Netflix's Marco Polo transports viewers to the court of Kublai Khan in 13th-century China, offering a visually lavish historical epic with political drama and martial arts action. The series follows a young Marco Polo as he navigates the complex world of the Mongol Empire, becoming an advisor to the Khan. While different in setting from the European focus of Vikings, it shares the scope of exploring vast empires, different cultures, and intense power struggles. It provides a fascinating glimpse into a powerful and influential historical period and region often less depicted in Western television.

Frontier takes the historical action to 18th-century North America, focusing on the brutal and cutthroat fur trade. While a different setting and period than Vikings, it shares the theme of survival in a harsh, untamed world driven by ambition and conflict. Jason Momoa stars as Declan Harp, an outlaw challenging the dominance of the Hudson's Bay Company. The series depicts the often-violent interactions between trappers, indigenous peoples, and European companies vying for control. It's a tale of rebellion and survival in a wild, unforgiving landscape.

Knightfall delves into the world of the Knights Templar, focusing on the fictional Landry du Lauzon, a veteran warrior and leader of the order. Set in the early 14th century, the series explores the Templars' secretive world, their involvement in the Crusades, and their eventual persecution by King Philip IV of France. While perhaps less focused on cultural exploration than Vikings, it delivers on the action and political intrigue surrounding a powerful historical military order. The show provides a look into a different, yet equally fascinating, warrior culture from a later historical period.

Drawing directly from the classic Old English epic poem, Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands brings the legendary hero into a television series format. Set in the mythical Shieldlands, a place of rugged beauty and dangerous creatures, the show follows Beowulf as he arrives in the town of Herot and becomes entangled in its politics and monster problems. It attempts to build a larger world around the source material, introducing new characters and storylines while retaining elements of the original's fantasy and action. It's an interesting, if ambitious, attempt to translate ancient legend into episodic television.

Cursed offers a fresh, fantasy-infused take on the Arthurian legend, focusing on Nimue, a young woman with mysterious powers destined to become the Lady of the Lake. This series blends historical-fantasy settings with themes of oppression, power, and destiny, much like Vikings explores cultural clash and fate. The visual style is distinct, and it puts a powerful female protagonist at the center of the classic myth. It's a journey of self-discovery and rebellion set against a backdrop of knights, magic, and political conflict.

While stepping into fantasy, The Witcher shares Vikings' dark tone, complex world-building, and intense action sequences. Based on the popular books and video games, it follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a continent filled with mythical beasts, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. Henry Cavill's portrayal of Geralt, along with the captivating storylines of Princess Ciri and sorceress Yennefer, create a rich narrative tapestry. The show features impressive creature design and thrilling combat, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy the blend of historical-feeling settings with supernatural elements.

Though set centuries before the Viking age, HBO's Rome offers a grand-scale historical epic with intricate political maneuvering and visceral action that fans of Vikings will appreciate. This series provides a detailed look at the transition of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire, focusing not just on iconic figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, but also on the lives of two ordinary soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. The production design is stunningly detailed, recreating the city of Rome and its daily life with incredible fidelity. It's a masterclass in historical drama, balancing high-stakes politics with personal stories of loyalty, betrayal, and survival.

Barbarians takes you straight to the heart of one of history's most significant battles: the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. This German production offers a gritty and intense look at the conflict between the Roman Empire and the Germanic tribes. What makes it particularly captivating is its focus on the tribal perspective, showing the internal struggles and unification efforts of the Germanic peoples against the seemingly invincible Roman legions. The series doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of ancient warfare and tribal life, providing a visceral experience with strong character work centered around historical figures like Arminius and Thusnelda.

If you're craving more historical action after Vikings, The Last Kingdom is your absolute must-watch. Based on Bernard Cornwell's 'Saxon Stories' novels, this series plunges you into the tumultuous birth of England, chronicling the clash between Saxon kingdoms and Viking invaders through the eyes of Uhtred of Bebbanburg – a Saxon lord raised by Vikings. The show excels in its battle choreography, political intrigue, and especially in its compelling protagonist, Uhtred, whose dual identity makes for a rich and often conflicted journey. Look out for the detailed historical settings and the exploration of early English identity alongside the thrilling raid sequences.