Television series
Vikings: Valhalla
Vikings: Valhalla picks up a century after the original series, following legendary explorers and warriors—Leif Erikson, his sister Freydis, Harald Hardrada—as they navigate a shifting medieval Europe. It's ambitious historical drama with visceral action sequences, political intrigue, and genuine stakes. For anyone who loved the original Vikings or wants sweeping sagas about ambition and survival.
Should you watch it?
Watch it if you liked the sprawling blood-and-politics sweep of the original and want its restless characters carried into a wider, shifting Europe, with court intrigue and long sea voyages.
Skip it if you want a self-contained story, since this picks up a century after the original and its pile of alliances and rival courts asks for patience across three seasons.
What it asks of you: Twenty-four episodes of about 49 minutes spread over three seasons, so a long commitment, with many characters followed at once and a steady, unhurried build.
Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.
If you liked this
The Last Kingdom2015
Shares Vikings' DNA—a Saxon warrior navigates conquest and identity across a transforming England. Exceptional character work, brutal honesty about war's costs, and genuinely moving relationships that span seasons.
But Slower pacing than Valhalla in stretches. The early seasons are less polished, and some plot threads demand patience before they pay off.
Succession2018
Not historical, but structurally identical: ruthless ambitious people maneuvering for power while family bonds fracture. Dialogue is sharper, character work is masterclass, and the cynicism cuts deep.
But Zero action sequences—this is all conversation and consequence. If you're watching Vikings for the sword-swinging, this will feel airless.
Vinland Saga2019
Anime about Viking revenge and redemption with animation that's genuinely stunning. More introspective than Valhalla but with deeper philosophical weight. The second season is exceptional.
But Anime format alienates some viewers. Pacing is deliberate, almost meditative—nothing like Valhalla's momentum.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Vikings: Valhalla
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
The Northman2022
Both grapple with Viking mythology as living spiritual force rather than historical backdrop. Valhalla dramatizes legends; Northman dreams them. Same source material, opposite approaches.
Eggers' Viking revenge epic with Skarsgård as Amleth. Operatic brutality, visual obsession, and thematic depth about cycles of violence. Feels less like historical drama than mythic fever dream.
But Glacially paced and deliberately obscure in places. If you want narrative clarity and modern dialogue, this will frustrate you intensely.
More like this (6)
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes2024
Epic scope, charismatic outsider protagonist navigating a dangerous world, political complexity beneath the spectacle. Josh Fadelson directs with real intelligence and visual grandeur.
But Not historical—if you're seeking grounded drama, the premise demands suspension of disbelief. Some find the messaging heavy-handed.
Outlaw King2018
Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce fighting for Scottish independence. Visceral action, political intrigue, and a genuine sense of historical weight. Surprisingly thoughtful about power and cost.
But Brutal and sometimes bleak. The pacing is uneven, and historical accuracies matter less than thematic coherence.
The Great2020
Catherine the Great's rise, told with wit and profane energy. Brilliant cast, gorgeous production, and character dynamics that crackle. Balances spectacle with intimacy.
But Deeply irreverent about history—not remotely accurate. Tone shifts jarring if you want straight drama.
Dunkirk2017
Nolan's WWII thriller captures existential survival and desperation under pressure. Technical mastery, minimal dialogue, pure visceral filmmaking. Lean and relentless.
But Deliberately cold and distancing—no character depth. If you need emotional connection to protagonists, you'll feel locked out.
For All Mankind2019
Alternate history where the space race never ended. Ambitious scope, strong ensemble cast, and genuine surprises in how history bends. Season 2 especially excels.
But Increasingly uneven as it sprawls. Later seasons lose focus, and the show's reach sometimes exceeds its grasp.
The Terror2018
Both follow ambitious explorers into impossible geography, testing their bonds and beliefs. Valhalla is conquest; Terror is being conquered by landscape itself.
Arctic exploration horror that's part survival saga, part ghost story. Exceptional cast, mounting dread, and complete commitment to atmosphere. Season 1 is among peak prestige TV.
But Genuinely horrifying at times—body horror, desperation, psychological breakdown. Not for anyone squeamish or disturbed by slowburn suffering.
People
Cast
Writing
- Jeb StuartCreator
Production
- Donal GeraghtyAssociate Producer
- Justin PollardAssociate Producer
- Ian KeltieCo-Producer
- Liz GillCo-Producer
- Nick IannelliCo-Producer
- Alan GasmerExecutive Producer
- James FlynnExecutive Producer
- Jeb StuartExecutive Producer
- John WeberExecutive Producer
- Michael HirstExecutive Producer
- Morgan O'SullivanExecutive Producer
- Niels Arden OplevExecutive Producer
- Paul BuccieriExecutive Producer
- Sheila HockinExecutive Producer
- Sherry MarshExecutive Producer
- Steve StarkExecutive Producer
- Jane McNallyLine Producer
- Cáit CollinsProducer
- Mark MurdochProducer