History is an umbrella term which covers different aspects such as politics, economy, or romance. It shows what happened in the past by describing and recording events on written documents. History TV series also plays an important role in maintaining the facts of the past. Both forms of giving evidence of history shape our impression of the history, bring thought-provoking lessons to us, and offer enlightenment for us to create and innovate, which helps us change and improve what we are doing now.
Nowadays, in order to enhance the interest of the history TV series and attract more spectators, some history TV shows will mix other elements like romance or mystery which make the history TV series less tedious than merely telling stories. However, you don't need to worry that the core of history is greatly adapted or changed. This blog would like to introduce some best TV series about history which you can view true events and feel as if you are the character in the history. Let's check below!
Top 8 Best History TV Series
1. Call the Midwife
Original Release: 15 January 2012
Running Time: 60-90 minutes
Starring: Jessica Raine, Miranda Hart, and Jenny Agutter
Original Language: English
Story:
Created by BBC and Implied as its name, this history TV series records the real lives of a group of nurse midwives who work in East London in the late 1950s to mid 1960s. In Call the Midwife, you can see what is brought by the post-World War II baby boom and immigration. Besides, the introduction of thalidomide and contraceptive pill is involved in the history TV series. Even history about medical system is shown.
2. Peaky Blinders
Original Release: 12 September 2013
Running Time: 55-59 minutes
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, and Paul Anderson
Original Language: English
Story:
Peaky Blinders won the best drama at the BAFTA TV Awards with its exciting moving pictures of crime and action. The inspiration of the plots of this history TV series come from a real urban youth gang in the 19th century. In Peaky Blinders, you will enjoy how the boss of the organization fights against policemen with wisdom or tricks and how policemen strive to capture the organization.
3. Blackadder
Original Release: 15 June 1983
Running Time: 30 minutes
Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, and Tim McInnerny
Original Language: English
Story:
With Rowan Atkinson playing the main character, it is not hard for you to guess that Blackadder is a British sitcom which will bring you much amusement. As one of the best history TV series, Blackadder is set in the Middle Ages. Rowan plays a prince who constantly makes plans and efforts to succeeds the crown from his father and brother. The crown won't come easily; therefore, let’s enjoy what fun will occur in this crown obtaining process and whether the prince achieves his goal finally.
4. The Tudors
Original Release: 1 April 2007
Running Time: 47-56 minutes
Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Sam Neill, and Callum Blue
Original Language: English
Story:
Set in the 16th century, The Tudors describes information basing on the stories of King Henry VIII. It is popular because it gives insights of the lives of that period, including what a king's life is like and how he confronts political and national conflicts. Furthermore, The Tudors depicts the romantic stories of King Henry VIII experiences with his six unfortunate wives. The Tudors will generate endless imagination about King Henry VIII with you.
5. Secrets of Great British Castles
Original Release: 3 April 2015
Running Time: 60 minutes
Starring: Adam Croft
Original Language: English
Story:
Unlike other history TV series, Secrets of Great British Castles is a British history documentary series produced by a historian, which the aim at marking down the great history of some Great Britain's most famous castles: Warwick, Dover, the Tower of London, and Stirling. Among these castles, what true events happened? How did people living in them lead their lives? And why did they rise and fall? Secrets of Great British Castles is here to tell you.
6. Boardwalk Empire
Original Release: 19 September 2010
Running Time: 50-60 minutes
Starring: Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, and Kelly Macdonald
Original Language: English
Story:
Boardwalk Empire selects one of the American's most exciting era, the Prohibition era, as its background. As a history TV show, Boardwalk Empire focuses on the corruption crime in Atlantic City. If you are interested in political crimes, Boardwalk Empire will definitely be a good choice for you. With its careful demonstration of historical figures, Boardwalk Empire attracts lots of audiences and also won several Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe Award.
7. Poldark
Original Release: 8 March 2015
Running Time: 60 minutes
Starring: Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Heida Reed
Original Language: English
Story:
As one of the most wonderful history TV series, Poldark concentrates on a historical character in the late 18th century who changes his dilemma from his father's death, his failed romantic relationship, and his failed business. It extends from a character to the whole society after the American War of independence, which means that Poldark also shows the normal daily life of 18th century. In a word, this TV show contains great meanings from a small character, which is worth seeing.
8. The White Queen
Original Release: 16 June 2013
Running Time: 58 minutes
Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Amanda Hale, and Faye Marsay
Original Language: English
Story:
The White Queen is a British history TV series which features the fascinating Elizabeth Woodville. Involving England’s War of the Roses in the 15th century, The White Queen illustrates how Elizabeth competes for the crown and her rights. Also, you will see her transformation from ambiguity to certainty and confidence. Besides, the actor's performance is a highlight in the TV series which is able to bring you into the plots quickly.
After knowing the brief introduction of each history TV series, which one will you decide to see? For me, I prefer Blackadder because I love humor and I believe that this history TV show can help me relax through bring me to learn the history with an interesting way. What's more, one of my favourite stars is Rowan Atkinson. I won't miss any of his great performance. So, what about you? Choose from the list and open your door to the history!
