The original raiders and pirates of history, the Vikings are the epitome of strength, brute force, and seafaring ingenuity.With their uniquely recognizable ships and distinctive looks, these Scandinavian explorers colonized their way around Europe and the world from the 9th to 11th century.Known for their strength, tenacity, and fearsome reputations, the Vikings of old were a force to be reckoned with.
The tales of heroic Viking figures have inspired countless stories, with some leaning toward a more mystical take, incorporating their belief in Norse Mythology, and others drawing from real records and archaeological finds.With so much history and visually compelling lore to draw from, the Vikings have been conquering our TV screens for quite some time.
Whether we are following a dramatic saga, dealing with mythical creatures or settling in to learn more about the real Vikings, TV shows about Vikings remain a compelling genre.
THE BEST SCRIPTED TV SERIES ABOUT VIKINGS
Vikings, History Channel/Amazon Prime (2013 – 2020)Vikings is easily one of the most iconic shows about the Norsemen from Scandinavia.The sleeper hit started small on the History Channel but subsequently gained a massive following due to its high production and compelling storytelling.
Centered on Ragnar Lothbrok, the 6 season show follows him and his descendants. We meet young Ragnar as a farmer with a yearning to explore what lies on shores beyond his own.A lot of the show focuses on his headstrong nature and defiance of Earl Haradlson, his Chief.Ragnar wants to head West, where there is more opportunity, and begins to construct his own fleet, all while garnering followers through his claims of a direct lineage to Odin himself.Riveting visuals, extraordinary casting, and a wonderfully entwined mix of history and fiction, Vikings sets the bar very high when it comes to television.
Vikings: Valhalla, Netflix (2022 – present)
This show is a follow-up to the juggernaut that is Vikings and is set 100 years after the events of the final season.This time we investigate the tension brewing between Viking descendants and the English, as well as conflicts within the Norsemen themselves as Christianity starts rising – a threat to their pagan beliefs.What makes the show stand out is that the creators are open about its portrayal of the decline of the Viking Age. The intent is to end the show at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, set in 1066.
As viewers, we know where the characters are headed and what their ultimate fate is, but we are still drawn by the familial bonds of Lief Eriksson and his kin.
Norsemen, Netflix (2016 – 2020)Taking things in a lighter direction, Norsemen is a comedic look at life in Norway during the 790s.The show is a unique production – recording both English and Norwegian scenes at the same time, instead of relying on dubbed dialogue.The ensemble nature of the show allows an easy flow between characters as we follow different leads on their day-to-day duties, often with hilarious results.
Whether bickering with a neighboring village or resisting modernization from a former Roman slave, the show plays with the idea of parody and surprisingly modern ideas – modern for a medieval village of Vikings of course.The show is a surprising delight and is worth the watch for a total of 9 hours of hilarity – because you will binge this in one sitting.
The Last Kingdom, Netflix/BBC (2015 – 2022)Based on The Saxon Stories series of books by author Bernard Cornwell, The Last Kingdom is a compelling 5 season saga that only gets better with each season.
Throughout the show, we follow Uhtred, a young Saxon orphan at the hands of a Danish army.
The young boy is captured by Earl Ragnar, who ultimately raises him along with other captives.
When his new home is destroyed, and his adopted family is once again ripped from him, Uhtred is beset with a need for vengeance. However, having two identities, Uhtred is torn between his loyalty to his lineage and his love for those who raised him.Through this quest, Uhtred is seemingly drawn into a larger war brewing between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons.
Riveting to watch and filled with emotion, we are invested in every episode, even as the world is figuratively burning behind Uhtred
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