Shōgun is one of the best beautiful and intense action drama series ever. Based on a 1975 novel of the same name by James Clavell, the FX series is adapted for television by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks. Set in the year 1600 in Japan, the historical series follows the story of Lord Yoshii Toranaga as enemies unite and come to take his life, but he sees an opportunity when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a village nearby. Shōgun has a brilliant ensemble cast including Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Néstor Carbonell, and Fumi Nikaido. So, if you loved the beautiful imagery and ruthless action of Shōgun, then you should check out these shows next.
Medici: Masters of Florence (Netflix)
Medici: Masters of Florence is not big on action but if you loved all the politics and scheming in Shōgun, then it might be right up your alley. Created by Frank Spotnitz and Nicholas Meyer, the historical drama series is set in the year 1429 in Italy and it follows the rise of the Medici family, as they scheme and fight to become the richest bank in all of Europe at that time. Medici: Masters of Florence stars Richard Madden, Stuart Martin, Annabel Scholey, Guido Caprino, Alessandro Sperduti, Alessandro Preziosi, and Sarah Felberbaum.
Blue Eye Samurai (Netflix)
The visual beauty of Shōgun is incomparable to any other historical series about Japan, but if you take a look at Netflix’s anime Blue Eye Samurai then you might find it as stunning as the FX series. Created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green, Blue Eye Samurai is set in Japan’s Edo period and it follows the story of a master of the sword who is on a quest to exact her revenge. The anime series is brilliant in both its storytelling and visuals and a perfect next series to binge for Shōgun fans.
Succession (Max & Prime Video Add-On)
In this HBO series, you won’t find the beauty and discipline of Shōgun, but if you are in for a nail-biting family drama with a whole lot of corporate scheming then you should check out Succession. Created by Jesse Armstrong, the Max series revolves around the Roy siblings as they scheme against each other to take over the family empire, but before that, they have to out-scheme their father Logan Roy, who never loses. Succession stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Matthew Macfadyen, Alan Ruck, J. Smith-Cameron, Nicholas Braun, Justin Lupe, and Peter Friedman.
Rome (Max & Prime Video Add-On)
If you love historical dramas and you liked that aspect of Shōgun, then HBO’s Rome might be your cup of tea as both of the shows have similar circumstances. Created by John Milius, William J. MacDonald, and Bruno Heller, the HBO series is set in the 1st century BC, as Ancient Rome turns from a Republic into an Empire. The series follows the story of two Roman soldiers as they face war, political scheming, assassinations, and much more while involving themselves in the history as we know it. Rome stars Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Ciaran Hinds, James Purefoy, Kevin McKidd, and Tobias Menzies.
The Last Kingdom (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video)
Based on The Saxon Stories series of novels by Bernard Cornwell, the British historical drama strikes a perfect balance between political intrigue and action, and that’s the most enticing aspect of Shōgun for many fans. Adapted for television by Stephen Butchard, the historical drama series is set during the year 860s to 930s and it follows the story of Uthred, a valiant warrior on the path to take his revenge and reclaim his homeland. The Last Kingdom stars Alexander Dreymon, Tobias Santelmann, Emily Cox,, Thomas W. Gabrielsson, Joseph Milson, Rune Temte, Matthew Macfadyen, David Dawson, Adrian Bower, and many more.
Marco Polo (Netflix & Rent on Prime Video)
Filled with war, political intrigue, and sexual intrigue this historical drama series takes us on an adventure inspired by the early years of Marco Polo. Created by John Fusco, the Netflix series shows us the adventures of the iconic Marco Polo in his early years and it follows him during his days in the court of Kublai Khan. Marco Polo stars Lorenzo Richelmy in the lead role with Benedict Wong, Olivia Cheng, Claudia Kim, Remy Hii, Zhu Zhu, and Tom Wu starring in supporting roles.
Vikings (Prime Video, Hulu & Peacock)
One of the most intense and beautifully shot historical dramas ever made is Vikings. Created by Michael Hirst, Vikings is inspired by tales of tales of the Norsemen of early medieval Scandinavia and it follows the rise of the iconic Norse hero Viking Ragnar Lodbrok from being a farmer in the Kattegat to eventually becoming a Scandinavian king. Vikings shows us some of the most important historical events through the eyes of Ragnar and his family. Vikings stars Travis Fimmel in the lead role with Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgård, Gabriel Byrne, George Blagden, Donal Logue, and many more.