10 Historical Dramas That Are 20% Fact, 80% Fabulous Costumes

1. Versailles (2015-2018)

What's more decadent than the court of the Sun King, Louis XIV? Step into Versailles, where the lavish palace is just a backdrop for power plays, political intrigue, and personal drama. Louis seeks to centralize power, bringing the nobility to heel, but intrigue runs rife, and loyalty is hard to find. His brother, Philippe, offers support while navigating his own complex life. Is the palace a symbol of magnificence or a gilded cage? One thing's for sure: in this opulent world, there's more velvet than verity.

2. Harlots (2017-2019)

The streets of 18th-century London are alive with more than the sound of music. Brothels, vying for dominance, form the crux of Harlots. Enter Margaret Wells, a brothel owner, and her daughters, Charlotte and Lucy. Competing with the high-class Lydia Quigley, it's a dog-eat-dog world where fortunes rise and fall. But who's got the upper hand? Grab a powdered wig and get ready for a wild romp where the costumes are as colorful as the characters.

3. The Spanish Princess (2019-2020)

Hola, history! Catherine of Aragon sails to England to marry Prince Arthur, but he's not long for this world. What's a princess to do? Why, marry his brother, Henry VIII, of course! Catherine's journey from Spanish princess to English queen takes center stage, but historical accuracy? That's been locked in the Tower. Get ready for a ride that's part fact, part fabulous.

4. Banished (2015)

Welcome to the land down under, where the British Empire sends its convicts to live out their days. Banished tells the tale of these settlers, trying to survive in the harsh Australian landscape. There's love, betrayal, and hardship in the fledgling colony. Governor Phillip attempts to rule with fairness, but it's a fine line between order and anarchy. The convicts wear rags, not riches, but it's a drama that shines.

5. The White Queen (2013)

To the War of the Roses! The White Queen puts women at the heart of the battle between the Houses of York and Lancaster. Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville; three queens vying for power. They navigate a man's world, their loyalties and ambitions in constant flux. The throne changes hands, allegiances shift, and the courtiers don fabulous costumes. But how much is fact and how much is frill?

6. Jamestown (2017-2019)

Set sail to 17th-century Virginia, where English settlers attempt to build a new life. Jamestown focuses on three women, Jocelyn, Alice, and Verity, who arrive to marry the men of the colony. Their struggles, alliances, and friendships form the heart of the series. As the colony grapples with the Native Americans and tensions rise within, it's a time of change and challenge. The costumes? Stunning. The history? Let's just say Jamestown takes some liberties.

7. Knightfall (2017-2019)

Crusaders, assemble! Knightfall tells the tale of the Templar Knights, protectors of the Holy Grail. But when the Grail is lost, it's a race against time to recover the sacred relic. Landry, a veteran Templar, leads the charge, but betrayal and intrigue lurk at every corner. The Pope, the French King, and the English Crown all play their part in this medieval drama. Swords clash, secrets are unveiled, and armor shines, but remember, it's a tale that's more embroidery than tapestry.

8. The Borgias (2011-2013)

Ah, the Italian Renaissance, where art, culture, and scandal thrive. The Borgias dives into the life of Rodrigo Borgia, elected as Pope Alexander VI, and his ambitious family. His children, Cesare and Lucrezia, navigate the treacherous waters of politics, love, and power. The Church, the nobility, and rival families all play their part in this tale of corruption and intrigue. The costumes? Magnifico! The history? Let's just say it's sprinkled with a dash of papal indulgence.

9. Marco Polo (2014-2016)

Journey to the court of Kublai Khan, where young Marco Polo finds himself thrust into a world of intrigue and power struggles. The Mongol Empire expands its reach, and Marco learns the ways of the court, earning the Khan's trust. Amidst battles, betrayals, and conquests, Marco navigates his new life. The Silk Road is as much a path of trade as it is of secrets. The costumes? Exquisite. The historical accuracy? Lost somewhere along the way.

10. The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)

To the land of the Vikings and Saxons! Uhtred, born a Saxon but raised a Viking, finds himself torn between two worlds. He battles for land, loyalty, and love in a time of war and shifting allegiances. Kings and warlords rise and fall, and Uhtred must choose his path. The shield walls clash, the longships sail, and the characters don fabulous costumes. History? Well, it's there, somewhere amidst the swordplay and splendor.