10 Historical Dramas That Are Almost Better Than the Real Thing

Whether you're into regal dramas or gritty period pieces, this list's got something for every history buff – or at least those who fancy a historical detour.

1. Versailles

Enter the lavish halls of Versailles – gilded, grand, and oh-so-gossipy. Louis XIV, a name you might've dozed off to in history class, decides to move the French court from Paris to Versailles. So, what's his deal exactly? He wants to keep an eye on his power-hungry nobles, of course! Political intrigues, affairs, and flamboyant wigs, it's the full royal package. It's a visual feast, though occasionally more style than substance. But come on, who doesn't adore a little opulence now and then?

2. The Last Kingdom

Hold onto your helmets; we're venturing into the turbulent times of the Vikings and Saxons. Uhtred, born a Saxon but raised by Vikings, faces a tough pickle. Whose side to choose? The series slices through Dark Age Britain with sharp dialogues and even sharper swords. Sometimes, the show feels like a teen drama with chainmail, but isn't a little anachronism part of the fun?

3. Harlots

Georgian London, ruffled dresses, and... brothels? That's the cheeky concoction of Harlots. The Wells family runs one of London's most lucrative brothels, but competition's stiff. Enter the cunning Lydia Quigley. Will the Wells keep their legacy, or will their empire crumble? It's not your grandma's costume drama. Some say it's overly sensational, while others argue it's just the right amount of spice. To each their own brothel.

4. Banished

Land ho! The First Fleet arrives in Australia, filled with convicts and their British overseers. The surroundings are harsh, almost as harsh as the tensions between these two groups. It's a tale of survival, justice, and (surprise, surprise) forbidden love. It's Lost, but with corsets and shackles. The series occasionally drifts, but like a boomerang, it always comes back to its intriguing core.

5. Reign

So, you've heard of Mary, Queen of Scots. This isn't her textbook tale. Young Mary navigates the treacherous waters of the French court, filled with potential allies and dangerous foes. There are prophecies, love triangles, and an occasional anachronistic song (because why not?). It's a teen drama wearing a Renaissance gown, and yes, historical purists might have a bone to pick. But if history were this fun in school, I bet you'd have paid more attention!

6. The White Queen

War of the Roses. No, not the film. The real, bloody feud between the Houses of York and Lancaster. But it's not all about the men; the women have a say too. This series follows three powerful women – Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville. Through marriages, alliances, and sheer cunning, they alter the course of history. A tad melodramatic at times, but when has a royal drama ever shied away from theatrics?

7. Borgia

The Renaissance! A period of art, culture, and... corruption? Dive deep into the twisted tales of the Borgia family. Rodrigo Borgia becomes Pope Alexander VI, but holiness is the last thing on his mind. With his children Cesare and Lucrezia by his side, Rome's underbelly is exposed. The plot sometimes feels as convoluted as an Italian opera, but with such rich characters, who can resist?

8. Mercy Street

Civil War, but from a slightly different lens. This series takes us to the bustling world of the Mansion House Hospital. It's North vs. South, but also traditional medicine vs. modern techniques. Doctors and nurses clash, patients come and go, and societal norms are challenged. The pacing might feel as slow as molasses in January, but it's a refreshing take on an era often glamorized.

9. Turn: Washington's Spies

Spies! Espionage! Revolutionary War! Abe Woodhull is a farmer turned spy, gathering intel for George Washington. The series illuminates the shadows of the American Revolution. It's a cat and mouse game, and the stakes? Only the fate of a budding nation. Occasionally it gets tangled in its own web of deceit, but don't most spy tales?

10. Copper

1860s New York. Not the glitzy, skyscraper-filled skyline we know, but rather the grimy streets of Five Points. Detective Kevin Corcoran works the beat, navigating the complex web of crime, race, and politics. The show is gritty, painting a stark image of a city in transition. Sometimes the gloom feels overdone, but isn't a little grime necessary to appreciate the shine?