The Last Kingdom

If you're interested in historical dramas with a healthy dose of action, "The Last Kingdom" is a really solid pick that doesn't get talked about quite as much as it deserves. The series begins in the late 9th century, during the Viking invasions of England, and follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg—a Saxon born nobleman who’s captured and raised by Danes. It’s a clashing-identity story at heart, and I really enjoyed how the writers dug into the muddiness of loyalty, religion, and power. The show's adaptation from Bernard Cornwell's books is pretty streamlined, so even if you haven't read the novels, you won't feel left out.

One of the most standout aspects for me is how gritty yet immersive the show feels. The battles are brutal and frenetic (sometimes a little hard to follow, but mostly impressive given the TV budget) and you can almost feel the mud and sweat through the screen. The sets and costumes do an excellent job of selling the era without feeling overly "Hollywood," and the grimy tone matches the uncertainty of the times. The locations—shot in Hungary and the UK—give it a real sense of scale and authenticity.

Character-wise, Alexander Dreymon brings Uhtred to life in a very down-to-earth way—he’s charming, conflicted, and sometimes infuriating. Supporting roles, especially David Dawson as King Alfred, add real gravitas. Sometimes the sweeping narrative sacrifices development for some of the secondary characters, though, and the show occasionally rushes through years of history without warning, which can make you wish for more time with certain storylines.

On the downside, the dialogue can drift into the melodramatic (especially in the earlier seasons) and there are a few underbaked subplots that might make you check your phone. Also, if you're really keen on strict historical accuracy, they do take creative liberties—this show is more about drama and character than a strict retelling of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.

You would enjoy this if you liked "Vikings" but want something a bit less soapy, or if you appreciate underdog hero journeys with a lot of clashing cultures and swords. Good for fans of history who aren't looking for a documentary, but want to get a feel for a gripping, dangerous era that shaped modern Britain.