As a history enthusiast who has spent countless hours delving into the intricacies of eras past, I must say that this list is a treasure trove for those seeking a captivating journey through time. If you’re looking for a tale as rich and complex as the Shōgun era, Just like Shōgun and Alexander Dreymon’s performance are not to be missed.
If you’ve become captivated by the allure of Shōgun, much like many others, and yearn for more engrossing historical dramas, allow me to suggest some alternatives that will surely hold your interest. The current sensation sweeping through FX and Hulu is none other than Shōgun, a series that has captivated viewers with its intricate narrative and breathtaking visuals. This captivating production is the brainchild of Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, and it vividly portrays the tumultuous era of feudal Japan, where an English sailor named John Blackthorne finds himself shipwrecked and embroiled in a complex relationship with Lord Toranaga, a formidable daimyo.
The show, starring Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, and Anna Sawai, has raised the bar for historical dramas by winning an impressive 18 Emmy Awards in 2024, including the Outstanding Drama Series title. Critics have praised its exceptional attention to detail, captivating performances, and engaging storytelling. Notably, Sanada and Sawai were recognized with awards for Best Actor and Actress in a Drama Series.
If you’ve just started watching and have recently completed the captivating series called Shōgun, we’ve put together a list of 10 other shows that share themes and visual styles reminiscent of Shōgun. These shows deliver a rich historical backdrop, unexpected turns, thrilling battles, and a power-packed political storyline to ensure an unforgettable viewing experience.
10 Vikings (2013 – 2020)
A captivating series titled Vikings gained massive acclaim even though it initially aired on traditional TV networks rather than streaming platforms. This show narrates the tale of a resourceful farmer named Ragnar Lothbrok, who harbors ambitions to establish himself as a formidable warrior and ascend in his village’s social hierarchy. He embarks on thrilling expeditions into unexplored lands, where no other Norseman has set foot before, and conducts daring raids in England. Over time, he transforms from a mere farmer into a Scandinavian king, altering the trajectory of history itself.
The Unfolding of a Glorious Saga
Created by Michael Hirst, Vikings vividly portrays the tumultuous times of the Viking age. The visually stunning production combined with Travis Fimmel’s intricate portrayal of a man driven by ambition for power, riches, and honor, sets it apart as an exceptional show. Similar to Shōgun, this historical drama delves into politically charged narratives about cultural exchanges, with the Vikings serving as the first Europeans exploring foreign lands. The success of Vikings even spawned a spin-off series, titled Vikings: Valhalla.
9 Black Sails (2014 – 2017)
Exploring the era of piracy in the 1700s, Black Sails delves into the life of Captain Flint, a notorious pirate ruler of the West Indies. He sails across the Caribbean, wreaking havoc on British colonies to protect New Providence Island. However, what fuels his rebellious nature and how did he gain control over such a vast, multi-cultural, and fiercely loyal crew? The series delves into Flint’s maritime escapades, treasure hunts, and pirate conflicts.
An Absolute Triumph in Storytelling
This series, titled “Shōgun,” initially portrays European sailors having a tough time locating land, while “Black Sails” vividly breathes life into pirate legends over four dramatic seasons – for those who found the initial episode of Shōgun intriguing enough to explore further. The masterminds behind this grand production, Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine, are also the showrunners, taking the iconic 1983 novel “Treasure Island” as a starting point but adding layers of complexity that surpass any previous pirate story. The opulent filming quality and accurate portrayal of the Golden Age of Piracy, along with compelling acting from the cast, make it an engaging watch.
8 Marco Polo (2014 – 2016)
Back in the days when Netflix was just starting to make waves, they produced hidden treasures that are still waiting to be discovered by viewers today. One such gem is “Marco Polo”, a captivating series that tells the tale of a young merchant and explorer named Marco Polo. With an impressive budget of $200 million, this show brings to life the adventures of Marco, who after three grueling years of travel across seas and deserts, finds himself imprisoned by the formidable Kublai Khan, a 13th-century Mongolian emperor. Despite his youth and initial insignificance, Marco manages to win favor with the emperor and his inner circle. As a movie reviewer, I highly recommend this series for its immersive storytelling and stunning visuals.
Rich Tale of Forgotten History
Although providing traditional entertainment to a limited audience, the series Marco Polo was unfortunately discontinued after two seasons. Its depiction of 13th-century China and Mongol rule was nothing short of impressive. The impressive set designs, historically accurate costumes, and expansive scope provided an immersive journey to a distant land. Like Shōgun, the Netflix production also followed a Westerner caught up in intricate Eastern power struggles. Lorenzo Richelmy gave a captivating performance in the lead role, with notable support from Benedict Wong, Joan Chen, Rick Yune, and others.
7 Tokyo Vice (2022 – 2024)
Tokyo Vice offers an engrossing glimpse into the crime-ridden 1990s Tokyo underbelly, seen through the perspective of American journalist Jake Adelstein. He secures a position at a prominent Japanese newspaper and embarks on an adventure within the treacherous yakuza realm. This series is grounded in reality, following Jake’s transformation from novice reporter to skilled investigator as he bravely delves into Tokyo’s hidden corruption, often putting his life on the line to unveil the truth.
Fascinating Slice of Neo-Noir
In stark contrast to Tokyo’s unforgiving criminal underbelly, the television series Tokyo Vice vividly breathes life into Adelstein’s non-fiction memoirs of his time working undercover for the police in Tokyo. The show’s intricate plot, striking visuals, and gritty portrayal of power dynamics and survival in a lawless environment make it visually captivating. For fans of Shogun, it offers an engaging blend of crime and drama. As for the cast, Ansel Elgort, Ken Watanabe, and Rinko Kikuchi continue to impress with their stellar performances.
6 Pachinko (2022 – Present)
A TV series titled “Pachinko,” which is an original from Apple TV+ and is based on Min Jin Lee’s 19-book of the same name, chronicles a multigenerational Korean family’s journey that starts in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on Sunja, a young woman who departs her homeland under Japanese control to establish a fresh life in Osaka. Through her experiences as a Korean immigrant in Japan and the shifts in historical and cultural environments, “Pachinko” provides an immersive portrayal of these events.
An Intimate Portrait of a Family’s History
Pachinko is a moving adaptation that unfolds a multi-generational tale within the backdrop of Japanese history. A nation with a complex past as both colonizer and colony, the series predominantly delves into its latter aspect. The reasons it serves as an impressive sequel to Shōgun lie in its exploration of themes like displacement and immigrant experiences. Similar to Shōgun, its meticulous attention to detail, rich emotional depth of characters, and compassionate portrayal of a neglected period in history make it thought-provoking and captivating. Besides Youn Yuh-jung and Lee Min-ho, Pachinko also includes Anna Sawai in a minor role.
5 Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
A gripping period crime series titled Peaky Blinders, penned and conceived by Steven Knight, offers a thrilling journey to 1919 Birmingham, England, where the influential Shelby clan commands the city. After serving in World War II, Thomas Shelby comes home with ambitions to expand his empire for greater wealth. However, this move catches the eye of a menacing gang harboring malicious plans. As Thomas accumulates more dangerous adversaries, tension escalates within his own family. Simultaneously, he’s relentlessly pursued by an inspector named Chester Campbell.
Dark Deeds in Dirty Birmingham Streets
The series Peaky Blinders is characterized by stunning visuals and an overarching sense of tension and apprehension. Cillian Murphy heads a compelling ensemble including Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, and Joe Cole. Their stylish attire serves to camouflage their questionable morals. Although it doesn’t quite cover the same expansive ground as Shōgun, Peaky Blinders offers comparable intrigue, a deep-rooted human essence, and an examination of one’s propensity to bend moral boundaries during tumultuous periods of transformation. Additionally, Cosmo Jarvis, who portrays John Blackthorne in Shōgun, makes a special appearance in the show.
4 Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023 – Present)
The series titled “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” is inspired by the legendary creation “Godzilla ” from Toho Co., Ltd, and it serves as the second installment in the Monsterverse series on television. The story unfolds in 2015, following Godzilla’s battle with the Titans, and focuses on a family’s journey to unearth their ties to a clandestine organization called Monarch. The principal characters are half-siblings Cate and Kentaro Randa, who stumble upon evidence suggesting that their long-lost father could be linked to the colossal monsters.
A Fresh Take On Science Fiction Legacy
A single season of “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” has been released so far, offering a unique blend of timeline shifts, action, adventure, and epic battles that are reshaping the monster genre. Fans who appreciated the gripping storyline and character development found in “Shogun” will find binge-watching this series particularly enjoyable. However, there’s more to it. The Apple TV+ series also offers an intriguing reunion for Anna Sawai and Takehiro Hira from “Shogun,” as they delve into extraordinary events together. In essence, the show lives up to its cinematic title and is set to achieve even greater success in the future.
3 The Last Kingdom (2015 – 2022)
Just like Shogun, The Last Kingdom is adapted from Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories series of novels. It was developed by Stephen Butchard, runs for five seasons, and narrates the tale of Alfred the Great in late 9th-century England. In essence, during a time when England is fragmented into several kingdoms and persistently threatened by the Vikings, Uhtred, a Saxon nobleman’s son, teams up with King Alfred to reclaim his ancestral territories and strive for the unification of England.
Provides A Highly Satisfying Viewing Experience
Before Netflix obtained it in 2018, The Last Kingdomwas considered a hidden gem. Now, it’s renowned for blending riveting battles that echo Shakespearean characters on an impressive scale. The series navigates themes of identity and loyalty, cultural conflicts, and safeguarding personal honor. Similar to Shōgun, it portrays the harsh violence of the time period and delves into the complexities of both sides in conflict. Alexander Dreymon shines as Uhtred, who finds himself in a fierce struggle, and is backed by a talented cast.
2 Six Flying Dragons (2015 – 2016)
In a narrative set before another popular K-drama, Deep Rooted Tree, we find ourselves immersed in Six Flying Dragons. This series is an imaginative portrayal of historical events leading up to the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. The story revolves around the aspirations and strife of six significant figures, with Yi Bang-won, who would later become King Taejong, and his mentor Jeong Do-jeon, occupying key roles at its heart.
Sets Standards For Korean Historical Fiction
As I immerse myself in the world of cinematography, allow me to share my thoughts about a captivating masterpiece: “Six Flying Dragons.” This intricate 50-episode odyssey skillfully intertwines the courts and battlefields of 13th-century Korea, offering viewers an unparalleled journey. It delves into the genesis of power from the vantage point of history’s most influential figures, serving as an ideal follow-up to “Shōgun.” Filmed with a refined touch and on a grand scale, this series boasts an extensive cast, but Yoo Ah-in and Kim Myung-min truly leave lasting impressions.
1 Kingdom (2019 – 2021)
Unlike most Korean dramas that only last for a single season, Kingdom stands out by not just getting renewed for another season but also inspiring a spin-off film. This series is set in an era reminiscent of medieval Korea and focuses on a young prince named Lee Chung, who is both a skilled warrior and the heir to the throne. As a mysterious plague strikes his father and spreads across the land, Lee Chung finds himself compelled to investigate. Accompanied by a doctor, he navigates treacherous political intrigue, lethal dangers, and attempts to protect both his people and the throne while uncovering the truth behind this deadly disease.
A Fusion of Politics and Zombie Carnage
The first original Korean series from Netflix was a worldwide success, penned by Kim Eun-hee. What makes it captivating to watch alongside Shōgun is its setting – it unfolds during the 16th and 17th centuries. Furthermore, the intricate plot, breathtaking visuals, and pulse-pounding action scenes are heightened by the political strife and power plays. Critics have hailed it as a “refreshing contribution” to the zombie genre that “offers an engaging, gory experience.
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2024-09-29 18:02