Best Historical Drama Streaming Series
Historical drama streaming series are television shows available on streaming platforms that focus on dramatizing events, periods, or figures from history. These series often blend factual elements with fictionalized narratives to create compelling stories that captivate audiences while providing a glimpse into the past.
Advertisement
The appeal of historical drama streaming series lies in their ability to transport viewers to different eras, immersing them in the culture, politics, and social dynamics of times gone by. These series often feature meticulous attention to detail in terms of costumes, settings, and language, aiming for authenticity while also crafting engaging plots. They can cover a wide range of periods, from ancient civilizations to more recent history, and explore various themes such as power struggles, romance, and war. Popular examples include "The Crown," which delves into the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and "Vikings," which portrays the legendary Norse heroes. These series not only entertain but also educate, sparking interest in historical events and figures among a broad audience.
NetflixView AllNetflix - Streaming service offering movies, series, and original content.
HBOView AllHBO - Premium cable network known for original series and movies.
Amazon Prime VideoView AllAmazon Prime Video - Amazon Prime Video: Streaming movies, TV shows, and original content.
HuluView AllHulu - Streaming service offering TV shows, movies, and original content.
BBCView AllBBC - BBC: British public broadcaster, news, entertainment, and education.
StarzView AllStarz - Premium cable network known for original series and films.
CBS All AccessView AllCBS All Access - CBS All Access is a streaming service with CBS shows.
Apple TV+View AllApple TV+ - Apple TV+ is Apple's premium streaming service for originals.
Disney+View AllDisney+ - Streaming service offering Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more.
PeacockView AllPeacock - Colorful bird with iridescent tail feathers displaying courtship.
Best Historical Drama Streaming Series
1.
Netflix
Netflix is a leading global streaming service that offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. Founded in 1997, it transitioned from a DVD rental service to a streaming platform in 2007. Netflix is known for its user-friendly interface, personalized recommendations, and critically acclaimed original productions like "Stranger Things" and "The Crown." Available in over 190 countries, it has revolutionized how people consume entertainment by providing on-demand, ad-free viewing experiences.
Pros
Large content library- Original programming
- Ad-free experience
- Offline downloads
- User-friendly interface
Cons
Increasing subscription costs- Regional content restrictions
- Content rotation
- Internet dependency
- Limited classic films
2.
HBO
HBO (Home Box Office) is a premium American cable and streaming television network known for its high-quality original programming, including hit series like "Game of Thrones," "The Sopranos," and "Westworld." Launched in 1972, it revolutionized TV with its focus on unedited movies, sports, documentaries, and original shows. HBO’s subscription-based model allows for commercial-free viewing, contributing to its reputation for delivering groundbreaking and critically acclaimed content. It is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Pros
- High-quality original content
- wide variety of genres
- critically acclaimed shows
- ad-free streaming
- simultaneous theatrical releases.
Cons
- Expensive subscription
- not available in all regions
- limited offline download options
- complex interface
- frequent content rotation.
3.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a popular streaming service offered by Amazon. It provides subscribers with access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, including critically acclaimed series and films. Available on multiple devices, it allows for offline viewing and supports various viewing preferences like HD and 4K. As part of an Amazon Prime membership, it offers both convenience and value, enhancing the overall entertainment experience for users worldwide.
Pros
- extensive library
- original content
- offline downloads
- multiple device support
- no ads
Cons
- additional costs for some content
- interface can be clunky
- limited new releases
- region restrictions
- less social features
4.
Hulu
Hulu is a leading streaming service offering a diverse library of TV shows, movies, and original content. Launched in 2008, it features current and past episodes from major networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox, as well as exclusive series and films. Subscribers can choose from ad-supported and ad-free plans, with options to add live TV and premium channels. Known for its user-friendly interface, Hulu provides a tailored viewing experience for a wide audience.
Pros
- extensive content library
- live TV option
- original programming
- affordable pricing
- customizable plans
Cons
- frequent ads
- limited offline downloads
- regional restrictions
- additional cost for ad-free
- inconsistent content updates
5.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the United Kingdom's national broadcaster, renowned globally for its comprehensive news coverage, diverse programming, and commitment to public service broadcasting. Established in 1922, the BBC operates multiple television, radio, and online platforms. It provides a wide range of content, including news, documentaries, drama, and entertainment, and is funded primarily through a television license fee paid by UK households. The BBC aims to inform, educate, and entertain a worldwide audience while maintaining editorial independence.
Pros
- high-quality content
- global reach
- trusted news source
- diverse programming
- educational value
Cons
- funding issues
- perceived bias
- limited local focus
- competition from streaming services
- potential political pressure
6.
Starz
Starz is a premium American cable and satellite television network owned by Lionsgate. Launched in 1994, it offers a diverse range of original programming, blockbuster movies, and exclusive series. Known for its high-quality content, Starz features popular original shows like "Outlander," "Power," and "American Gods." Available through various platforms, including traditional cable, streaming services, and its own app, Starz caters to a broad audience seeking compelling entertainment.
Pros
- Extensive original content
- Ad-free streaming
- Offline downloads
- Affordable pricing
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited simultaneous streams
- Smaller library compared to competitors
- Lacks 4K content
- Occasional technical glitches
- Geographic restrictions
7.
CBS All Access
CBS All Access was a streaming service launched by CBS in 2014, offering a mix of live TV, on-demand content, and exclusive original series. Subscribers could access a vast library of CBS shows, sports events, and news broadcasts. In March 2021, it was rebranded as Paramount+, expanding its content to include offerings from ViacomCBS networks such as MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central, along with new original programming and a broader range of movies and series.
Pros
- Diverse content library
- Original series
- Live TV streaming
- User-friendly interface
- Multiple device access
Cons
- Limited international availability
- Ads on lower-tier plans
- No offline viewing
- Higher cost for premium
- Limited simultaneous streams
8.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a subscription-based streaming service launched by Apple Inc. in November 2019. It offers a growing library of original content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries across various genres. Known for high production values, the platform features acclaimed series like "The Morning Show," "Ted Lasso," and "For All Mankind." Apple TV+ is accessible via the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, and other streaming devices, aiming to compete with other major streaming services.
Pros
- High-quality original content
- affordable subscription
- ad-free experience
- availability on multiple devices
- family sharing.
Cons
- Smaller content library
- limited third-party content
- requires internet connection
- no live TV
- less regional content.
9.
Disney+
Disney+ is a subscription-based streaming service launched by The Walt Disney Company, offering a vast library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Launched in November 2019, it features a mix of classic films, animated series, and original programming exclusive to the platform. With user-friendly navigation and options for offline viewing, Disney+ has quickly become a popular choice for family entertainment, providing both nostalgic favorites and new, innovative content.
Pros
- Extensive content library
- affordable subscription
- exclusive originals
- family-friendly
- offline downloads.
Cons
- Limited regional availability
- frequent content removal
- additional Premier Access fees
- no live TV
- requires internet for streaming.
10.
Peacock
Peacock is a streaming service launched by NBCUniversal in July 2020. Named after the NBC logo, it offers a mix of live TV, on-demand content, and exclusive originals. Subscribers can access a broad library of movies, TV shows, news, and sports, including popular NBC series and Universal films. Peacock offers both free, ad-supported tiers and premium subscription options, catering to various viewer preferences. Its diverse content and flexible pricing make it a competitive player in the streaming market.
Pros
- Affordable subscription plans
- large content library
- next-day access to NBC shows
- live sports coverage
- user-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited free tier content
- ads in lower-tier plans
- occasional buffering issues
- not available worldwide
- inconsistent original content quality