5 New Historical Shows of 2023 to Watch on Netflix in February 2024

1. War Sailor

Takes Place In: Norway, 1939

Number of Episodes: 3

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%

During WWII, a Nazi invasion of Norway left thousands of sailors and merchantmen stranded at sea. Surrounded by U-Boats and unable to return to their occupied homeland, the sailors were responsible for moving food and weapons to the Allied forces – an effort that some say turned the tide of the Battle of Britain.

In this three-part epic, two best friends are among those men at sea. Meanwhile, their families at home struggle under the occupying army, not sure if their loved ones are dead or alive.

Critics Say: 'War Sailor offers some of the best ensemble acting seen in recent years. It's been perfectly cast down to the smallest role.' – Butler's Cinema Score

2. Transatlantic

Takes Place In: France, 1940

Number of Episodes: 7

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

This limited series is based on the incredible true story of Mary Jayne Gold and Varian Fry, who worked as part of the American Emergency Rescue Committee during WWII. The two fought to get refugees spirited out of Nazi-occupied France, particularly those at a high risk from Hitler's army.

Critics Say: 'Transatlantic has a bittersweet, Classic Hollywood vibe, evoking the historical romance of 'Casablanca' in its lush, vibrant presentation.' – Roger Ebert.com

3. All the Light We Cannot See

Takes Place In: France, 1940 - 1944

Number of Episodes: 4

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 26%

Based on the bestselling and Pulitzer-winning novel by Anthony Doerr, All The Light We Cannot See follows two teenagers whose lives intersect in Nazi-occupied France. Marie-Laure LeBlanc is a blind girl who illegally broadcasts readings of books across the radio waves, sending coded messages to the Resistance. Werner Pfennig, a young Nazi soldier, listens to her messages but does not turn her in.

Critics Say: 'All the Light We Cannot See pushes our buttons for reactions that come even as we see the melodrama, hear the over-the-top score, and wince at the cliches.' – The Australian

4. The Law According to Lidia Poët

Takes Place In: Italy, 1883

Number of Episodes: 6

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Inspired by a true story, this mystery series follows Lydia Poët as she fights for the right of women to practice law in Italy.

Although she has qualified as a lawyer, Poët is disbarred early in the first episode due to her sex. She continues to fight crime by investigating cases for her brother's law firm, while working in the meantime to regain her license in a system stacked against her.

Critics Say: 'Based on the now celebrated historic figure, this zesty 19th century period drama gives a bracing, buoyant slant to the story of the first modern female lawyer in Italy.' – The Age (Australia)

5. African Queens: Njinga

Takes Place In: Ndongo, West Central Africa, 1624

Number of Episodes: 4

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Jada Pinkett Smith produced and narrates this docudrama about the 'Woman King' Njinga, who rose to power more than three decades after the Portuguese started decimating her home country of Ndongo. Combining strength, intelligence, and incredible political savvy, Njinga fought back against the Portuguese and the slave trade and worked to secure her people's safety.

Combining documentary style interviews and high-budget reenactments, this is the first season in a series that examines the great Queens of Africa.

Critics Say: 'Njinga soars off the page and becomes a true queen right before your eyes due to Oni's thoughtful performance.' – Black Girl Nerds