The best historical shows (and a couple of films) to stream this Christmas
In the spirit of sharing, we thought we’d put together a little list of the best historical things to stream this festive season (according to historians). Enjoy!
The Renaissance: The Blood and Beauty (BBC iPlayer)
Exploring the lives of Renaissance Italy’s three great sons: Leonardo, Raphael and Michelangelo. This stunning three-part series boasts unrivalled access to their greatest works of art, which are given space to glow and breath as the camera pores over details, curves, and dazzling colour. The expert contributors are lit like artist’s models and the drama recon, lead by a brilliant turn from Charles Dance as Michelangelo, is outstanding. Nominated by Rebecca Rideal (HistFest director, historian and author 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire)
Documentary that combines leading academic voices with dramatization of the rivalry that unfolded between Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Gripping and goes against the grain of archetype documentary. Nominated by Shafi Musaddique (journalist, HistFest host and author From the Frontier)
History Cold Case (BBC - available on YouTube)
A team of forensic experts using their skills to solve historical cold cases. They get loads of stuff wrong but I still don’t care. I loved that series. Nominated by Dr Kate Lister (historian and author A Curious History of Sex)
1899 (Netflix)
Really dark, twisty, atmospheric, and absolutely star acting! 1899 probably comes out on top because of the sheer scale - cinematography, the cast of international actors and languages spoken, the centering of female characters, and OMG the twists!! Nominated by Dr Mai Musie (Classicist and author of forthcoming memoir on ancient and modern migration)
Unknown: Cave of Bones (Netflix)
A profound film documenting an expedition deep into South African caves which are rich with the remains of our prehistoric relatives, the Homo Naledis. Totally awe-inspiring and will make you question what it means to be human. Nominated by Isabel Wilson TV and HistFest event producer.
The Great (Channel 4)
My fave ever historical movie is Monty Python’s Holy Grail, but I recently loved finishing the third series of The Great on Channel 4 - both are incredibly funny, violent, playful, subversive, and deeply rewarding for historians who know the story well and can pick up some of the in-jokes. Nominated by Greg Jenner (public historian and author of Ask a Historian and the Totally Chaotic History series for children).
Shōgun (Disney+)
Not just the best thing to stream this Christmas, one of the best historical dramas ever made. Anna Sawai is incredibly moving as Mariko, Cosmo Jarvis is charming as Blackthorne, and Tadanobu Asano steals more than a few scenes as the slippery Yabushige, but this show belongs to Hiroyuki Sanada. His sophisticated and layered portrayal of Lord Toranaga, whose presence is felt in every single scene, is one for the ages. It is so clever, so beautiful and stays with you long after the final episode’s credits roll. Nominated by Rebecca Rideal (HistFest director, historian and author 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire)
I, Claudius (Originally BBC, now available on Prime Video)
I Claudius was the first big historical series I’d ever seen. It gripped me, my Mum and my Gran as we waited for each episode. Watching it decades later you realise that almost every great actor of the time was in it and although it looks a bit wonky now, it’s still a classic classical drama. Nominated by Dr Wanda Wyporska (historian and author of Witchcraft in Early Modern Poland).
Outlander (Prime Video)
Outlander is my all time favourite, and the reason for this is that it has the power to transport its viewers back in time with it. When I watch it, I feel like I’m back in the eighteenth century with the characters, witnessing history as it happened through their eyes. Nominated by Dr Nicola Tallis (historian and author of Young Elizabeth).
Casa Susanna (BBC iPlayer)
Two elderly trans women return to holiday resort in upstate New York that they spent summers in during the 1960s with male friends who identified as ‘cross dressers’. It’s a charming personal history that gives a glimpse into both the joys and sadness of queer life in the mid 20th century. Nominated by Isabel Wilson TV and HistFest event producer.
Rome (available to stream on Prime Video and Apple TV)
It’s all sex and stabbing. You keep thinking it surely wasn’t this mad in Ancient Rome, turns out after years of study, it pretty much was! Nominated by Jasmine Elmer (Classics expert and author Goddess with a Thousand Faces).
A Thousand Blows (Disney+)
Now this isn’t technically out yet, but it is scheduled for release in February 2025. It’s a new historical drama from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. Set in the 1880s and inspired by the true stories of the East End's boxers and of the Forty Elephants - a female crime syndicate. Nominated by Sarah Elizabeth Cox (A Thousand Blows historical advisor, HistFest event producer, and author of Grappling With History).
Deadwood (Prime Video)
Give me a hard-bitten historical drama over bonnets and bustles any day! Deadwood is one of the best. It’s a western set in the real town of Deadwood, South Dakota in the 1870s and it’s basically about how a lawless, cutthroat gold-mining camp turned itself into a town. It’s full of brothels and gambling dens and frontier justice and there’s some brilliant acting, especially from Ian McShane as the fabulously sweary, swaggering Al Swearengen. Nominated by Jessie Childs (historian and author of The Siege of Loyalty House).
The Shadow of the Tower (YouTube)
An insightful, gripping and character-driven deep-dive into the court of Henry VII, with unquestionably the greatest portrayal of the first Tudor king put to screen - and what's more, historical accuracy has been favoured over invention. Nominated by Nathen Amin (historian and author of Son of Prophecy).
The Knick (Sky Atlantic)
A gritty glimpse into a turn-of-the-century hospital where the line between life and death is precarious at best. Clive Owen’s character, loosely based off William Halsted—the cocaine-fueled surgeon who invented the radical mastectomy—is so-well drawn that you’ll think you stepped back into 1900. My only criticism of the show is that it ended too quickly! Nominated by Dr Lindsey Fitzharris (historian and author of The Butchering Art).
And, finally, the opening credits place the action in the past, so the next suggestion is perhaps not so much of a curveball as it initially might seem…
Star Wars (Disney+)
Two words - Star Wars. Nominated by Prof. Peter Frankopan (historian and author of The Earth Transformed).
A glaring omission from our list... WOLF HALL!