Summary
- Shows like Vikings take viewers on gritty, violent journeys through medieval times with fierce warriors and epic battles.
- While similar shows vary in time period and setting, they all feature strong warriors fighting for their people and beliefs.
- Fans of Vikings will enjoy other series like Deadwood, The Bastard Executioner, and The White Queen for their compelling storytelling and intense action.
Shows like Vikings take viewers on a journey to a medieval time and present plenty of gritty and often violent action. The show followed Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), who was a farmer turned warrior turned king. With that setup, the hit series showed the Norsemen of early Scandinavia as they set out to fight for their freedom. The show premiered in 2013 and concluded after six seasons and 89 episodes in 2020 with King Bjorn's reign over Kattegat, Ubbe's expeditions to Iceland and North America, and Ivar's adventures in Rus' and Wessex. This eventually led to the sequel, Vikings: Valhalla.
Throughout the years, there have been a lot of shows like Vikings that followed this same basic setup, although they didn't always take place in the same period and didn't always involve Vikings and Norsemen. While some shows like Vikings include Viking warriors, others take place in the Wild West, post-World War Britain, and even mythical fantasy lands like that of The Witcher. Each of these shows takes a warrior and places them where they have to fight for what is best for them and their people while never surrendering and never giving up.
The Best TV Shows Of All Time, Ranked
The best TV shows of all time will be debated forever, but there are clear contenders. These are the very best TV shows of all time, ranked.
20 Deadwood (2004 - 2006)
3 Seasons, 36 Episodes
Deadwood
Deadwood is a western drama series created for HBO by David Milch. The series takes place in Deadwood, South Dakota, where corruption runs rampant in the gold-mining era as the settlement existed outside the U.S. territory expansion following the Civil War. As the town was the site of a major gold find, it continues to attract people from all walks of life - especially opportunistic criminals.
- Cast
- Timothy Olyphant , Ian McShane , Molly Parker , Jim Beaver , Brad Dourif , John Hawkes , Paula Malcomson , Leon Rippy , William Sanderson , Robin Weigert
- Release Date
- March 21, 2004
- Seasons
- 3
While the premise of a drama taking place in the 1870s American Old West might seem like a far cry from the frozen north of Medieval Scandinavia and its warring tribes, the three seasons of Deadwood have many similarities in terms of style and premise to shows like Vikings. This criminally short-lived drama and subsequent movie captivated audiences with its authentically gritty settings, dynamic characters, and intriguing plots, which helped the show win eight Emmys and a Golden Globe.
While the small town of Deadwood is leagues away from the likes of Vikings geographically, there's a comparable level of instability and an individualistic sense of "everyone for themselves" in this harsh, cutthroat society. Like Vikings, Deadwood explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power. Characters like Al Swearengen and Seth Bullock embody complex moral ambiguities similar to Ragnar Lothbrok and other Vikings characters, where survival often hinges on making ruthless choices. The immersive world-building and historical authenticity make Deadwood an unforgettable exploration of the American frontier that Vikings fans will appreciate for its raw and uncompromising storytelling.
19 The Bastard Executioner (2015)
1 Season, 10 Episodes
The Bastard Executioner
Set in the early 14th century, a group of Welsh commoners group together to defeat their ruthless oppressors. Created by Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter, The Bastard Executioner aired on FX for one season before being canceled. The series starred Lee Jones, Katey Sagal, Sam Spruell, and Flora Spencer-Longhurst.
- Cast
- Kurt Sutter , Katey Sagal , Stephen Moyer
- Release Date
- November 17, 2015
- Seasons
- 1
Much like shows like Vikings, The Bastard Executioner features plenty of historically rooted fighting and violence, making it a natural fit for fans. It focuses on a knight who no longer wants to be in a war, which puts an exciting twist on the typical action-hero narrative. However, he does get dragged back into the fighting, and, though unwilling, it's what Wilkin Brattle does best. Created by Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy), the series doesn't stop depicting the brutal realities of medieval life and warfare.
The show delves into themes of revenge, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. The richly detailed medieval setting, with its grim villages and imposing castles, creates an immersive atmosphere akin to the rugged Scandinavian landscapes of Vikings. The action and fight choreography in this show are truly superb, and they'll undoubtedly keep any Vikings fan entertained, despite unfortunately only lasting for a single season. Despite its short run, The Bastard Executioner is packed with intense battles, political intrigue, and compelling character arcs that will resonate with any fan of epic historical drama.