Forget Bridgerton, Here Are 5 Most Anticipated Historical Shows of 2024
Looks like history books won't be needed this year.
It's finally here, dear period and costume drama fans! After two years of agonizing anticipation, the third season of Bridgerton, the beautifully crafted story filled with romantic moments, heartbreaking drama, and gorgeous costume design set in the high society of early 19th century London, is finally coming to Netflix. Well, the first half of season three to be precise, which debuts on May 16.
But believe it or not, Bridgerton is far from the most intriguing TV project out there, as there are plenty of other period shows in 2024. Let's take a look at five period pieces on Apple TV+, Starz, and FX that already promise to be strong competitors to Bridgerton's third season.
5. Franklin
Premiere Date: April 12, 2024
Number of Episodes: 8
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
The year 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the media is buzzing with new films and series dedicated to the figures behind the founding of American statehood. In April, Apple TV+ will launch a series about the time Benjamin Franklin spent in France as ambassador to persuade the French to support American independence and democracy.
4. Manhunt
Premiere Date: March 15, 2024
Number of Episodes: 7
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
As the title suggests, this series will tell the story of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. After the tragic shooting at Ford's Theatre, Lincoln's assassin, actor and Confederate sympathizer John Wilkes Booth, went into hiding for 12 days, and his capture was greatly aided by Secretary of War and Lincoln friend Edwin Stanton.
3. Mary & George
Premiere Date: March 5, 2024
Number of Episodes: 7
Where to Watch: Starz
On March 5, Starz premiered the first episode of one of the most daring historical crime dramas about an equally daring conspiracy, based on the novel by Benjamin Woolley: the assassination of King James I. The series follows George Villiers (Nicholas Galitzine), a minor nobleman who, with the help of his mother, Mary Villiers (Julianne Moore), rose to become one of the most powerful men in England by serving as the King's lover.
2. Masters of the Air
Premiere Date: March 5, 2024
Number of Episodes: 9
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Of course, no military epic would be complete without the contributions of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, and after the colossal success of Band of Brothers and The Pacific, two of the most historically accurate series ever made, the production duo have their hands on a new project created by John Shiban and John Orloff, Masters of the Air.
The story centers on the Eighth Air Force, particularly the members of the 100th Bomb Group, also known as the Bloody Hundredth, a formation of B-17F heavy bombers stationed in eastern England in World War II. Over the course of the war, the unit demonstrated its military prowess in the skies, efficiently combating the Nazis and bombing their bases and factories.
1. Shōgun
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Premiere Date: February 27, 2024
Number of Episodes: 10
Where to Watch: FX, Hulu
Based on James Claywell's 1975 historical novel of the same name, Shōgun tells the story of John Blackthorne (inspired by a real historical figure, William Adams), portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis, an English sailor who washes up on the shores of Japan. At first, the Japanese view Blackthorne with suspicion, and he himself views the non-Christianized barbarians with arrogance. However, after befriending the influential Lord Toranaga (a reference to the first shōgun of the Edo shogunate of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu), Blackthorne proves to be a trusted ally of the future ruler of Japan.