If you’ve ever wanted to know what the lives of European royalty are really like, then we’ve got you covered. Here are 18 TV shows about European royalty that serve up a feast of drama and romance – oh, and the occasional beheading! After all, who doesn’t love a good old royal scandal?
The Crown
Easily the most famous entry on this list, “The Crown” explores the incredible life of Queen Elizabeth II. The show tells the true story of her time as queen, including romance and scandals. It’s a mix of historical events and personal dramas that’ll make you feel like a royal insider without the risk of causing an international incident.
Reign
“Reign” tells the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, but it’s not exactly historically accurate. However, with this much drama and stunning costumes, you’ll soon forget to care! Each episode is absolutely breathtaking, featuring a side of teenage angst and love triangles that would make even a queen blush. Think historical reenactment – but with a hefty dose of soap opera goodness.
Versailles
What do you get when you mix European royalty with “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”? You get “Versailles,” of course! The show is all about Louis XIV’s quest to build the biggest house in the neighborhood. It mixes the lavishness of royal life with the dirty politics of court intrigue in a way that’s truly captivating.
The Tudors
“The Tudors” is a spicy take on Henry VIII’s reign, focusing less on the political treaties and more on the king’s inability to stay faithful. The show is like a medieval soap opera, where everyone is just one misunderstanding away from losing their head. With Henry’s love life taking center stage, even kings can’t escape relationship drama.
Victoria
This show turns Queen Victoria’s reign into an episode of “The Young and the Restless.” Jenna Coleman portrays Victoria in a way that’ll make you root for you like she’s your best friend. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the queen’s vulnerability and strength, showing us the personal challenges that come with wearing the crown.
The Spanish Princess
This show follows Catherine of Aragon’s journey from hopeful princess to Queen of England. It’s a tale of love, power, and fabulous Spanish fashion, reminding us all that sometimes, the real battle for the throne happens in the heart. Of course, it’s not 100% historically accurate, but honestly, does it really matter?
Knightfall
“Knightfall” takes us into the secretive world of the Knights Templar, mixing historical lore with the kind of action that makes you wish you paid more attention in history class. The show focuses less on royal crowns and more on the quest for the Holy Grail. If you’re looking for a show with plenty of sword fights and political intrigue, this is the one for you.
The Last Kingdom
Uhtred of Bebbanburg is hardly a household name, but after watching this show, you’ll think that maybe he should be! “The Last Kingdom” is historical fiction with enough sword fights to make you forget it’s educational. It’s a mix of feuds and formation as we learn about the creation of England under the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings.
Borgia
“Borgia” exposes the scandalous lives of the Renaissance’s most infamous family. It’s a deliciously wicked exploration of power and corruption during a time when your surname could either be your greatest asset or your deadliest curse. Sure, it twists the truth of this family quite a lot, but with this much tasty drama, who cares?
Medici: Masters of Florence
The Medici family were the Kardashians of the Renaissance, minus the reality TV show but plus a whole lot of art sponsorship. No wonder there’s a show about them! Every episode feels like you’re at the world’s most opulent and backstabby dinner party. Florence’s golden age never looked so appealingly cutthroat!
Wolf Hall
Thomas Cromwell’s life is the original rags-to-riches story, facing the snake pit that was Henry VIII’s court. “Wolf Hall” shows how manipulation and survival are at the center of most royal families. In Tudor England, knowing where the bodies are buried can actually be something quite literal.
Elizabeth I
Helen Mirren’s Elizabeth I deals her time as England’s ruler with the sass and savvy of a monarch who knows how to play the game better than anyone. This series explores the life of one of history’s most incredible and independent women. It went on to win several awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, Peabodies, and more!
The Great
Forget historical accuracy – in this show, you get something better. “The Great” is a hilarious show that would even make the real Catherine the Great laugh. The show features a Catherine who’s more likely to wield a witty comeback than a sword and shows that you can turn history into comedy without losing its edge.
Catherine the Great
“Catherine the Great” explores the later years of the empress’s rule with a mix of political thriller and a forbidden romance novel. This period drama looks at power and gender in politics, showing Catherine as a woman dealing with the challenges of the Russian court. It also features Helen Mirren, so you know it’s going to be good!
Gunpowder
“Gunpowder” takes you to the front-row seat at one of history’s most explosive events, minus the risk of actual danger. It packs the suspense of a thriller set against the murky world of 17th-century politics. Even if you know how the story ends, the show will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
The White Queen
“The White Queen” spins the Wars of the Roses into a tale that makes palace intrigue look like child’s play. Forget the swords and battle cries – this series is all about the power of persuasion and the occasional backstabbing (sometimes literal). The show offers a fresh and feminine perspective on a well-trodden period of history.
Young Royals
Of course, not all royalty has to be ancient. “Young Royals” is a contemporary exploration of modern-day royalty in the confines of an elite boarding school. Prince Wilhelm of Sweden meets Simon, and the two soon begin a journey of self-discovery and forbidden love. The show looks at the all-too-real difficulties of LGBTQ+ relationships within the monarchy.
