Period dramas transport viewers to different eras, providing a captivating perspective of history by blending drama and grandeur. However, these series occasionally deviate from historical facts, opting for entertainment over authenticity. From the ornate costumes to the exaggerated relationships, numerous historical productions engage in artistic reinterpretations, distorting timelines and characters for dramatic effect. Although this can lead to engaging viewing experiences, it often alters the real-life narrative of the events.
For TV period dramas that aren’t strictly factual like “Reign”, “The Borgias”, and “Vikings”, viewers often observe how these shows skillfully mix truth with creativity to create compelling narratives that deviate from real-life occurrences. From invented romances to dramatically altered characters, such productions stretch the limits of historical storytelling. If authenticity is what one craves, they may find themselves yearning for more. But if they’re after entertainment and a dose of drama, these fictionalized tales are bound to hold their attention.
10
‘Victoria’ (2016 – 2019)
The TV show “Victoria” chronicles Queen Victoria’s early years on the throne, portraying her transformation from an unseasoned teenager to a strong ruler in her thirties. However, it should be noted that while the series beautifully depicts the grandeur of the period, it tends to bend historical facts quite considerably. One of the most noticeable distortions is the suggestion of romantic tension between Queen Victoria and her Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne. In truth, their relationship was more about mentorship and political guidance rather than romantic entanglements.
Historical documents, such as Victoria’s personal journals, reveal profound respect but no traces of passion reminiscent of the captivating romances avid readers crave. However, it’s important to note that the actual Lord Melbourne was far from the dashing character portrayed by Rufus Sewell or a potential romantic partner – he was more than four decades older than the Queen and in poor health.
A Dramatization of Queen Victoria’s Early Reign, Fabricating Certain Relationships
Additionally, Victoria not only twists her own portrayal of relationships but also exaggerates the discord between herself and Prince Albert in the series. Instead, their genuine courtship was harmonious, as Victoria fell instantly for him. Contrary to the show’s depiction, Victoria actually proposed to Albert merely five days after he arrived in England. Although historical dramas occasionally alter facts for dramatic effect, Victoria tends to favor romance and drama over historical accuracy, making it one of the least factual period dramas of recent times.
9
‘The Tudors’ (2007 – 2010)
Showtime’s hit series, “The Tudors“, is known for its emphasis on dramatic flair over historical truth, frequently distorting facts to amplify its sensational elements. Unlike other period dramas that occasionally exaggerate history, this show takes it to another level by altering crucial details. One of the most striking discrepancies lies in the portrayal of Henry Fitzroy, King Henry VIII’s illegitimate son. The series depicts him dying as a child, whereas he actually lived well into his late teens in reality. Moreover, the show creates fictional characters, such as Eleanor Luke, one of Henry’s imagined mistresses, and concocts romantic entanglements with historical figures like Anne of Cleves, despite no substantiating evidence to support these claims.
A Sensationalized Version of History That Sacrifices Accuracy for Fictional Characters, Altered Events, and Bent Facts
The TV series “The Tudors” significantly modified significant historical occurrences. In Season 1, the show introduces a fictional uncle for Henry, although the real monarch didn’t have any – this is a creative liberty taken with history that isn’t supported by records from that time. Furthermore, the portrayal of Anne Boleyn’s tragic miscarriage in the show sensationalizes the event by depicting the fetus as deformed, a representation that historians dispute given the lack of evidence to support it. Despite capturing the allure and grandeur of the Tudor court, these historical inaccuracies make “The Tudors” one of the most inaccurate period dramas ever produced.
8
‘Vikings’ (2013 – 2020)
Regarding the TV show Vikings, while it delivers an authentic atmosphere with its intricate battle sequences, it does deviate significantly from historical facts. The plot condenses timeframes, combining events separated by decades, and incorporates elements that were non-existent during the Viking era. For instance, depictions of Viking settlements in England and France are frequently overstated or purely fictional. Moreover, the series exaggerates the impact of Norse mythology on daily life, interweaving actual events with supernatural occurrences and mystical visions that were never documented within Viking society.
A Misrepresentation of Viking Culture That Adds Supernatural Elements for Drama
The program occasionally strays from the true essence of Viking culture and social norms. Characters like Lagertha, portrayed as shield-maidens, were likely uncommon or even non-existent in reality, and Viking society was far more intricate than what’s presented on screen as a relentless warrior society. The creation of characters such as Rollo, depicted as Ragnar Lothbrok’s brother, is another significant inaccuracy. Historically, Rollo was indeed a real figure who founded Normandy, but there’s no evidence to suggest he was related to the well-known Viking chieftain.
7
‘Wolf Hall’ (2015)
Despite being praised for its acting and visuals, the series “Wolf Hall” has sparked debates about its historical authenticity. The show tends to present Thomas Cromwell as a pragmatic leader who was misunderstood, while portraying figures like Anne Boleyn and Thomas More negatively. Historically, Cromwell was a cunning political player who played a crucial role in the dissolution of monasteries and the fall of his adversaries. The series’ reinterpretation of the Tudor Dynasty follows a more contemporary narrative pattern, simplifying characters to create clear-cut heroes and villains, rather than capturing their complexities.
A Captivating, Character-Driven Tudor Drama That Favors Modern Narratives Over Accuracy
Regardless of certain historical inaccuracies, the TV series “Wolf Hall” delivers a visually captivating and skillfully acted portrayal of Hilary Mantel’s novels. The show effectively depicts the court intrigues and power struggles during Henry VIII’s reign, although it occasionally bends the facts. For viewers who prefer character-focused period dramas to historical precision, “Wolf Hall” remains an entertaining, albeit not always factually reliable, version of Tudor history.
6
‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013 – 2022)
As a film aficionado, I must say that “Peaky Blinders” boldly strays from the chronology and firearms of its time, opting instead for a creative interpretation of historical figures and incidents. For instance, Winston Churchill’s role in the show is portrayed as deeply entangled in quelling the gang, whereas his real-life involvement in domestic criminal affairs was minimal.
Moreover, the character of Thomas Shelby, brilliantly brought to life by Cillian Murphy, is purely fictional, with no historical counterpart leading the actual Peaky Blinders. The series also amplifies the gang’s influence, presenting them as a sprawling, intricate criminal dynasty, while in reality, the genuine Peaky Blinders were a more modest and geographically confined group.
A Gripping, Stylized Period Drama That Exaggerates the Gang’s Power and Churchill’s Role
Even though it contains some inaccuracies, Peaky Blinders stands out by creatively reinterpreting post-World War I England, merging real historical incidents with intensified drama. The show’s fashionable design and unconventional music selections, including its popular rock soundtrack, underscore its deviation from strict historical truth. Although it might not perfectly reflect early 20th-century Birmingham, its captivating narrative and meticulous attention to detail have made it one of the most engaging period dramas in recent times.
5
‘The Borgias’ (2011 – 2013)
The TV series “The Borgias” provides intense drama, complex politics, and lavish visuals, but its historical accuracy is difficult to discern due to its tendency towards sensationalism. The show presents Pope Alexander VI as a ruthless yet charismatic manipulator and the family, particularly the Borgia siblings Lucrezia and Cesare, in a way that often veers into myth rather than factual representation.
Furthermore, the series exaggerates Cesare’s military strength, portraying him as an invincible figure. However, in truth, his military campaigns were much more intricate and frequently faced opposition.
A Gripping Drama with Political Intrigue but Takes Significant Historical Liberties
In essence, although it takes some creative liberties with history, “The Borgias” stands out as an aesthetically pleasing and engrossing drama that vividly portrays the cutthroat world of Renaissance politics. It intertwines actual characters into a narrative of deceit, ambition, and scandal, choosing to entertain rather than stick strictly to historical facts. For those looking for a captivating re-telling instead of a factual history lesson, “The Borgias” provides an enthralling, though fictionalized, depiction of the notorious papal family.
4
‘Freud’ (2020)
Netflix’s show titled “Freud” creatively reimagines the early life of Sigmund Freud, depicting him not just as a renowned psychoanalyst, but also as an investigator solving crimes. Although Sigmund Freud is one of the most extensively studied figures in psychology, this Austrian-German series deliberately departs from historical facts to offer a suspenseful narrative filled with supernatural elements and secretive plotlines. The show does acknowledge Freud’s personal battles with substance abuse and his professional association with Josef Breuer; however, it diverges significantly by presenting him as a detective navigating through gruesome criminal investigations, which in actuality was not part of Freud’s life.
A Fictionalized Life of Sigmund Freud That Blends Crime-Solving and Supernatural Elements
One significant distortion presented in the series is Freud’s portrayal with the fictional character Fleur Salome, who bears loose similarities to Lou Andreas-Salomé, a woman he encountered later in life. The show also intensifies Freud’s fascination with spiritualism, transforming it into a prominent focus instead of a casual interest. Although Freud offers an engaging, aesthetically pleasing thriller, its departure from historical truth makes it one of the least factual period dramas revolving around a real-life personality.
3
‘Reign’ (2013 – 2017)
In the TV series “Reign”, historical inconsistencies go beyond just character portrayals and stretch into extravagant costumes that are more fitting for a fashion show than 16th-century France, and a modernized narrative. Moreover, the series features fabricated characters like Nostradamus, who predicts events in the court despite no historical proof of such psychic influence. Although “Reign” manages to provide a romantic, soap opera version of Mary’s tale, it often prioritizes dramatic storytelling over historical accuracy.
A Royal Blend of Historical Fantasy and Drama That Prioritizes Entertainment Over Accuracy in Mary, Queen of Scots’ Story
As a movie critic, I found myself captivated by the period drama “Reign,” despite its occasional departures from historical fact. This series, rather than striving for authenticity, embraces creative reinterpretation, transforming it into a captivating historical fantasy. Adelaide Kane delivers a mesmerizing performance as Mary, Queen of Scots that stands out among the rest. For those audience members who value entertainment over historical accuracy, “Reign” offers an exhilarating, albeit heavily fictionalized, royal drama that is as engaging as it is imaginative.
2
‘Leonardo’ (2021)
In the series titled “Leonardo“, there’s an attempt to portray the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci, but it often strays from factual truth. A significant distortion is the portrayal of Leonardo being accused of murder, which was never the case as he was never charged with such a crime. The series tends to fabricate events, especially in its characterization of Caterina de Cremona, a figure whose only known link to da Vinci is her name appearing in his anatomical drawings. There’s no proof of a close relationship or a murder plot between them.
A Divergence from Factual Accounts That Fabricate Murder Accusations and Misrepresent Da Vinci’s Relationships
The series incorrectly depicts Da Vinci as bisexual instead of gay, which is more likely based on available historical evidence. Although specifics about his personal life are unclear, his lack of interest in women and numerous allegations of sodomy during the Renaissance support this interpretation. While creative freedom can create compelling television, it significantly deviates from the well-established facts regarding Da Vinci’s life.
1
‘Marco Polo’ (2014 – 2016)
In contrast to the elusive historical figure Marco Polo, whose story is shrouded in uncertainty due to the questionable authenticity of “The Travels of Marco Polo,” the Netflix series “Marco Polo” takes even more artistic liberties with the past. Instead of sticking to historical facts, this show prefers lavish storytelling over accuracy, especially when it comes to portraying Kublai Khan and the Mongol Empire. It’s been estimated that only around 20% of the Netflix series mirrors real-life events, while the rest is invented for dramatic purposes. Unlike the TV show, the real Kublai Khan did not dwell in a palace brimming with intrigue or keep a secret lover hidden away. These aspects, while exciting, are significantly removed from historical accounts.
A Netflix Drama That Takes Major Liberties by Fabricating Events Like Kublai Khan’s Rise to Power
The series “Marco Polo” significantly bends historical truth when depicting Kublai Khan’s ascension to power. One of the major distortions is the fabricated duel where he personally slays his brother, an incident that didn’t happen in reality. Moreover, the character of the assassin disguised as a concubine is purely fictional and serves only to heighten the drama, given that the era was already filled with political intrigue and conflict. Although “Marco Polo” offers a captivating story about power struggles and warfare, its historical authenticity leaves much to be desired. People looking for an accurate account of the Mongol Empire’s history may not find it particularly enlightening due to the series’ highly stylized approach.
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2025-04-05 23:34