10 TV Shows Like Shogun

The television series “Shogun,” which originally aired in 1980, is considered one of the all-time greats. This upcoming 2024 historical drama, penned by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks based on James Clavell’s novel, garnered an astounding 18 Emmy Awards during its first season, including the prestigious award for outstanding drama series. Remarkably, it became the first non-English language show to ever receive this honor. Its immense popularity surpassed initial expectations, transforming the miniseries into a cultural sensation.

Unfortunately, for devoted fans, the captivating world of “Shogun” is limited in supply. Although new episodes are being produced, viewers must exercise patience to find out what transpires next. While re-watching existing episodes can offer a sense of familiarity, eventually one may crave a different series that echoes the unique essence of “Shogun”. Fortunately, there’s an abundance of television content available that attempts to recreate some of that enchantment.

Looking for TV series similar to “Shogun”? Check out these top 10 recommendations!

Or,

If you enjoyed “Shogun”, here are some other shows that you might like. Let me share my top 10 picks with you.

Or,

For those who loved “Shogun”, here’s a list of 10 great TV series that you should definitely check out!

Black Sails

In “Shogun”, we follow the journey of a castaway navigating a harsh environment filled with hostility towards him due to his unfamiliar customs. If you are drawn to this narrative and its intricate sea-faring escapades, then you should definitely consider watching “Black Sails”.

As I dive headfirst into the thrilling world of “Black Sails,” set in the tumultuous Caribbean during the golden era of piracy in the 1700s, I find myself stepping into a pre-Treasure Island adventure starring Captain Flint (Toby Stephens). This gripping series intertwines fictional narratives with real-life pirate history, plunging me into a world where piracy is seen as a threat to humanity itself.

The journey unfolds, revealing the enigmatic backstory of Captain Flint, his transformation into a pirate, and offering a panoramic view of the vibrant, dangerous era that made pirates legendary. The show is brimming with treasure hunts, intense naval battles against the Royal Navy, and political machinations as each notorious pirate captain struggles for dominance.

Blue Eye Samurai

If you’re looking for a show set around the same time as “Shogun,” then “Blue Eye Samurai” might catch your interest. This animated series, crafted by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, premiered on Netflix in 2023 and garnered much acclaim for its stunning animation, riveting action sequences, and thoughtful narrative.

Titled “Blue Eye Samurai,” this series is set within the backdrop of 17th-century Japan and chronicles the journey of a mixed-race warrior, portrayed by Maya Erskine, as she seeks vengeance. Raised in Japan, her hardened spirit stems from the racial prejudices she faced. Her mission is to uncover a band of white men, including her own father, who remain within Japan’s now-closed borders. The narrative of “Blue Eye Samurai” bears the weight of political intrigue, societal tension, and emotional turmoil that permeate the action. Our protagonist, Mizu, navigates these challenges with a grim determination. If you yearn for complex plots, intense violence, and scheming, this show won’t disappoint; it offers more than “Shogun” does – stunning animation that vividly portrays 17th-century Japan in an innovative manner.

The Last Kindgom

If you fancy delving a bit deeper into medieval times, “The Last Kingdom” could be the perfect series for you. This show, based on Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling books, is set in England before the Norman invasion. It explores power struggles during the era of Saxon England, a time when the island was under constant threat from Danish invasions. King Alfred the Great (played by David Dawson) strives to unite all Englishmen under one kingdom and defend his homeland, but finds that internal power struggles can be just as perilous as external threats.

In “The Last Kingdom,” the central theme is Alfred’s effort to unite England, yet the narrative primarily focuses on Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon warrior who was raised among Danes. His journey revolves around reclaiming his native land and vanquishing his foes. To achieve this goal, he collaborates with Alfred and his forces, embarking upon an extraordinary odyssey marked by conflicts, plots, and alliances. There’s no Japanese influence in the story, but fans of “Shogun” will undoubtedly be captivated by its palace politics and intense battle sequences.

Marco Polo

If you find the cultural collisions in “Shogun” intriguing, you might enjoy “Marco Polo,” a captivating Netflix series that delves into the life of the renowned explorer, offering a glimpse into the complexities of various cultures as Marco interacts with Chinese emperors, Mongol rulers, and other influential figures.

In this adaptation of the “Marco Polo” tale, we delve into Marco’s early life, as he embarks on an epic journey that will one day make him legendary (portrayed by Lorenzo Richelmy). His adventures lead him to China and the grand court of the Mongol Empire, where Kublai Khan (Benedict Wong) holds sway. Stranded in unfamiliar surroundings under the watchful eye of this formidable ruler, young Marco must swiftly adapt to understand the Great Khan’s perspective on the world.

Undeniably, this story sets the stage for an intriguing cultural collision, and Richelmy and Wong masterfully emphasize the contrasts and commonalities in their character’s perspectives on life. Add some breathtaking conflicts, and you have a historical drama that is definitely worth your attention.

Rome

Whenever there’s talk about top-tier historical dramas on television, it’s hard not to mention “Rome,” the HBO series I’m referring to. This groundbreaking show was released way before many others in this genre and paved the way for TV masterpieces like “Shogun.

The TV series “Rome” is set during the decline of the Roman Republic and follows various characters as they navigate a world undergoing transformation. This includes a boisterous soldier (Ray Stevenson), a cunning aristocrat (Polly Walker), and Julius Caesar himself (Ciaran Hinds). The first season charts their stories, depicting Caesar’s journey from revered military leader to potential sole ruler of the Republic, culminating in his renowned destiny. The second season delves deeper into Rome, examining the aftermath of Caesar’s choices and how his heirs and adversaries respond to the consequences. With its intricate political machinations reminiscent of “Shogun,” if you appreciate power struggles, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the grandeur of “Rome.

Succession

To clarify: “Succession” differs significantly from the world portrayed in “Shogun.” Instead of focusing on samurais, honor, and grand physical conflicts, this series delves into the realms of business, family dynamics, and the twisted manifestations of the contemporary American Dream. Despite these differences, both shows share a unique quality that makes them an intriguing pair.

The series “Succession” revolves around the power struggles among the children of a powerful media magnate, portrayed by Brian Cox, as they jockey for control over their family business. Filled with intricate plots, risky ventures, and questionable alliances that occasionally succeed or spectacularly fail, it’s a tale set amidst opulence where characters argue over trivial matters. Remarkably, the show has a knack for making viewers forget crucial revelations, only for them to return with disastrous consequences later on.

In a similar vein, “Shogun” and this show pair well due to their shared focus on grand strategies, yet both delve into the imperfections and flaws inherent in human nature that often hinder these plans. Each character in the series has a strategic goal, but it’s the human weaknesses that consistently derail those ambitions. And among contemporary shows, “Succession” excels at this exploration more effectively than many others.

The Terror

The Terror” is a chilling anthology series based on real-life events, offering a unique take on history that may differ from shows like “Shogun”, but it’s sure to captivate those who appreciate intricate historical details and gritty situations. The first season, inspired by Dan Simmons’ novel, delves into the enigmatic story of the Franklin expedition, a real-life voyage to the Arctic which has remained shrouded in mystery. This adaptation explores a fictionalized account of the expedition’s tragic end for its crew members.

For enthusiasts of “Shogun,” don’t miss out on the second season titled “The Terror: Infamy.” This series unfolds during World War II and focuses on a band of Japanese-American characters whose lives are disrupted as they are relocated to an internment camp in the Western U.S. However, their troubles multiply when a chilling mythical creature from Japanese folklore appears within the camp’s confines. This gripping tale offers a profound exploration of past and present cruelties while weaving a haunting horror narrative that complements its portrayal of Japanese cultural history.

If you enjoyed “Shogun,” be sure to catch season 2, “The Terror: Infamy.” The story takes place during World War II, following the lives of Japanese Americans who are moved to an internment camp in the Western U.S. A dreadful creature from Japanese folklore then makes its appearance within the camp. This captivating tale delves deep into past and present injustices while creating a spine-chilling horror narrative that enhances its portrayal of Japanese cultural history.

Tokyo Vice

Even though it’s several centuries apart from shows like “Shogun”, viewers who enjoyed the historical drama on FX might find “Tokyo Vice” particularly appealing, not merely due to its Japanese backdrop, but also for other engaging aspects.

According to the book with the same title by Jake Adelstein, the series centers around Ansel Elgort’s character, Adelstein, who is a young journalist that relocates to Tokyo and becomes the first foreign reporter at a prominent newspaper there as the millennium approaches. Despite being seen as an outsider by those around him, he is persistent in immersing himself in Japanese culture. With the assistance of a shrewd detective played by Ken Watanabe, Adelstein finds himself not only immersed but entangled in the dangerous underworld of the yakuza, a complex power system operating behind the scenes of the modern, gleaming city.

If you’re captivated by immersive explorations of Japanese culture, this series is a must-watch. It carries the same essence of shifting loyalties, meticulous strategy, and peril lurking at every turn. While not an exact match, it leans towards the realm of “modern-day Shogunate.

Vikings

Similar to “The Last Kingdom,” the historical drama “Vikings” is set in medieval Europe. However, at first glance, it may seem unusual to compare it to “Shogun.” Upon closer examination, however, you’ll discover a deep, sprawling series that offers an engaging viewing experience, keeps you enthralled, and features moments where you can’t help but hang on every character’s spoken word.

The TV show is inspired by authentic Norse sagas of brave warriors, and it chronicles the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok (played by Travis Fimmel) from a humble farmer to a powerful king with the help of his companions, kin, and allies. In the series’ timeline, the Vikings frequently clash with the Saxons of England, which is a significant aspect. However, the character development, delving into Ragnar’s reasons for seeking power and its effects on those around him, whether friend or foe, holds equal importance. Moreover, the narrative extends beyond the initial tales of Ragnar’s rise to power, eventually exploring his offspring’s lives as well. The show even spawned a spinoff series.

If you’re captivated by the tale in “Shogun” about a man overcoming challenges in a challenging environment, then you should definitely check out “Vikings.” It’s one of the most popular historical dramas for a very valid reason.

Westworld

A science fiction show centered around power struggles, “Westworld”, shares a common actor, Hiroyuki Sanada, with “Shogun”. Sanada, who was part of the HBO series years prior to his Emmy-winning performance in “Shogun”, now portrays a legendary samurai named Musashi in the Shogunworld version of Westworld’s park. From the second season onwards, he becomes a significant character.

As a fellow gamer, I can’t wait to dive back into the captivating world of “Shogun” and “Westworld.” While Sanada’s character and Shogunworld are certainly enticing, they’re not the only reasons to tune in. The show shares similarities with “Shogun” in its intricate, sometimes unexpected plotlines. It delves into the realm of science fiction, yet it’s at its finest when it’s all about the strategic gameplay, with characters meticulously plotting and executing complex plans, often keeping even their allies in the dark. If you relish the intrigue and unpredictability of “Shogun,” you’ll be hooked by how this series masterfully manipulates your perception of situations, only to flip everything on its head in a brilliant twist.

2025-01-05 20:30