What's the best historical drama series you've seen?

Chernobyl. I haven’t watched Roots yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it on this list.

I mentioned in a previous thread that I’ve been somewhat disappointed in Gilded Age. There’s a lot of history they are glossing over. Been concentrating too much on the “pretty people in pretty clothing” angle. It could be so much more. Especially since the US has entered another gilded age — there are lessons to be taught/learned.

Chernobyl, 100%. I worked in the nuclear field and studied the real event and resulting consequences, and this series nails the details. They strike a great balance between explaining a complicated subject to the everyday person, exploring the political and existential tension, and providing an entertaining story narrative.

Shogun (1980)
Robin of Sherwood (1984)
The Terror (2018)
The North Waters (2021)

Did you watch the 2024 adaptation of 'Shōgun' as well? How does it compare to the 1980 adaptation?
- I haven't seen the 2024 version.
  I recommended the 1980 adaption to my relatives and they started with the 2024 version by mistake, they said that the first thing that came to mind was "[he] couldn't have recommended this to us, we are probably watching the wrong thing!" And then they found the 1980 version.
  So I am guessing I wouldn't have liked it. :)
Oh yes the terror is excellent

Best.. that is tough. Here are my favorites:

The Winds of War
Chernobyl
Band of Brothers
Shogun (2024)
The Crown (season 1 and 2)
The Looming Tower
Pride and Prejudice (1985)
Downton Abbey
Ripper Street

Great list, and I like how you've included the looming tower and the crown. Have you seen masters of the air? I absolutely loved it but it got mixed reviews
- Oh yeah I have seen Masters of the Air and it was good until the last two episodes and then it just stumbled hard.
  It really didn’t do the Tuskegee Airman (The Red Tails) any justice. The show should have split time between the 100th/Eighth Air Force operating out of England and The Red Tails in Africa and Italy.

I really liked 'The Last Kingdom'. Some seasons were better than others, but Uhtred was a very fun main character and his story had an excellent conclusion in the film.

Black Sails (2014) - It's also my favorite pirate series

I Claudius

Thanks OP for asking this question. Getting some good recommendations in this thread to add to my watch list.

You're welcome 😊

Babylon Berlin

A German neo-noir set in 1920s Germany, one of the most fascinating periods of modern history.