“Shōgun” is the latest American historical drama that draws from the 1975 novel by legendary author James Clavell. At the center of the story is John Blackthorne, an English sailor shipwrecked in Japan, and his encounters with Lord Toranaga and Lady Mariko.
The show is available to stream on Hulu and FX, and you can also catch them on Disney+ Hotstar as well.
If you’re captivated by the series’ high-paced action and looking for a similar series to keep you occupied while the series runs its course, here are the ten best choices.
Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (2019)
Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan is a docuseries that takes us back to the Sengoku period in Japan, which, if you don’t know, was a time when everyone wanted to be on top, and wars were going on among warlords who wanted to make Japan one.
If you’ve ever wondered what real-life Game of Thrones looks like, this is it. The series features the likes of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, who played a big role in making Japan a powerful country.
The Lost Pirate Kingdom (2021)
In simple terms, The Lost Pirate Kingdom is a time machine to the early 18th century, when Nassau, Bahamas, was a pirate paradise, which you’ll remember if you’ve ever played Ubisoft Assassins’ Creed Black Flag.
The show kicks off in 1715, right after the War of the Spanish Succession, and shows us how out-of-work privateers have no choice but to punder ships like pirates. The show has no shortage of historical scenes, like the declaration of Nassau as a pirate republic and the crackdown by the English. If you have ever wondered whether Blackbeard was real or not, give this show a chance.
Gunshi Kanbee (2014)
Gunshi Kanbee is another historical drama that tracks the life of Kuroda Kanbei, who, if you don’t know, was a brilliant strategist and loyal retainer of daimyō Kodera Masamoto in 16th-century Japan.
We get to see Kanbei’s growing out of his humble beginnings from serving Kodera to becoming one of the main advisors for Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Not to mention, Kuroda Kanbei does this while battling war, political alliances, and whatnot! He was imprisoned and crippled too, but he never gave up and united Japan.
Marco Polo (2014)
The titular character of the series is Marco Polo, who was a Venetian explorer and also part of the court of Kublai Khan, who was one of the mighty rulers hailing from the Mongol Empire.
The series takes place in the 13th century and focuses on Marco Polo as he tries to earn his place in the court, making sure he is not imprisoned or, worse, killed. He does all this while trying to have the upper hand over the politicians and state affairs.
Vikings (2013)
It will not be an understatement to refer to Vikings as one of the greatest shows ever made. The heart of the story beats around Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking chieftain who once was a humble farmer but later grows up to become a legendary king whom everyone respects and fears.
If you like realistic war scenes, the series is full of battles as Ragnar leads his army across England and France. The best thing is that the show isn’t only about Ragnar but also about those who fight alongside him.
Rome (2005)
Ever been to Rome? This pick on our list will take you there, and that too, without even asking for a penny. As you might’ve already guessed, the drama takes us back to the uneven days of Ancient Rome, when they were still figuring out how to shift the nation’s status from Republic to Empire.
The titular characters are Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, who find themselves in the center of all the major events, be it war or political diplomacy. The series was a hit and scored a bunch of awards, including Emmys and the Visual Effect Society Award.
The Last Kingdom (2015)
The Last Kingdom draws from Bernard Cornwell’s ‘The Saxon Stories. The main character is Uhtred of Bebbanburg who is a Saxon noble raised by Vikings, and the show shows the steps he takes to reclaim his family’s lands.
The show is set against the backdrop of the ‘England in the making’ era, with Saxons and Danes playing the political game to gain an upper hand over one another. The best thing about the show is where Uhtred pulls off a daring escape from a siege, showing why he is one of the most-loved TV characters ever written.
Spartacus (2010)
As it is clear by the name, Spartacus is about a historical character of the same name. The titular character starts off as a Thracian slave who is betrayed by the Romans and forced into the gladiator ring. But Spartacus isn’t just any fighter.
We see him using his mettle and sword to climb the gladiator ladder. He becomes the symbol of hope for all the oppressed and slaves and leads them to a massive war against the Roman bigwigs.
Black Sails (2014)
Black Sail is a prequel to the story of Treasure Island. The POV character is Captain Flint and his pirate gang, who set sail to hunt for treasure to keep New Providence Island alive. If you love a show that is rife with well-written characters and their conflicts, then Black Sail is a must-watch.
One scene that really sticks is when we get to see the legendary pirate, his violence, and his greed for unmatchable power.
Versailles (2015)
‘Versailles’ dives into the life of King Louis XIV, a monarch who wants to turn his father’s old hunting shack into the stunning Palace of Versailles. However, the story isn’t just about architecture but also explores politics, love affairs, and courtroom drama.
Louis wants to keep his power and influence intact, and at the same time, he wishes to deal with backstabbing nobles, relationships, and steamy affairs he has with Madame de Montespan. In simple terms, it is a show full of history, glamour, and scandal.
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching FX’s Shogun.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!