5 Best Historical TV Shows Streaming On Prime Video

Viewers who love a great period piece or captivating drama based on true events have a variety of options within Prime Video’s TV library.

The streaming platform is home to historical shows covering everything from wars and royal families to world-altering events. Even the less traveled path of alternate history feature among the best selections on Prime Video for history buffs. Furthermore, audiences can find period dramas based on famous novels, like the 2016 limited series adaptation of “War & Peace” or the 1980 miniseries “Pride and Prejudice.” Other works of historical fiction like “Reign” and “Versailles” put a spotlight on the queens and kings who held power centuries ago, as well. 

From single-season epics to series running for multiple years, Prime Video’s selection of scripted historical series only continues to grow. But for the moment, the following five titles stand out as the absolute best historical shows Prime Video subscribers can watch.

“The Man in the High Castle” isn’t your typical historical TV show, as it presents an alternate timeline where the Axis powers won World War II. With control of the United States split between Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, sinister leaders and underground resistance organizations take center stage in “The Man in the High Castle.” The series doesn’t only focus on the historical implications of the Allied powers’ defeat, though. 

Taking a slight turn toward science fiction, “The Man in the High Castle” incorporates time travel and alternate realities into its exploration of the hypothetical. This compelling blend of genres brings some excellent character work to the table for characters such as the revolutionary Juliana Crain (Alexa Davalos), high-ranking American Nazi John Smith (Rufus Sewell), and Japanese chief inspector Takeshi Kido (Joel de la Fuente). Intriguing espionage amid the harrowing state of affairs in “The Man in the High Castle” leads to shocking plot twists that kept audiences hooked through all four seasons. 

The iconic British period drama “Downton Abbey” is currently streaming on Prime Video. Focusing on the wealthy Crawley family in the early 20th century, the series ran for six seasons and painted a vivid portrait of aristocratic life in England during the time period. As one might expect, the day-to-day doings of Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), Cora Crawley (Elizabeth McGovern), Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery), and the rest of their family are far from mundane. “Downton Abbey” features plenty of interpersonal conflict and in-depth character arcs that help enliven the historical backdrop. 

Much of the plot makes use of real-life events, including the sinking of the Titanic and the advent of World War I. Anyone remotely interested in history should be delighted by “Downton Abbey.” Complete with gorgeous sets, costumes, and sharp dialogue, the show is rightfully recognized as one of the best historical TV dramas of all time. In fact, the show achieved so much success, it produced three movies to complete its story. 

Prime Video’s limited series “The Underground Railroad” spotlights the ever-important stories of those who endured slavery in the United States. Across 10 episodes, audiences follow Cora (Thuso Mbedu) and Caesar (Aaron Pierre) as they embark on a path to freedom from Georgia to the North. Although deeply rooted in the history of enslaved Black Americans, the show takes a uniquely fantastical approach to the journeys of its main characters as they experience various hardships and atrocities.

Given its subject material, “The Underground Railroad” is often distressing. But the miniseries carries a message of hope and perseverance that fittingly honors the history it’s based on. Although just one season, the series’ character arcs are deeply layered with emotion, detailing the immense evolution that comes out of breaking free from the horrific circumstances of enslavement. 

“The Tudors” originally ran on Showtime for four seasons, but the engrossing historical series is now available for Prime Video subscribers to stream. The political drama chronicles the reign of King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), focusing on his many love interests and friendships during the 16th century. Boasting elaborate costumes and breathtaking sets, “The Tudors” creates the historical backdrop of Henry’s reign in convincing fashion. The cast is also rounded out by amazing performers playing real-life figures, including Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer), Charles Brandon (Henry Cavill), and Queen Catherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle Kennedy).

History buffs and TV fanatics alike will find “The Tudors” worthwhile despite its multitude of creative liberties, as the show combines the intricate aesthetics of English royalty with juicy character dynamics and melodrama. An essential series in Prime Video’s historical TV collection, “The Tudors” enthralls audiences while taking inspiration from true events. “My first duty is to write a show that is entertaining,” creator Michael Hirst told NPR. “I wasn’t commissioned by Showtime to write a historical documentary.”

“The Narrow Road to the Deep North” takes the subject of war in a remarkably personal direction, and the end result is a powerful tale about love and loss. The outstanding Prime Video miniseries follows Dorrigo Evans (Jacob Elordi) — an Australian doctor who spends three years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp while serving as an army medical officer in World War II. Following Dorrigo before the war, during his imprisonment, and later in his life, “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” delves into its main character’s romantic affairs and intertwines them with his traumatic wartime experiences. 

The show packs a hefty emotional punch driven by Elordi and Ciarán Hinds’ subtle yet effective performances as the younger and older Dorrigo. Making matters even more gripping and heartbreaking, “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” showcases the grim reality of being a prisoner of war: From the squalid conditions in the camp to the gradual deterioration and gruesome deaths of prisoners. Even though the miniseries tells a fictional story, its harrowing setting very much reflects the all-too-real brutality of war.