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Historical Series You Need to Watch - Almost 100% True!

14/10/24, 0 comments

Too lazy to watch history class? We've made a selection of series with true themes for you to watch!

Por João "Jam" Barros

traducido por Tabata Marques

revisado por Tabata Marques

The Beginning of It All

We know that not every TV series aims to be faithful to historical facts, but some stand out for their accuracy and attention to detail in depicting events, characters, and times of the past. And let’s be honest, a little bit of truth in the middle of so much fantasy can sometimes be a good thing.

These productions manage to transport us to other eras, making us feel like we are living in that period.

In this list, we explore TV series that strive to tell their stories with historical accuracy while keeping the entertainment high.

An important note before we continue, even though these stories have a lot of historical content, that doesn’t mean everything we see is 100% real – often, the protagonists themselves are fictitious. That said, let’s dive in!

Band of Brothers (2001)

Where to watch: Netflix

Synopsis: Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, Band of Brothers follows the journey of the "Easy Company" of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division during World War II. The series tracks the soldiers from training to the end of the war, depicting crucial battles like D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge.Why is it historically accurate? Band of Brothers is widely praised for its historical accuracy. Many of the events and characters portrayed are based on real-life accounts from war veterans. The series does an excellent job of capturing both the physical and emotional aspects of the war, and interviews with the real members of Easy Company add authenticity to the narrative.

Chernobyl (2019)

Where to watch: HBO MAX, Prime VideoSynopsis: This critically acclaimed miniseries depicts the events of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, in Ukraine. The series dives into the causes and consequences of the accident, highlighting both the heroism and the mistakes and cover-ups that led to the collapse of the nuclear plant.Why is it historically accurate? Chernobyl is recognized for its fidelity to the facts. Although some parts of the story were adapted for better narrative flow, the series is extremely accurate in terms of the events leading up to the explosion, the responses of Soviet officials, and the devastating consequences for the population. The technical details and the recreation of the setting are extremely faithful, making the series a reference in historical depictions.

The Crown (2016)

Where to watch: NetflixSynopsis: The Crown tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II, covering her rise to the throne and the events that shaped the United Kingdom and the world during her reign. Each season delves into key moments in the political and personal history of the British royal family.Why is it historically accurate? While the series takes some creative liberties to dramatize certain events, The Crown is largely faithful to history. Historical consultants are used to ensure that details about costumes, settings, and real events are portrayed accurately. The political interactions and dilemmas are also based on facts, providing a fascinating insight into the inner workings of the British monarchy.

John Adams (2008)

Where to watch: HBO MAX, Prime VideoSynopsis: This HBO miniseries follows the life of John Adams, the second President of the United States, and his influence on the founding of the country. The series explores his public and personal life, from his role in the American Revolution to his presidency and later years.

Why is it historically accurate? John Adams is acclaimed for its dedication to historical accuracy. Based on the biography written by David McCullough, the series strives to depict the reality of life in 18th-century America with great attention to detail, including language, clothing, and settings. Historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin are portrayed authentically, respecting their known traits and behaviors.

Vikings (2013)

Where to watch: NetflixSynopsis: Vikings follows the life of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the greatest heroes of Norse culture, and his descendants. The series explores the rise of the Vikings as warriors and explorers during the Middle Ages, depicting their conquests and battles.Why is it historically accurate? Although the series has fictionalized and dramatized elements, Vikings makes a considerable effort to incorporate the history and culture of the Norse peoples. Many of the events depicted, such as Viking raids and the founding of colonies in England, are based on historical records. The series is also praised for its recreation of the customs, weaponry, and settings of the time.

Rome (2005)

Where to watch: HBO MAX, Prime VideoSynopsis: Rome tells the story of the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, focusing on the lives of historical figures such as Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Augustus. The series portrays the political intrigues, battles, and betrayals that shaped Rome's future.Why is it historically accurate? While it has been criticized for some anachronistic details, Rome is generally regarded as one of the most authentic representations of ancient Rome on television. The series faithfully addresses the political complexities of the time, as well as the social and military customs. The recreation of environments and the attention to detail in the costumes are exceptional.

The Last Kingdom (2015)

Where to watch: NetflixSynopsis: Set during the era of Viking invasions in England, The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon raised by Vikings who tries to reclaim his land and legacy. The series explores the battles and alliances that shaped the formation of England.Why is it historically accurate? Based on Bernard Cornwell’s novels, The Last Kingdom is praised for its authentic portrayal of the medieval era. While the events and characters are a mix of historical facts and fiction, the series maintains a solid adherence to the culture, clothing, and politics of the time. The settings and battles are careful recreations of historical reality.

Boardwalk Empire (2010)

Where to watch: HBO MAX, Prime VideoSynopsis: Boardwalk Empire is set during the Prohibition Era in the United States and follows Nucky Thompson, a corrupt politician who controls alcohol smuggling in Atlantic City. The series explores the organized crime underworld and the historical figures that shaped the era.Why is it historically accurate? Based on real events and historical figures like Al Capone and Arnold Rothstein, Boardwalk Empire is praised for its authentic depiction of the 1920s. The recreation of the settings, the fashion of the time, and the political events are shown with great attention to detail, providing an immersive and faithful experience.

The Pacific (2010)

Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video, HBO MAX

Synopsis: Produced as a spiritual sequel to Band of Brothers, The Pacific follows the stories of three U.S. Marines during the Pacific War in World War II. The series portrays some of the fiercest battles, such as Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima.Why is it historically accurate? Like Band of Brothers, The Pacific relies heavily on real-life accounts from war veterans. The series is known for its accuracy in depicting the brutality of the war, especially the hardships faced by American soldiers in the Pacific. The extreme conditions and emotional experiences are conveyed with an authenticity that makes the series a faithful account of the horrors of war.

Conclusion

These historically accurate TV series provide us with a deep immersion into eras and events that shaped history. Each of them, with its commitment to precision and authenticity, offers not just entertainment but also a fascinating way to learn about the past (please don’t use them as a replacement for your studies).

Whether through detailed recreations or narratives that emotionally connect us to historical events, these productions are must-watches for those who value both drama and historical truth.

Which historical series is your favorite? Is it acclaimed by the public? Please let us know in the comments!

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João "Jam" Barros

Jogador de TCG, nas horas vagas escritor e aluno de história.

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