If you’ve finished this one and are looking for something similar, we’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing. To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have. Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with. So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming Vikings: Valhalla
Black Sails
Similarities – Story & Characters
If you swap out the fantasy setting of Vikings for pirates and high sea shenanigans, it wouldn’t be far removed from what Black Sails achieves. Split across four seasons, this sea-faring venture captures the essence of piracy beautifully and does so with some impressive visuals and an expansive story. Instead of the over-the-top swashbuckling Jack Sparrows of the world, Black Sails examines the true nature of piracy through an eclectic group of characters. The action is gritty and violent too and it’s definitely worth persevering through the slower first season. From there on out, this show really comes into its own.
The Last Kingdom
Similarities – Violence & Politics
Set during the time of the Viking Invasions of Britain, The Last Kingdom is a well written, brutally realistic series relying on the charisma of its many characters to drive the story of Uhtred Ragnarson forward. The time period is perfectly captured in both atmosphere and set design too. If that wasn’t enough, the story draws from the rich history of Britain across 4 epic seasons of entertainment. With a fifth season already green-lit, this is one of the better choices to check out when you’re done with Vikings: Valhalla. You can read our thoughts on The Last Kingdom in our full season review here!
Three Kingdoms
Similarities – Drama & Complex Story
Clocking in at a whopping 95 episodes, Three Kingdoms is nothing short of epic. This ambitious project adapts Luo Guanzhong’s classical Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms and includes all the rivalries, intrigues and wars of the late Eastern Han Dynasty. If you’re in the mood for something that’ll take up a good chunk of your time, this one is definitely worth considering. The show is beautifully written and features a great balance of action, character-driven sub-plots and plenty of twists and turns along the way.
The Witcher
Similarities – Fantasy & Storyline
The Witcher is not without its flaws but it’s hard to discredit what a satisfying and well written slice of high-fantasy this is. There’s certainly enough magic, monsters and sword-fighting to keep things rooted in danger, while doing the video game it’s based on justice. For those unaware, the story here revolves around a monster hunter named Geralt. Vilified by human-kind, these white-haired, emotionless Witchers spend their time hunting creatures and getting paid to do so. Geralt is joined on this hunt by Ciri, a princess in a neighbouring city and a mage-in-training named Yennefer. Across this first season, the show balances investigative work with monster slaying really well, which should satisfy those looking to scratch that high fantasy itch. You can read our thoughts on The Witcher in our full season review here!
Rome
Similarities – Story & Cinematography
There’s a reason Rome is regarded as one of the best historical TV shows HBO has ever produced. Alongside Band Of Brothers, Rome is an incredible feat on the small screen. The series was actually originally intended to be a mini-series too, but was later expanded and turned into a visual and storytelling treat to behold. Set during the 1st century B.C., the story follows the lives of two men serving in the Roman army, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pollo. There’s no shying away from the brutal harsh realities of their profession and Rome captures this in all its bloody glory. And this glory is backed up by stunning visuals and some of the best production work one could ask for from a historical epic like this. Rome is essential viewing and despite its disappointing ending after a second season, remains a quintessential choice for any historical drama fan.
Vikings
Similarities – Violence & Expansive Story
Following the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok, Vikings is a fascinating and often violent look into the lives of the first Norsemen in history. Full of dramatic tension and leaning (mostly) toward historical accuracy, Vikings does a great job blending fact and fiction. In doing so, it produces a methodically paced, interesting journey through the lives of the infamous warriors of the North. While the later seasons do take some liberties with that realism and the plot does run out of steam before its final season limps over the finish line, there’s enough here to enjoy nonetheless. You can read our thoughts on Vikings in our full season reviews here!
Marco Polo
Similarities – Drama & Visuals
Marco Polo’s gorgeous cinematography and keen eye for visuals make it a very good looking series indeed. The sweeping vistas of 13th century Mongolia are breathtakingly beautiful and really make you feel like you’ve transported to that time period. The story follows the exploits of the Mongolian Army, led by the ruthless Kublai Khan, as he wrestles for power against the Chinese army. Caught up in the middle of this is explorer Marco Polo, who becomes entangled in the court of Kublai Khan and, consequently, part of the conflict between the Chinese and Mongolians. The story dances between both factions but remains an enthralling watch despite some sluggish pacing at times. Sadly, Marco Polo was another Netflix casualty, cancelled after its second season. However, it remains a show well worth checking out. You can read our thoughts on Marco Polo in our full season review here!
Frontier
Similarities – Charismatic Main Character
Set in the Canadian port town of Fort James and the surrounding wilderness, Frontier revolves around rival factions fighting for control over the lucrative fur trade. At the center of this conflict is Declan Harp, a half-Irish/half Cree Native-Canadian outlaw who does his best to try and topple the monopoly being held over the aforementioned fur. While the first season is a little rusty, the later chapters definitely improve, concluding things with an explosive third season that bows this show out on a high. Jason Momoa is inspired in this role too, managing to put on a great performance throughout. It may not be the best period drama out there, but it is a highly enjoyable one nonetheless. You can read our thoughts on Frontier in our full season reviews here!
Medici
Similarities – Politics & Family Feuds
Set in the heart of Florence during the early 15th Century, Medici: Masters Of Florence is a beautifully shot, engrossing historical drama. Split across three seasons, this dramatic recreation of the Medici family begins with a growing conflict between Rinaldo Albizzi and Cosimo. This conflict drives much of the narrative forward, eventually coming to a head late on during the show’s climactic finale. From here, the next couple of seasons expand the story and history of the Medici family, delivering a compelling series worth checking out. You can read our thoughts on Medici in our full season reviews here!
Game Of Thrones
Similarities – Fantasy & Disappointing Ending
Game Of Thrones will forever go down as the show that completely squandered its ending, falling flat on its face before the finish line. Despite its lacklustre final two seasons, much like Vikings this show boasts its best content in the middle seasons. Specifically, the adaptations of books 2 and 3 in George R.R. Martin’s fantasy epic. For those unaware, Game Of Thrones is an epic fantasy series, taking place deep in the fictional realm of Westeros. In its simplest form, this fantasy epic revolves around warring houses fighting for control of the Iron Throne. Nine different noble families fight for control of this, while in the East a new threat begins to form with the Targaryen princess, Daenerys. While all this is going on, ancient enemies known as the White Walkers begin to stir, threatening certain doom unless the families can somehow learn to co-exist. Featuring epic battles, incredible moments and one incredibly bad ending, Game Of Thrones is a must-watch for period drama fans. If you can go in and expect a fan-fic ending, you should find enough to like with this one. You can read our thoughts on Game Of Thrones in our full season reviews here! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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