10 Excellent Historically-Accurate TV Shows

Historical TV shows often walk a thin line between accuracy and entertainment value. While many series take creative liberties to make the story more compelling, there are some that excel in capturing the essence of their time periods without sacrificing authenticity. In this article, we delve into 10 exceptional historical TV shows that have managed to balance accuracy with engaging storytelling.

The Importance of Historical Accuracy in TV Shows

Historical TV shows must strike the right balance between accuracy and entertainment value. Only a few are exceptional in both regards. When done correctly, these shows can provide a rich educational experience, allowing viewers to delve into the past in a way that feels authentic and immersive. However, when creative liberties are taken without proper justification, it can detract from the overall impact of the show.

Top 10 Historically Accurate TV Shows

1. Mad Men

Set in the 1960s, Mad Men is a period drama that follows the lives of advertising executives at a fictional agency. The show is praised for its accurate portrayal of the era, from the fashion to the politics. The show's attention to detail is remarkable, capturing the social and cultural nuances of the time period.

2. Deadwood

This HBO series is set in the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota, during the gold rush. It follows a diverse group of characters as they navigate the harsh environment of the Wild West. Deadwood is notable for its realistic depiction of life in a mining town, capturing its violence, racism, and class struggle.

3. The Crown

This Netflix series chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from her early days as a princess to her present-day reign. The show is known for its attention to detail, from costumes and set designs to the accents and mannerisms of the characters. It also uses real-life footage and photographs to recreate historical events.

4. John Adams

This miniseries is based on David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography and covers John Adams' life from his early days as a lawyer to his presidency and beyond. The show's true and authentic portrayal of the late 1700s and early 1800s is what makes it so remarkable, capturing events like the Boston Massacre and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

5. Wolf Hall

This Golden Globe award-winning miniseries is a fictional biography of Thomas Cromwell, King Henry VIII's right-hand man. The show is based on two books by Hilary Mantel and brings Cromwell's trajectory from a poor working-class member of society to his influential position at court to life.

6. The Last King: Charles II: The Power and the Passion

This British drama series explores the life of Charles II, focusing on his power struggles and personal life. It is notable for its attention to historical detail, capturing events such as the Restoration of the monarchy and the Great Fire of London.

7. The Virgin Queen

This ITV series delves into the life of Queen Elizabeth I, exploring her reign and personal life. It is praised for its accurate portrayal of Elizabethan England, including the politics and cultural nuances of the time.

8. Rome

Although it takes some creative liberties, HBO's Rome is often cited as one of the most authentic historical TV shows. It follows the lives of Roman soldiers and politicians during the late Republic era, capturing the politics, culture, and daily life of ancient Rome.

9. Chernobyl

This miniseries is a chilling historical drama that depicts the events surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. It accurately portrays Soviet-era bureaucracy and the culture of secrecy surrounding the disaster. The show features a talented cast and an impressive attention to historical detail.

10. Peaky Blinders

Set in post-World War I Birmingham, Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby crime family as they build their fortune. The series is grounded in historical context but also includes fictional characters and plotlines. It captures the social and economic struggles of the time period, making it an engaging watch for history enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Historical TV shows have the power to educate and entertain audiences, but only if they strike the right balance between accuracy and entertainment value. The shows mentioned above have managed to achieve this balance, providing viewers with an immersive and authentic experience of different historical periods. Whether it's the 1960s advertising world of Mad Men, the lawless town of Deadwood, or the reign of Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, these series offer a deep dive into history that is both engaging and enlightening.

References

• https://www.reddit.com/r/history/comments/6kgw8j/whatre_some_great_historical_tv_shows_that_are/
• https://movieweb.com/realistic-historical-tv-dramas/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?vQy2ochs2owk