The 25 Best Medieval TV Shows, Ranked

There’s been an upswing in shows centered around the Middle Ages— or are at least influenced by the culture and events during this significant era, and this has resulted in some of the best medieval TV shows on the small screen. There is more to these TV and streaming shows than knights in shining armor on horseback or kings and queens battling rebellious commoners or Vikings. These shows bring a piece of history to the small screen with all the drama and action a viewer could want to enjoy the era and learn more about the past.

It’s not surprising that viewers would be intrigued by such efforts, whether fantasy-based, historical fiction, or an accurate portrayal of actual events. After all, this turbulent, dark, and often violent period of human history makes for some gripping settings and engrossing narratives. Game of Thrones brought a true fantasy-level effort to the masses but others have proven to be memorable because they are based on reality. The good news is that there is a wide selection of options for those looking for the best medieval TV shows, whether it be for their tone, their battle sequences, or compelling protagonists.

25 The Borgias (2011-2013)

The Rise Of A Cut-Throat Papal Dynasty

The great thing about the best Medieval TV shows is that they cover a wealth of history that goes far beyond the traditional stereotypes of knights, monarchs, and the struggles of feudal life. One of the best examples of a TV show set in the Middle Ages that covers part of the era that’s somewhat under-explored on screen is Showtimes’ 2011-2013 series The Borgias. Set in Italy during the late 1400s, The Borgias documents the ascendancy of Rodrigo Borgia to the position of Pope – though how the eventual Pope Alexander VI gained the position was a much more violent and bloody affair than the journeys of modern-day pontiffs.

Starring Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia alongside the likes of Francois Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, and a wide ensemble cast, The Borgias is similar to Game of Thrones when it comes to the levels of back-stabbing intrigue and bloody violence. It doesn’t really contain the epic battle scenes that are a staple of many Medieval TV shows, but when it comes nailbiting character-driven drama, few can match it.

24 Shogun (2024)

Hulu’s Dive Into Medieval Japan

Most Medieval TV shows have a Western perspective and are set in Europe during the Middle Ages, though among the best in the genre are many that focus on other regions of the world. One of the best and most recent in this regard is Hulu’s Shogun, which arrived in 2024. Based on the 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell, Shogun is a semi-fictionalized retelling of the rise of the Shogunate in the feudal Japan of the 16th century.

Shogun has been praised both for its historical accuracy and its unflinching commitment to brutal and heart-wrenching drama throughout. The story is also fascinating, as it delves into the relationship Japan had with the European powers during the late Medieval era. The show is currently available on Hulu and remains one of the best Medieval TV shows to release in the 2020s so far.

23 Da Vinci’s Demons (2013-2015)

The Struggles Of The Greatest Genius Of The Medieval Period

Da Vinci’s Demons ran on the Starz network between 2013 and 2015, and it remains one of the best Medieval TV shows, especially among those which (much like Shogun and The Borgias) have something to offer viewers outside the traditional tropes of knights and battles. As the title suggests, Da Vinci’s Demons focuses on the life of Leonardo Da Vinci, the famed inventor and painter who lived between 1452 and 1519. The story is a fictionalized retelling of Da Vinci’s early life, and isn’t as historically accurate as many other Medieval TV shows, but that doesn’t stop it being incredibly gripping.

While the show may focus on a renowned artist, Da Vinci’s Demons is oozing violence and intrigue in every episode. The show sees Da Vinci become embroiled in struggles to control the city of Florence, a dangerous cult, and a hunt for spies among its many plots. It’s truly unique among the best Medieval TV shows, and like The Borgias bears a striking similarity to Game of Thrones when it comes to its overall tone.

22 Blackadder (1983-1989)

Rowan Atkinson’s Take On British History

While most of the best Medieval TV shows are dark and gritty dramas, this is far from always the case. When it comes to comedies set in the Medieval era, few can match the classic British sitcom Blackadder. Starring Rowan Atkinson, who is most known for portraying Mr. Bean, each season of Blackadder takes place during a different period of British history, with most of the cast members portraying various generations of the same families.

It’s only the first two seasons of Blackadder that take place during the Medieval era. Season 1 is set in 1485, and season 2 takes place during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (who sat on the British throne between 1558 and 1603). Rowan Atkinson delivered a career-defining performance as the various versions of Edmund Blackadder, who in each series is a scoundrel doing his best to elevate his social status and, more often than not, ends up failing miserably.

21 Reign (2013-2017)

The Life And Times Of Mary Queen Of Scots

During its golden era, The CW put out some of the best scripted TV shows being broadcast, and among them was an incredible series set in the Middle Ages – Reign. Reign takes many of the tropes of the best Medieval TV shows and twists them into a romantic drama focusing on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. Set in the mid 1500s, Reign explores the trials and tribulations of Mary (the sister of Queen Elizabeth I) as she navigates her way through the French court while awaiting her arranged marriage to France’s Crown Prince Francis.

Few of the best Medieval TV shows can claim to be as steamy as Reign, and the show was famously edited to trim back some of the more sexual content. It’s the perfect series set in the Middle Ages for those who want a serious drama that captures the era, but would rather a story that doesn’t focus so much on violence and bloodshed. The cast also delivered incredibly solid performances throughout, especially Adelaide Kane as Mary, Queen of Scots.

20 Britannia (2018-2021)

Female Warriors & Druids In The War Between The Romans & Celts

Britannia is a co-production between Amazon Prime Video and Sky UK and is a good companion show for more popular series like Rome and Vikings. The time frame of this series is 43 AD, and the battle is between the Romans and Celts.

What makes Britannia different from other shows in the genre is that it features warrior women, magical Druids, and Celtic Queens, and gives fans of medieval entertainment a show with a strong female slant that can get overlooked in other projects.

Britannia mixes fantasy into the real-life history of the Roman invasion of Great Britain, which means there are several real historical figures in addition to the druids and demons that the story throws in. It also uses modern pop songs, making it sound very different from other medieval TV shows. The series ran for three seasons and the story ended shortly after the Roman invasion of Britain.

19 Vinland Saga (2019–2023)

An Anime About A Viking Warrior Seeking Revenge

Vinland Saga brings the world of medieval TV shows into the anime format. Though there are several anime options when looking at medieval stories, Vinland Saga is the best of the best in the eyes of many.

Based on the Makoto Yukimura manga series, Vinland Saga follows protagonist Thorfinn, a former warrior of a band of pirates led by Askeladd. He is also the son of one of the world’s greatest warriors, Thors. Vinland Saga finished season 2 in 2023 and is set in the world of Vikings, but this is mostly a revenge story that sees Thorfinn going after the man who killed his father and his rise into legend as his journey continues.

While the first season is a straight revenge tale, the second becomes more of a story of an enslaved man (Thorfinn) who needs to find a reason to go on living. The series received critical acclaim and earned several nominations at anime awards ceremonies.

18 El Cid (2020–2021)

The Legend Of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar

The Legend of El Cid is an Amazon Prime Video original. Set in the 11th century, the Spanish historical drama follows the life of Ruy, a young squire who uncovers a scandal that involves a conspiracy to murder and a plan to commit regicide. However, by bringing this to everyone’s attention, Ruy puts himself and his loved ones in danger.

Partially inspired by the story of the real-life knight and nobleman, this medieval series ran for two seasons and 10 episodes. El Cid received praise for how it builds suspense and includes gripping cliffhangers that keep the audience coming back for more.

The fact that the characters aren’t one-dimensional helped make this more than just a historical epic and allowed it to play out as a great drama series as well. This Prime Video series is based on the same legendary figure as the 1961 Oscar-nominated movie of the same name, starring Charlton Heston.

17 Knightfall (2017–2019)

The Knights Templar’s Rise & Fall

Although it only ran for two seasons, Knightfall remains one of the best medieval TV shows ever made. Set in the 14th century, Knightfall was a series that explored the lives of several soldiers in the Knights Templar as they tried to keep their power and influence in the Holy Land.

The medieval series ultimately follows the story of the rise, fall, and persecution of the Knights Templar, thanks to King Phillip IV of France. While some questioned the plot and uneven storytelling, even those critics believed that the directors more than made up for it with the battle sequences and the fight choreography.

There are also some dynamic characters as well as some compelling and complex villains. The series even features fan-favorite actor Mark Hamill (Star Wars), who joined the cast in season 2 as a veteran Templar.

16 Medici (2016–2019)

The History Of The Medici Family

With three seasons and a star-studded cast, Medici chronicles the rise and fall of the infamous Italian family. The series is full of corruption, rivalries, and political strife. However, it’s not only full of drama, either, as the writers also manage to find a perfect balance between romance and action.

Each season of the series follows a moment in the Medici family’s history and the landscape of Renaissance Italy. While Medici wasn’t always historically accurate since they had to dramatize a few events for the sake of some storyline, it does provide insight into how influential and powerful the Medicis were in 15th-century Florence.

There were three seasons and 24 episodes, and it earned five nominations at the La Chioma di Berenice, an awards ceremony honoring Italian craftsmen and artists. It won for Best Makeup and Best Production Design, showing how great the series looked.

15 Merlin (2008–2012)

Merlin & Arthur In Their Younger Years

Whether it’s the cool battle sequences, the interesting storylines inspired by the Arthurian Legend, or because it has some of the best characters, Merlin managed to captivate the audience for five seasons as one of the best medieval TV shows.

Although Merlin isn’t historically accurate (especially in terms of costumes and not really following the classic tales), it focuses a lot on fantasy and includes a lot of mythological creatures. As the title indicates, this series follows Merlin, who must hide his powers as Arthur’s father banned magic in Camelot.

Throughout the series, Arthur and Merlin become close friends, setting up their adventures when the boy becomes King. There’s not a lot of blood or gore in this series, as it is mostly family-friendly, so it’s great for those who want something lighthearted and fun. Merlin won the 2011 BAFTA for Best Visual Effects and received nominations for several other awards over its run.

14 Marco Polo (2014–2016)

Marco Polo’s Time In Kublai Khan’s Court

Honing in on Polo’s years in the court of Kublai Khan of the Mongol Empire, Marco Polo mostly diverges from Western themes, focusing instead on China circa the Yuan Dynasty. The series sees Polo taken to China and left there as a guest of Kublai Khan (Doctor Strange’s Benedict Wong), where Polo soon rose into an official position in the court.

Although this Netflix series only lasted two seasons, it’s rich with character drama, twists and turns, and lavish set pieces loosely based on Eastern history. Its robust budget of $200 million can be seen in its rich cinematography and sleek production value, making it one of the best-looking medieval TV shows on Netflix.

While it only received mixed to poor reviews, it picked up an Emmy nomination for its Main Title Theme Music, which is a highlight of the series, and won an award from the American Society of Cinematographers.

13 The Pillars Of The Earth (2010)

A Drama During The Anarchy

Based on the historical novel by Ken Follet, this miniseries crams a wealth of interesting backstories and authenticity into each of its eight episodes. As viewers would imagine from a show based on an English civil war called “The Anarchy,” there are plenty of gripping, dramatic moments in the series.

The show keeps a narrow focus on the one hand, revolving around the construction of a cathedral while providing a deep and vast narrative involving several unique characters. Lavish backdrops and standout performances by Ian McShane and Hayley Atwell give The Pillars of the Earth an enriching sense of authenticity.

For those familiar with the novel, major changes are made to the adaptation, with an ending completely different from the source material. The series also invents several moments from The Anarchy timeline for the series, so it is also not historically accurate in the least.

12 Cadfael (1994–1998)

A Medieval Detective Series

The cutthroat era of Europe 1,000 years ago seems rife with potential concerning compelling murder mysteries. Cadfael is a British series from the mid-90s that takes advantage of this, crafting engaging crime plots dressed in 12th-century English settings.

It takes the premise of Columbo and fuses it with medieval genre tropes, making for a distinctly entertaining show. Even with the fun potential of the protagonist’s background as a Crusader-turned-Monk, Cadfael focuses on dynamic writing and interesting plots to keep its viewers enticed rather than action.

Based on The Cadfael Chronicles novels by Ellis Peters, Derek Jacobi (Gladiator) stars as Brother Cadfael, an herbalist and former crusading knight who becomes a detective who helps solve crimes during the Anarchy, between 1137 and 1145. The series lasted four seasons, but only has 13 episodes.

11 The Tudors (2007–2010)

A Showtime Drama During The Tudor Dynasty

While Michael Hirst is perhaps most known for his work on Vikings, a similarly dense, compelling historical drama of his found its way on BBC years before. The Tudors takes place several centuries after that show, honing in on England in the period between the Dark Ages and Modernity, the Renaissance.

This transitional era sets the stage for a wealth of significant events, and Hirst takes advantage of this. While the series is named after the Tudor dynasty, it is based on King Henry VIII’s reign.While The Tudors runs with some creative liberties, the show uses fiction and history to round out one of the best medieval TV shows about King Henry VIII.

According to Hirst, “Showtime commissioned me to write an entertainment, a soap opera, and not history. … And we wanted people to watch it.” (via New York Times). It worked, as The Tudors was the highest-rated Showtime series during its time on the air (via Variety).

10 Redwall (1999–2002)

Mice Fighting For Freedom In The Medieval Era

A cartoon centered around talking mice isn’t exactly authentic to history, but this whimsical fantasy uses medieval themes to paint this majestic scene while appealing to kids. This Canadian animation draws from the popular fantasy novels by Brian Jacques, with each of its three seasons comprising a different book.

Focusing on a once-poor mouse named Matthias, the show captures the often gritty nature of medieval living while balancing it with lighthearted humor.

Focusing on a once-poor mouse named Matthias, the show captures the often gritty nature of medieval living while balancing it with lighthearted humor. The first season is based on Redwall, the second on Mattimeo, and the third on Martin the Warrior. While this is a cartoon, it delivers a mature story.

The series features several deaths and never shies away from the rough lives people (or mice) suffered through in the medieval era. There were 39 episodes in the three seasons, airing on Teletoon in Canada and Cartoon Network in the United States.

9 Rise Of Empires: Ottoman (2020)

The Story Of Mehmed The Conqueror

Anyone who loved Game of Thrones but wanted to see a historically more accurate medieval series should seek out the docudrama Rise of Empires: Ottoman, one of the best medieval TV shows on Netflix. Forget about the fantastical demons and monsters from Game of Thrones.

The real-life historical events this series focuses on are just as dramatic and exciting as any supernatural attack. Rise of Empires: Ottoman deals with the fall of the Holy Roman Empire and looks at the successors in Constantinople and the creation of Istanbul after the conquest by Mehmed II.

The series was shot in Turkey, and the second season even brings in a little bit of medieval lore with the arrival of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula) as a childhood friend of Mehmed. For history fans, the series remains very accurate regarding timelines and the fate of Constantinople.

8 Isabel (2011–2014)

The Political Life & Times Of Queen Isabella

Based largely upon the reign of Queen Isabella of Castile,Isabel has proven to be an underrated addition to the medieval genre. Like GoT, this series shows the rise to power of various major figures of royal families, along with the inevitable drama, struggles, and clashes that come with them.

This short-lived Spanish show features terrific performances by Michelle Jenner as Isabel, Rodolfo Sancho as Ferdinand of Aragon, and Pablo Derqui as Henry of Castile. This great cast is enhanced by some authentic Spanish settings and complex societal/political happenings, including the voyage of Christopher Columbus and the Spanish Inquisition.

The series lasted for three seasons and 39 episodes, with the first season starting in 1461 and the final season ending in the early 1500s. The series was critically acclaimed, winning several awards, including Best Fiction at the Iris Awards by the Spanish Academy of Television and Audiovisual Arts and Sciences.

7 The Hollow Crown (2012–2016)

Based On Shakespeare’s Second Tetralogy

While there are a number of the best medieval TV shows loosely based on English history of the Middle Ages, BBC Two’s The Hollow Crown portrays this period from a more accurate and authentic angle, honing in on major events like the Wars of the Roses.

The first season draws from the captivating works of Shakespeare’s second tetralogy, which includes plays such as The Life and Death of King Richard II. The second season focuses on the War of the Roses, and each season has a different cast.

The authentic set pieces, tremendous acting by Ben Whishaw, Patrick Stewart, and Jeremy Irons in season one and Benedict Cumberbatch and Judi Dench in season 2, and the rich source material offer a solid foundation for this action-tinged drama. The series won four BAFTA Awards, including Best Leading Actor for Whishaw, Best Supporting Actor for Simon Russell Beale, and Best Original Music.

6 The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

The Vikings Raids From 866 To 878

While plenty of medieval TV shows focus on the late Middle Ages, The Last Kingdom revolves around the even more violent and cutthroat era of 9th-century England. As it dates back to a time of instability, where Britain was fractured into various (often warring) kingdoms, drama, strife, and outright conflict are guaranteed.

It also shows the further destabilizing factor of the Northmen raiders becoming emboldened and mounting assaults on the island. The series follows the Bernard Cornwell novels, starting with The Saxon Stories, and follows the years of 866 to 878 when Guthrum and Ubba Ragnarsson left the Great Heathen Army into the war between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons.

The Last Kingdom sets the stage for some intense and epic battle scenes rarely seen on television. A plethora of enticing narratives and rich characters help flesh out this epic historical show, which lasted five seasons and 46 episodes.