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One of the most surprising television hits out there is History Channel’s Vikings, a historical drama about the Norse warriors of the 8th and 9th Centuries who sacked and pillaged their way across Europe. Creator Michael Hirst has made an epic show filled with unique culture, fascinating characters, and brutal battles all steeped in actual history. With the end of Vikings coming later this year (the show is currently in the middle of its sixth and final season) and a Netflix spin-off in the works, now’s as good a time as any to see what other shows out there will scratch that Vikings itch when it’s gone for good.
Below we’ve compiled a list of shows that follow in the spirit of Vikings. Some are about Vikings, some follow other groups of warriors throughout history, and some feature more of the medieval swords and shields battles that Vikings has become famous for. If you’re here for more history or just here to see someone get their head cut off, you’ll find what you need in these shows that are similar to Vikings.
Looking for more recommendations of what to watch next? We have a ton of them! We also have recommendations for the best historical dramas on Netflix and best supernatural shows to watch right now.
Game of Thrones
Where to watch: HBO
Game of Thrones” width=”2070″ height=”1380″ title=”Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones” data-amp-src=”https://tvguide1.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2015/04/14/a7bfbad4-2110-4880-bd5b-6c6cb6bfaf89/watermark/03369d0dc738fb23555adb869c09e05f/150414-game-of-thrones.jpg”>Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones
We’ll start with the obvious pick: HBO’s Game of Thrones. In fact, since Game of Thrones predates Vikings by a few years, it’s quite possible you found Vikings because of your love of Game of Thrones. But if for some reason you haven’t seen Game of Thrones, then a) where have you been? and b) you’ll find the only show in the last decade that has better battle scenes than Vikings does. And contrary to what you may have been told, Game of Thrones doesn’t emphasize fantasy elements. Yes, there are dragons, but when author George R.R. Martin crafted the story, he based it on history, specifically the War of the Roses in which several different families laid claim to the crown. It’s your call whether you want to watch the final two seasons, which sadly didn’t live up to the rest of the show.
The Last Kingdom
Where to watch: Netflix
The Last Kingdom” width=”2070″ height=”1380″ title=”The Last Kingdom” data-amp-src=”https://tvguide1.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2018/11/16/550b50d2-5214-4aad-af2d-a1927645827e/watermark/c2a64f2d68bb5aa877f72c6ff7a5ebb4/181116-thelastkingdom.jpg”>The Last Kingdom
Of all the shows on this list, The Last Kingdom is going to be most like Vikings, and should be your first stop if you’re trying to relive the thrills of Ragnar and company. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom nearly overlaps with the events of Vikings (which begins in 793), starting with the 866 Viking conquest of York. The show’s hero is Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon who is adopted by invading Vikings and raised as one of their own after the Vikings conquer his homeland, pulling him in two different directions as he has the blood of a Saxon but came of age as a Danish Viking. As the two shows are loosely based on the same history, some characters appear in both shows at different ages in similar stories separated by a generation of history.
Norsemen
Where to watch: Netflix
Norsemen” width=”2070″ height=”1380″ title=”Norsemen” data-amp-src=”https://tvguide1.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2018/10/19/add4963c-92c0-4701-af8b-8feb77468cbd/watermark/27c1a8dbd91b6cc563398e0a98fa5b89/181019-norsemen.jpg”>Norsemen
A little tired of all the seriousness of Vikings, what with all the war, dismemberment, and family members stabbing each other in the back? The rugged world of ancient Norse life slips on a banana peel in this English-language Norwegian comedy that spoofs Viking culture with a sense of humor somewhere between Monty Python and the Farrelly Brothers. Though everyone’s wearing animal skins and tattered armor, some of the dialogue is decidedly modern, like when the show’s version of The Seer says, “Hate the player, not the game,” when trying to get the village’s reluctant handmaiden to drink a cocktail of spit to fulfill a prophecy. It’s entirely silly, but that’s the whole point.
Knightfall
Where to watch: Netflix
Knightfall” width=”2070″ height=”1380″ title=”Simon Merrells, Knightfall” data-amp-src=”https://tvguide1.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2017/11/28/c9878274-ded0-4e7e-8237-5e85bd22a3e1/watermark/5e59dac9e84d9dfc4a8095a7a0c6dbf6/171128-knightfall.jpg”>Simon Merrells, Knightfall
Following the deserved success of Vikings, History Channel sought out more historical dramas in the same vein, shows that use history as a blueprint and then craft an intricate drama around it. 2017’s Knightfall most closely resembles the strategy History set forth with Vikings, this time moving to the 14th Century to visit the Knights Templar. The series follows Landry de Lauzon, a disenchanted Knights Templar whose faith is once again stirred when he learns the Holy Grail — yes, THAT Holy grail — has reappeared in France.
Real Vikings
Where to watch: Amazon
Real Vikings” width=”2070″ height=”1380″ title=”Real Vikings” data-amp-src=”https://tvguide1.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2020/06/10/69f13f2e-bea5-47aa-bba5-425f242200f1/watermark/9aca37afddc78a55bc114e286ed1092a/200610-realvikings.jpg”>Real Vikings
Vikings is such a hit for History that the network launched this companion docuseries in 2016 for fans thirsting for more knowledge of Viking culture. Using behind-the-scenes access, interviews with historians, and conversations with the show’s stars, Real Vikings goes deep into the history of the Vikings, from their paths of plundering to their spiritual ceremonies to their sea-faring technology. There are only four episodes, but it’s a must-watch for fans who want to explore more Viking culture.
Black Sails
Where to watch: Hulu, Starz
Black Sails
If “Yarrrrrr” is more your speed than “Skoll!,” then set sail for the underrated pirate drama Black Sails. Like Vikings, it intricately details a culture that most of us know more from Halloween costumes than actual history, with different factions set up against each other as they all want the same thing. In Vikings‘ case, it’s land, in Black Sails‘ case, it’s treasure. Black Sails is actually a gritty prequel to Treasure Island, with characters like Long John Silver, Captain Flint, and Billy Bones from Robert Louis Stevenson’s books brought to life in a thrilling drama. It doesn’t have as many battles as Vikings, focusing more on the renegade cutthroat strategy of these sea-faring bandits, but when ships do clash in the crystal-blue open waters, it’s some of the best action ever seen on TV.
Spartacus
Where to watch: Starz
Spartacus: Blood and Sand” width=”2070″ height=”1380″ title=”Spartacus: Blood and Sand” data-amp-src=”https://tvguide1.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2020/06/10/a989b852-4537-4629-b707-ace1ecc53abb/watermark/329b8e7ad21048707144f922197cb0e9/200610-spartacus.jpg”>Spartacus: Blood and Sand
You know what? It’s OK to like Vikings for its bloodletting. And if it’s spurting crimson you want, it’s a tidal wave you’ll get in the Starz series Spartacus. One of the most brutal and violent series ever, Spartacus is set in 72 B.C in the Roman Empire and follows the gladiators who made murder a sport, which Spartacus is more than happy to show off in artfully cinematic ways. And in keeping with the hedonism of the times, the show is also loaded with sex and nudity, because I know that’s also your thing.
The Witcher
Where to watch: Netflix
The Witcher” width=”2070″ height=”1380″ title=”The Witcher” data-amp-src=”https://tvguide1.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2019/10/30/3e970d72-264a-4291-8063-66e2291cfc62/watermark/6a668cad1486cfe82711724dacdc7874/witcher-geralt3.jpg”>The Witcher
If Vikings‘ complex political drama is what intrigues you, you’ll get a faceful of the same in Netflix’s The Witcher. It’s far more fantasy-based, however, spectacularly bringing Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels about a monster hunter fulfilling an unknown destiny to the small screen, while also laying out an expansive battle for a continent between a brutish empire and several independent nation-states. Plus, Henry Cavill is the only other charismatic sword-swinging hunk who can hold a candle to Travis Fimmel.
Vikings is now available on Hulu and Amazon (partial seasons).