The Greatest TV Shows About Kings & Queens

Television has long been fascinated by the lives of monarchs and the immense power they wield over their subjects. These series explore the complex political intrigue and intense personal dramas that define royal dynasties throughout history. Viewers witness the rise and fall of vast empires alongside the private struggles of those who wear the crown. The following collection highlights the most compelling storytelling focused on kings and queens from around the world.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

This acclaimed drama chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to modern times. The series explores the political rivalries and personal romances that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Viewers see the monarch navigate her duties while dealing with a changing society and family scandals. Each season features a new cast to reflect the aging of the characters over decades of history.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Nine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for a millennium. The Iron Throne remains the ultimate prize as kings and queens rise and fall in a brutal game of politics. Complex characters navigate alliances and betrayals in a fantasy world where power is the only currency. The show became a global phenomenon for its cinematic production values and shocking narrative twists.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–Present)

Set two centuries before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’, this series tells the story of House Targaryen. King Viserys I names his daughter as his heir which sparks a deadly war of succession known as the Dance of the Dragons. The narrative focuses on the internal conflict within the ruling family and their bonded dragons. Political maneuvering turns into open warfare as different factions vie for the throne.

‘The Tudors’ (2007–2010)

King Henry VIII transforms from a charismatic young ruler into a tyrant desperate for a male heir. The show dramatizes his six marriages and the religious upheaval that separated England from the Roman Catholic Church. Political advisors and queens alike face the executioner when they fail to please the volatile monarch. Jonathan Rhys Meyers delivers a stylized performance of the infamous king throughout his tumultuous reign.

‘The Great’ (2020–2023)

This satirical comedy-drama loosely follows the rise of Catherine the Great from an outsider to the longest-reigning female ruler of Russia. Elle Fanning plays the optimistic empress who plots to kill her dangerous and idiotic husband Peter III. The series uses modern humor and anachronisms to deconstruct historical events for entertainment. It focuses on the absurdity of court life and the ruthlessness required to seize power.

‘Victoria’ (2016–2019)

Jenna Coleman stars as the young Queen Victoria who inherits the throne at the age of eighteen. The series depicts her early struggles to assert authority over her ministers and her courtship with Prince Albert. Viewers watch as she navigates the challenges of motherhood while ruling the British Empire during a time of great industrial change. The narrative balances romantic drama with the political realities of the 19th century.

‘Reign’ (2013–2017)

Mary, Queen of Scots, arrives in France as a teenager to secure her strategic engagement to Prince Francis. The show blends history with teen drama elements including contemporary music and fashion. Mary must survive court intrigues and assassination attempts while dealing with her own heart. The series explores the dangerous alliance between Scotland and France amidst religious conflict.

‘Versailles’ (2015–2018)

King Louis XIV decides to move his court from Paris to Versailles to control the rebellious French nobility. The Sun King forces his potential enemies to live under his roof in a gilded cage of luxury and surveillance. Construction of the magnificent palace serves as a backdrop for poisonous affairs and political machinations. George Blagden portrays the monarch as a calculating strategist obsessed with his legacy.

‘The White Queen’ (2013)

Three women vie for power during the long conflict known as the War of the Roses. Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville manipulate events behind the scenes to secure the crown for their families. The series highlights the often overlooked influence of women in medieval politics. Magic and mysticism are woven into the historical narrative of the fight between the houses of York and Lancaster.

‘The White Princess’ (2017)

The marriage of Elizabeth of York and King Henry VII effectively ends the War of the Roses but does not bring immediate peace. Mutual suspicion plagues the union as the new Tudor dynasty faces threats from pretenders to the throne. Elizabeth must navigate her loyalty to her York relatives while protecting her children with the King. The show depicts the difficult birth of a new era in English history.

‘The Spanish Princess’ (2019–2020)

Catherine of Aragon arrives in England with a promise to marry the heir to the throne and unite the two nations. When her first husband dies suddenly, she claims her marriage was never consummated so she can wed his brother Henry. The series follows her determination to become Queen of England despite immense political opposition. It serves as a concluding chapter to the trilogy of shows based on Philippa Gregory novels.

‘Wolf Hall’ (2015–2024)

Thomas Cromwell rises from humble beginnings to become the closest advisor to King Henry VIII. Mark Rylance gives a subtle performance as the pragmatic lawyer navigating the deadly Tudor court. The series focuses on the annulment of the King’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon and the rise of Anne Boleyn. It is celebrated for its historical accuracy and reliance on candlelight to create atmosphere.

‘The Last Kingdom’ (2015–2022)

Alfred the Great defends his kingdom of Wessex against Viking invaders while dreaming of a united England. The protagonist Uhtred is born a Saxon but raised by Danes and finds himself torn between two worlds. Politics and battlefield tactics play equal roles as Alfred tries to secure his legacy through diplomacy and religion. The show spans decades of history covering the formation of England.

‘Vikings’ (2013–2020)

Ragnar Lothbrok rises from a farmer to a legendary Norse King through exploration and raiding. The series expands to follow his sons as they lead the Great Heathen Army against the kings of England and France. Characters like King Ecbert of Wessex serve as intellectual foils to the Viking warriors. The narrative explores the clash of cultures and religions during the Viking Age.

‘Vikings: Valhalla’ (2022–2024)

Set one hundred years after the original series, a new generation of heroes rises amidst tensions between Christian and Pagan Vikings. King Canute of Denmark seeks to unite the North Sea Empire while claiming the English throne. The show features the fall of London Bridge and the complex politics of the influential Godwin family. Leif Erikson and Freydis Eiriksdottir navigate their destinies as the Viking Age draws to a close.

‘I, Claudius’ (1976)

This classic BBC adaptation depicts the history of the Roman Empire from the perspective of the stuttering scholar Claudius. The series covers the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and the mad Emperor Caligula. Sian Phillips delivers a chilling performance as Livia Drusilla who poisons anyone standing in her way. It remains a benchmark for historical drama due to its sharp writing and theatrical performances.

‘Rome’ (2005–2007)

Two ordinary soldiers witness the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire. Figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony vie for supreme power while the Senate crumbles. The show is known for its gritty depiction of ancient life and the opulent corruption of the ruling class. A young Octavian slowly transforms into the first Emperor Augustus through cold calculation.

‘The Hollow Crown’ (2012–2016)

This cycle of film adaptations brings Shakespeare’s history plays to the screen with a high-profile cast. It covers the reigns of Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V through Richard III. Actors like Ben Whishaw and Tom Hiddleston deliver the original iambic pentameter in realistic settings. The series explores the burden of kingship and the divine right of monarchs.

‘The Serpent Queen’ (2022–2024)

Catherine de’ Medici tells her story of survival as an orphaned Italian teenager who marries into the French royal court. She uses intelligence and poison to maintain her influence over her sons who become kings. The show breaks the fourth wall as Catherine addresses the audience with dark humor. Samantha Morton portrays the older queen as a ruthless pragmatist willing to do anything for power.

‘Becoming Elizabeth’ (2022)

Following the death of Henry VIII, the teenage Elizabeth becomes a pawn in the power struggles of her siblings. She must navigate the dangerous sexual politics of the English court while living with Catherine Parr and Thomas Seymour. The series highlights the vulnerability of the young princess before she became the Virgin Queen. It offers a gritty look at the instability of the Tudor succession.

‘Mary & George’ (2024)

Julianne Moore stars as a scheming mother who molds her son to seduce King James I. The pair rises from minor nobility to become the most powerful players in the English court. The limited series explores the intersection of sexuality and politics during the Jacobean era. It depicts the mental decline of the King and the dangerous ambition of the Villiers family.

‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ (2023)

This prequel focuses on the marriage between young Queen Charlotte and King George III. Their love story sparks a societal shift that integrates the nobility of the ‘Bridgerton’ universe. The narrative also deals with the King’s struggle with mental illness and Charlotte’s rise as a formidable monarch. It adds emotional depth to the alternate history established in the main series.

‘The Empress’ (2022–Present)

Elisabeth of Bavaria falls in love with Emperor Franz Joseph and is thrust into the rigid Viennese court. The young Empress Sisi rebels against the strict protocols and her domineering mother-in-law Sophie. Politics and revolution threaten the Habsburg dynasty as the couple attempts to modernize the empire. The German production features lavish costumes and sweeping romantic tension.

‘Magnificent Century’ (2011–2014)

Suleiman the Magnificent ascends to the throne of the Ottoman Empire and begins a golden age of expansion. The series focuses on Hürrem Sultan who rises from a harem slave to become the legal wife of the Sultan. Court intrigue dominates the Topkapi Palace as rivals plot against Hürrem and her children. It became an international hit for its portrayal of the powerful women in the Ottoman court.

‘Kingdom’ (2019–2021)

A mysterious plague resurrects the dead in Joseon-era Korea while the King falls ill. Crown Prince Lee Chang investigates the outbreak and discovers a conspiracy to seize the throne. The series blends historical political thriller elements with intense zombie horror action. The Queen Consort plays a pivotal role as a villain manipulating the succession to maintain her clan’s power.

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

A young warlock must hide his magic in a version of Camelot where sorcery is punishable by death. Merlin serves Prince Arthur and secretly protects him so he can one day become a great king. The show reimagines the Arthurian legends with a focus on the friendship between the two young men. King Uther Pendragon rules with an iron fist and a deep hatred for magic.

‘Isabel’ (2012–2014)

This Spanish biographical series dramatizes the life of Queen Isabella I of Castile. It covers her fight for the throne, her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon, and the completion of the Reconquista. The show explores the personal sacrifices she made to unite Spain into a single power. Viewers see the events that led to the funding of Columbus and the start of the Spanish Empire.

‘Catherine the Great’ (2019)

Helen Mirren portrays the Russian Empress in the later years of her reign. The miniseries focuses on her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin and their unique political partnership. They work together to expand the borders of the Russian Empire and modernize the nation. The drama highlights the challenges a female ruler faces from detractors who question her legitimacy.

‘Elizabeth I’ (2005)

Helen Mirren stars in this two-part miniseries covering the latter half of the Queen’s reign. The story explores her relationships with the Earl of Leicester and the Earl of Essex. It depicts the loneliness of the monarch who sacrificed a personal life for the stability of her country. Jeremy Irons provides a strong supporting performance in this critically acclaimed production.

‘Marco Polo’ (2014–2016)

The Venetian explorer becomes a prisoner and later a servant in the court of Kublai Khan. Benedict Wong delivers a commanding performance as the Mongol Emperor who rules over a vast and diverse domain. The series showcases the political rivalry between the Mongols and the Chinese Song Dynasty. Martial arts and large-scale battles complement the court intrigue.

‘Knightfall’ (2017–2019)

King Philip IV of France maneuvers to destroy the Knights Templar to seize their wealth. The series fictionalizes the final days of the order and their quest to protect the Holy Grail. Politics clash with faith as the King betrays his former allies to consolidate his power. The narrative leads to the infamous Friday the 13th arrests and executions.

‘Britannia’ (2018–2021)

The Roman Imperial Army invades the mysterious land of Britain which is ruled by powerful Druids and warring warrior queens. General Aulus Plautius attempts to conquer the tribes by exploiting their internal divisions. Celtic Queen Antedia and others must decide whether to ally with the invaders or fight them. The show features a psychedelic tone and a unique take on ancient history.

‘Tut’ (2015)

Ben Kingsley plays the Grand Vizier Ay who manipulates the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The miniseries dramatizes the short life of the Egyptian ruler as he tries to assert control over his kingdom. Tut leads his armies into battle while facing betrayal from his closest advisors and family. It offers an action-packed interpretation of the 18th Dynasty of Egypt.

‘Domina’ (2021–2023)

Livia Drusilla returns to Rome to reclaim her status and protect her children after the civil wars. The series retells the rise of Emperor Augustus through the eyes of his influential wife. Livia proves to be the most cunning political operator in the burgeoning empire. It explores the precarious nature of power for women in ancient Roman society.

‘The Windsors’ (2016–Present)

This soap opera parody exaggerates the public personas of the modern British Royal Family. The comedy features a scheming Camilla, a dim-witted Harry, and power-hungry minor royals. It satirizes real-world events and scandals with over-the-top storylines and ridiculous scenarios. The show provides a lighthearted contrast to serious historical dramas.

‘Mr. Queen’ (2020–2021)

A modern-day male chef finds his soul trapped in the body of a Queen in 19th-century Korea. He must navigate the strict rules of the court while trying to find a way back to his own time. The King seems like a puppet monarch but hides a secret agenda to fight corruption. Humor arises from the clash between modern sensibilities and historical traditions.

‘The King’s Affection’ (2021)

A twin princess assumes the identity of her deceased brother to survive as the Crown Prince. She must maintain a cold demeanor to hide her secret while falling in love with her royal tutor. The series explores the burden of living a lie amidst constant political danger. It combines romance with the high stakes of royal succession.

‘Under the Queen’s Umbrella’ (2022)

A dedicated Queen struggles to discipline her troublemaking sons and prepare one of them to be the next King. Rivals in the palace plot to replace the Crown Prince with their own children. The show focuses on the intense educational pressure and maternal ferocity required to survive in the palace. Kim Hye-soo delivers a powerful performance as the protective mother and queen.

‘Empress Ki’ (2013–2014)

A woman from Goryeo is sent to the Yuan Dynasty as a tribute but rises to become the Empress. The long-running drama covers her romantic entanglements and her political ascent in a foreign land. She navigates the complex relationship between her homeland and the empire that controls it. Ha Ji-won stars in this epic story of love, war, and power.

Share your favorite royal dramas or let us know which monarchs deserve their own show in the comments.