List RulesVote up the best TV shows that set their magical tales in a specific period of history past.
Magic awaits those who tune into the best historical, mythological, and theological TV series. From famous wizards to divine beings, these shows feature a bevy of characters found in classic texts and tales. Although some historical fantasy TV shows follow characters who attempt to change momentous events of the past, just as many appear to be plain period pieces - until someone casts a spell.
Whether your want to travel a few decades or a few centuries, there's a historical fantasy series for you. Love the mid-20th century? James Franco plays an English teacher who travels back in time in an attempt to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 11.22.63, the popular Hulu series based on Stephen King's book of the same name. Want a buffet of time periods? American Gods is another great fantasy show based on a book that features several mythologies and is set in various historic time periods as well as the present. Don't forget that time travel isn't just for sci-fi. Claire Randall travels between World War II and 1742 Scotland in Outlander.Salem is another good show that combines fantasy with history and a touch of religion. Many medieval fantasy TV series revisit the era of King Arthur, from Camelot to Cursed.
Help make history with this list by voting your favorite historical and mythological TV series up to the top spot.
Outlander (Starz, 2014) is a historical drama television series developed by Ronald D. Moore, based on the novel series by Diana Gabaldon. A married former WWII nurse (Caitriona Balfe) is suddenly transported back in time to 1740s Scotland where she meets a Highland warrior (Sam Heughan).... more on Wikipedia
Actors: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies
Britannia (Amazon Video, 2018) is a British-American historical fantasy series written by Jez Butterworth. In AD 43 during the Roman conquest of Britain, Celtic rivals Kerra (Kelly Reilly) and Antedia (Zoë Wanamaker) must work together to fight off the invasion led by Aulus Plautius (David Morrissey).... more on Wikipedia
Actors: Kelly Reilly, David Morrissey, Zoë Wanamaker, Liana Cornell, Stanley Weber
Premiered: 2018
Network: Sky Atlantic (UK and Ireland), Amazon Video (US)
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American Gods (Starz, 2017) is an American television series developed by Bryan Fuller and Michael Green, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman. After being released from prison, Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane), and soon becomes embroiled in a large-scale conflict between the Old Gods and the New Gods, who grow stronger each day.... more on Wikipedia
Salem (WGN America, 2014) is an American supernatural fiction drama television series created by Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, loosely inspired by the real Salem witch trials in the 17th century. When her long lost love (Shane West) returns, a powerful witch (Janet Montgomery) tries to go through with her plan of summoning the Devil.... more on Wikipedia
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