8 Shows Like 'Reign' for Fans of Epic Historical Drama

"Reign" became a beloved CW series following its release, and for a good reason. Since then, many shows like "Reign" have been developed on television and Netflix. TV shows like "Reign" include "The Last Kingdom," "The White Princess," and "Outlander," among others.

Set in the 1500s, "Reign" followed the story of Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane), as she ascended into power. Its storyline included the secrets of the French Court and Mary's political challenges during that era.

The CW drama series, released in 2013, became a hit amongst television viewers and lasted four seasons until 2017.

Although the critically acclaimed series was among the most famous historical dramas in the last decade, "Reign" received criticism for its historical inaccuracies. The show's creators incorporated much dramatization to keep viewers engaged. Some even called it a "lighter girlier 'Game of Thrones.'"

Many shows like "Reign," on Netflix and national television, transport audiences to different eras. Some debuted before "Reign," while most came after the hit series premiered.

The Last Kingdom (2015 - 2022)

Based on Bernard Cornwell's novel series, "The Last Kingdom" followed the story of Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), the son of a Saxon nobleman who was taken by the Vikings and raised by the Danes. In his later years, Uhtred faced a choice to either claim his birthright or remain a Dane – both of which come with challenges.

The series was set in the 9th century when English kingdoms were divided and guarded. Only the Kingdom of Wessex, ruled by King Alfred, was free from the Vikings among Britain's seven kingdoms.

"The Last Kingdom" clearly depicted the cruelty and intense violence the era experienced while focusing on relationships, struggles, and faith. Although vaguely accurate, the show received praise from critics and released its fifth season in 2022.

The series starred Dreymon, Eliza Butterworth, Arnas Fedaravicius, Mark Rowley, Emily Cox, James Northcote, and Millie Brandy.

Outlander (2014 - Present)

Although still a historical series, "Outlander" is also a mix of science fiction and fantasy. Since its on-screen premiere in 2014, "Outlander" has received several accolades, including Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Based on Diana Gabaldon's book, the hit show focused on combat nurse Claire Randall (Catriona Balfe), who was suddenly transported from 1945 to 1743. She navigated a different century and married Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) to secure her safety.

When their relationship deepened, Randall had to choose between the men in her life – her first husband in the 1900s or Fraser.

"Outlander" quickly became one of the most beloved television shows because of its many outstanding characteristics as a series. Each episode held important events that kept viewers on the edge of their seats and featured gorgeous scenery, such as beaches, hills, and oceans.

Besides the storyline and setting, "Outlander" has intriguing characters with different personalities and life stories. As Cinema Blend would describe, the show has "no throw-away characters."

"Outlander" features talented actors who are pretty private about their romantic lives, such as Duncan Lacroix, Richard Rankin, César Domboy, and Sophie Skelton.

The Tudors (2007 - 2010)

Years before "Reign" premiered, "The Tudors" became a fan-favorite television show. Set during the Renaissance era, the show followed King Henry VIII's (Johnathon Rhys Meyers) rule and his life as a husband and father in pursuit of an heir.

In the series, King Henry is fascinated with Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer) while still married to Catherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle Kennedy). In his attempt—which becomes a success—to marry Boleyn, the monarch created a new religion to get a divorce.

While the show seems like a beautiful romance, King Henry's marriage to Boleyn ends in torment and misfortune. Boleyn also suffers a painful death ordered by the man who once fought for her hand in marriage.

"The Tudors" was thematically close to "Reign" and shared similar feedback from critics as it was not historically accurate. Nevertheless, it is an exciting show worth the binge.

Interestingly, Dormer starred in another historical show, "Game of Thrones," and was remembered for her impeccable performance. Natalie Dormer is now a mother to a little girl with her reported husband, David Oakes.

Poldark (2015 - 2019)

Set in Cornwall, England, in the late 1700s, "Poldark" revolved around the life of Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) after he survived the American Revolution.

His close ones believed he died at war and moved on with their lives. So upon his return home, Poldark was surprised to learn of his father's death, his home's deterioration, and the love of his life's engagement. Although "Poldark" is a family drama and romance, it also tackles social class struggles.

The series starred Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jack Farthing, Beatie Edney, Tristan Sturrock, Luke Norris, and Heida Reed. Since the show's premiere, fans have swooned over the main character's curly locks and handsome face.

Besides its stellar cast, "Poldark" features several beautiful sceneries in Cornwall, including oceans, countryside, and mountains.

The White Princess (2017)

Based on Philippa Gregory's novel series, "The White Princess" is a follow-up to "The White Queen," a series also from the author's books. Like many other historical dramas, "The White Princess" was set in England during the rule of King Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy) and Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer).

Initially in love with Richard III, Elizabeth was left heartbroken when he died at the Battle of Bosworth. With his death comes the ascension of Henry VII to the throne. As a woman betrothed to the winner, Elizabeth had to stomach marrying Henry.

While Henry thought his wife had no choice and freedom, Elizabeth weaponized her marriage and used it to her advantage. Her character developed and strengthened as she navigated a new life as a monarch.

Although the series only had one season, it featured several talented stars, including Collins-Levy, Rebecca Benson, Richard Dillane, Michelle Fairley, Kenneth Cranham, and Jodie Comer, who enjoys keeping her personal life out of the public eye.

Medici (2016 - 2019)

Like "Reign," the historical drama "Medici" is set in the 15th century, although in medieval Florence, Italy. It even starred one of "Reign's" cast members, Toby Regbo.

"Medici" followed the lives of those in the House of Medici, an Italian family known for their successful banking business. It also focused on Cosimo de' Medici (Richard Madden) as he took over their family's empire following his father's death.

The plot thickened as Cosimo and his brother discovered their father's death was no accident – it was a planned murder. The family drama turned murder mystery first became a smash hit in Italy before it reached overseas.

The show stars Daniel Sharman, Alessandra Mastronardi, Synnove Karlsen, Sebastian De Souza, Pietro Ragusa, and Annabel Scholey.

The Spanish Princess (2019 - 2020)

Catherine of Aragon was a character that appeared in "The Tudors," but years later, she became the focus of a new show, "The Spanish Princess." Catherine's name was painted in shame after her former husband, King Henry, went above and beyond to divorce her.

She was said to lack intelligence and be barren, so much so that Henry formed a new religion to leave her. However, "The Spanish Princess" showed Catherine in a different light. A reviewer said of the show in The Hollywood Reporter:

"'The Spanish Princess' is the ideal period soap, dexterously and intelligently balancing the webby intrigue of 16th-century court life with the dewy eroticism of a classic melodrama."

The show is a threequel to "The White Queen" and "The White Princess." It stars Laura Carmichael, Aaron Cobham, Charlotte Hope, Stephanie Levi-John, Ruairi O'Connor, Philip Cumbus, and Richard Pepper.

The Borgias (2011 - 2013)

Set in the 15th century, "The Borgias" follows the lives of the Borgia family. Among them is Rodrigo Borgia (Jeremy Irons), who becomes Pope Alexander VI. Like many other powerful men, his position comes with threats and challenges.

"The Borgias" has all the elements a great historical drama should have, including power, sex, murder, and beautifully detailed costumes. It also has a great cast, including Irons, François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, Peter Sullivan, and Sean Harris.