The Winter King is a retelling of the Arthurian legend. Season 1 has already ended, and while waiting for another season, you can check out some similar shows. Here’s a list of the best shows to watch if you like The Winter King:
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The Last Kingdom (2015-2022)
The Last Kingdom is definitely on the top of the list because both shows are based on books written by author Bernard Cornwell, so you may spot some similarities.
In The Last Kingdom, Uhtred of Bebbanburg (or Uhtred Ragnarsson) was born a Saxon but raised a Dane. He finds himself coming to the aid of the Kingdom of Wessex in the hopes of retaking his home.
The series focuses on the conflict between the Saxons and the Danes, and the unification of England from King Alfred to King Aethelstan. It has five seasons and one movie titled The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die that concludes the series. Fans of historical fiction wouldn’t want to miss this.
The Last Kingdom stars Alexander Dreymon, Tobias Santelmann, Emily Cox, David Dawson, Ian Hart, Eliza Butterworth, Mark Rowley, Arnas Fedaravičius, Reign’s Toby Regbo, Millie Brady, House of the Dragon’s Ewan Mitchell, and more.
Merlin (2008-2012)
Merlin is a fantasy series that follows the story of the titular wizard. He is tasked by the Great Dragon to protect Arthur, as the latter will one day become king and restore magic in Camelot. However, since magic has been outlawed by King Uther, Merlin must keep his gifts a secret.
Merlin becomes Arthur’s servant, and they later become friends. The show explores Merlin and Arthur’s friendship as they go through many adventures together.
Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Angel Coulby, Supergirl’s Katie McGrath, Anthony Head, Richard Wilson, Nathaniel Parker, and John Hurt star in Merlin.
Cursed (2020)
Cursed is another retelling of the Arthurian legend, but this time, with Nimue as the main character. After the Red Paladins slaughtered her village, she sets out on a journey to save her people from a war.
Along the way, she meets the mercenary Arthur, who seeks to regain his family’s honor. Arthur is Nimue’s love interest in this version of the tale.
Unfortunately, Netflix canceled the series after one season, but that doesn’t mean it’s a show that’s not worth your time. It’s a fresh take on the Arthurian legend, and its plot and characters are interesting.
13 Reasons Why actress Katherine Langford stars as Nimue in Cursed. The cast includes Devon Terrell as Arthur, Gustaf Skarsgård as Merlin, Teen Wolf’s Daniel Sharman as the Weeping Monk, Sebastian Armesto as King Uther, Shalom Brune-Franklin as Sister Igraine/Morgana, and Matt Stokoe as Gawain.
Vikings (2013-2020)
Vikings is a must-watch for fans of historical drama series. It follows Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who raided villages in England and eventually became a king.
There are battle scenes and political intrigue. The show also explores cultural and religious beliefs and themes of family, loyalty, and friendship.
Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Gustaf Skarsgård, Jessalyn Gilsig, Alexander Ludwig, George Blagden, and more star in Vikings.
Vikings: Valhalla (2022-)
If you’ve finished Vikings and can’t get over the show, you can watch its sequel series, Vikings: Valhalla! The series takes place more than a hundred years after the events of Vikings and follows the adventures of Leif Eriksson, Freydis Eriksdotter, and Harald Sigurdsson.
Vikings: Valhalla stars Sam Corlett, Frida Gustavsson, Leo Suter, Bradley Freegard, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Caroline Henderson, Laura Berlin, and David Oakes.
Outlander (2014-)
Outlander is a historical drama series that follows the story of Claire Randall, a nurse in World War II, who gets transported back in time to Scotland in 1743. She then meets a Highland warrior and falls in love with him, and gets drawn into a rebellion.
Caitríona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies, Graham McTavish, Duncan Lacroix, Grant O'Rourke, and more star in Outlander.
Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Probably everyone has heard of Game of Thrones, but not all know what it's about. In case you haven't watched the series yet, Game of Thrones is a fantasy series that’s set in Westeros, a place ruled by who sits on the Iron Throne.
Noble families fight for the Iron Throne to rule the Seven Kingdoms. There’s politics involved and war, like The Winter King, but with more fantastical elements added.
The series also follows several story arcs, so it’s definitely an entertaining watch. There are battle scenes, shocking deaths, and you’ll keep wondering who’s gonna die next.
Game of Thrones stars Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Iain Glen, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, and more.
Camelot (2011)
Camelot is another series based on the Arthurian legend. Arthur, Uther's unknown son who was raised as a commoner, becomes the new king. His half-sister, Morgan, plans to take the crown from him.
Unfortunately, this series only has one season, but it’s still a show worth watching for those interested in the Arthurian legend.
Camelot stars Stranger Things actor Jamie Campbell-Bower as King Arthur, Joseph Fiennes as Merlin, Eva Green as Morgan Pendragon, Tamsin Egerton as Guinevere, Claire Forlani as Igraine, Sebastian Koch as King Uther, and Clive Standen as Gawain.
Knightfall (2017-2019)
Knightfall is a historical drama that’s set around the 14th century and tells the story of the Knights Templar, described as “the most powerful, wealthy and mysterious military order of the Middle Ages.”
There’s some Arthurian legend in the series and lots of action, along with themes such as politics, betrayal, power, and revenge. Fans of The Winter King may want to check this out.
Knightfall stars Tom Cullen, Jim Carter, Pádraic Delaney, The Winter King’s Simon Merrells, Julian Ovenden, Olivia Ross, Ed Stoppard, Sabrina Bartlett, Bobby Schofield, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Tom Forbes, Mark Hamill, and more.
Rome (2005-2007)
Rome is a historical drama series set in the last days of the Roman Republic. The story is told through the eyes of two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo.
There’s war, lots of action and battle scenes, political intrigue, and more. The series only has two seasons, but it received positive reviews, high ratings, and numerous awards and nominations. If you like watching historical dramas, be sure to put Rome on your list.
Rome stars Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Ciarán Hinds, Kenneth Cranham, Lindsay Duncan, Tobias Menzies, Kerry Condon, James Purefoy, Indira Varma, and many more.
So, which of these shows are you going to watch first?
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