explorers and rugged mountain men risk their lives to blaze new trails into the wild frontier.
Why watch: If frontier exploration stories appeal to you, this series is worth a look. It focuses on the westward push into the wild frontier and should suit fans of historical adventure.
Directed by Paul Epstein, Jason Sklaver, Christopher CasselCast Delbert Hunt, Walter Runningcrane Jr., Rick Hurst, Danny Winn, Jack PearsonTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
17
Murder Maps
crime · history
This drama-documentary series takes us back in time to the most shocking and surprising murder cases in London, England's history. Nicholas Day guides us into the world of the killer as we see how police ingenuity and early forensics helped bring them to justice.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime history and old-case investigations, this series is a solid match. It looks at famous murder cases in London and how early police methods helped solve them.
Directed by Daniel KonturCast Martyn Mayger, Richard Banks, Carl Heap, Claire Garvey, Ludovic HughesAmazon Prime VideoTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
18
The War of the Worlds
drama · history · sci-fi
In Edwardian England, George and his partner Amy attempt to defy society and start a life together as they face the escalating terror of an alien invasion, fighting for their lives against an enemy beyond their comprehension.
Why watch: If you like historical drama with a sci-fi twist, this version of the classic invasion story may be your style. Its Edwardian setting makes the period element as important as the science-fiction premise.
Directed by Craig ViveirosCast Eleanor Tomlinson, Rafe Spall, Robert Carlyle, Rupert Graves, Woody NormanTubiPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
19
The End Is Nye
documentary · history
Explore the myths and realities of both natural and unnatural threats, from viruses to volcanoes, asteroids to authoritarianism, and climate change to chemical warfare.
Why watch: If you want a documentary that connects history with big threats to society, this title may be a good fit. It covers natural and human-made dangers, which gives it a broad nonfiction angle.
Directed by Brannon BragaCast Seth MacFarlane, Joanna Mandap, Willow Astbury, Josée Laviolette, Malik BouabidPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
20
Secrets of Christianity
documentary · history
Three time Emmy-award winning journalist Simcha Jacobovici solves ancient mysteries and finds that history is often not what we have been led to believe.
Why watch: If ancient mysteries and faith-based history interest you, this documentary may be a good match. It leans into exploration and historical questions rather than fiction.
Directed by Simcha Jacobovici, Christopher BehnischCast Nouha KabbanyPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This group of series and miniseries makes it easy to find a historical watch that matches your mood, from biographies and wartime stories to documentaries and mystery-driven dramas. If you want a little variety, you can jump between royal lives, frontier stories, faith-based epics, and modern investigations of past events. Bookmark this page and come back when you're deciding what to queue up next, since it’s updated regularly with fresh picks and changing titles.
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 Peacock subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Peacock. 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.