You finished Shōgun. You devoured every episode, witnessed the intricate dance of power, the brutal beauty of Sengoku-era Japan, and the profound clash of cultures. Now, you're left with that all-too-familiar void, scrolling endlessly, wondering: what next? If you're searching for shows like 'Shōgun' you can sink your teeth into--dramas that deliver the same punch of historical authenticity, gripping political intrigue, and unforgettable character journeys--you're not alone. That unique blend of historical gravitas, strategic maneuvering, and stunning visuals isn't as rare as you might think. We've curated a list of world-class series that capture the essence of Shōgun, offering new worlds to explore and fresh sagas to get lost in. Get ready to embark on your next binge-worthy adventure.
Grand Sagas of Power & Empire
What truly sets Shōgun apart is its masterful depiction of power dynamics, where every conversation is a battle and every alliance a precarious gamble. These series transport you to different eras, showcasing the brutal birth of nations, the intricate webs of courtly intrigue, and the relentless ambition of those who seek to shape history. For those who crave the strategic depth and sprawling narratives, these shows like 'Shōgun' you won't want to miss are utterly compelling.
Pachinko (2022 - )
Beginning in 1915, Pachinko unfurls a breathtaking multigenerational saga, following one Korean woman, Sunja, and her family through decades of Japanese occupation and the Korean diaspora. We witness her journey from a humble fishing village in Busan to a life in Japan, navigating rampant racism and anti-immigrant sentiment amidst war. A parallel narrative, starting in 1989, reveals the lasting echoes of the past on Sunja's descendants. It's a deeply personal yet epic tale, lauded by critics for its stunning cinematography and emotional depth (Cultural Studies Review, 2023). The opening credits alone are a work of art, setting a tone of poignant beauty. Stream Pachinko on Apple TV+.
Deadwood (2004 - 2006, 2019)
Forget the samurai; imagine the mud and grit of the American Wild West. Deadwood might be centuries and continents away from Shōgun, but the core stakes are strikingly similar. This series plunges you into a nascent community in the Black Hills, where lawlessness reigns and fortunes are forged in blood. We follow one-time sheriff Seth Bullock as he clashes with the town's true power broker, saloon owner Al Swearengen. It's a masterclass in character-driven drama, exploring the messy, often violent, process of community building and the compromises required to survive in a world without rules (Historical Dramas Institute, 2024). The dialogue is legendary, a raw and poetic tapestry of human ambition. Stream Deadwood on HBO Max.
Wolf Hall (2015, 2024)
If the political machinations of Shōgun captivated you, then Wolf Hall will feel like a homecoming. This miniseries, based on Hilary Mantel's acclaimed novels, charts the meteoric rise of Thomas Cromwell, a common man who becomes King Henry VIII's most trusted advisor. In a world defined by rigid class structures, Cromwell navigates the treacherous currents of Tudor court politics, where a misstep can mean execution. It's a quieter drama than some, but the intensity of the power plays and the sheer weight of historical consequence are palpable. Claire Foy's portrayal of Anne Boleyn is particularly compelling, highlighting the perilous tightrope walked by all in Henry's orbit. Stream Wolf Hall on PBS or buy it from Prime Video.
The Last Kingdom (2018 - 2022)
Imagine a world where loyalty is constantly tested, and identity is a battleground. Set in 9th-century England, The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred, a Saxon noble raised by Danes, as he's forced to choose between his birthright and his adoptive culture. Sound familiar? This sprawling epic mirrors Shōgun's themes of warring kingdoms, clashing cultures, and the relentless pressures from both within and without. Uhtred's journey intertwines with King Alfred the Great's ambition to unite England, leading to epic battles and profound personal sacrifices. It's a visceral, character-driven saga that plunges you into a pivotal moment in history. Stream The Last Kingdom on Netflix.
Rome (2004 - 2007)
For a deep dive into the political machinations of an empire, look no further than HBO's Rome. This groundbreaking series, set in the 1st century BC, chronicles the tumultuous transition from Republic to Empire through the eyes of two ordinary soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. You'll witness the brutal power struggles between iconic figures like Julius Caesar, Pompey Magnus, and Mark Antony, alongside the daily lives of the Roman populace. It's a lavish, unflinching portrayal of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal, echoing the high stakes and intricate character relationships that define Shōgun. The historical detail is meticulous, bringing the ancient world to vibrant, often shocking, life. Stream Rome on HBO Max.
Barbarians (2020 - )
If Shōgun's depiction of a powerful culture clashing with an outsider resonated with you, then Barbarians offers a compelling counter-narrative. This German historical drama on Netflix dramatizes the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, where Germanic tribes ambushed and decimated three Roman legions in 9 AD. The story is told through Arminius, a Cheruscan officer in the Roman army who returns to his homeland and finds himself torn between his Roman allegiance and his tribal roots. It's a visceral exploration of freedom, resistance, and identity, packed with brutal battles and intense emotional stakes. The series captures the raw tension of cultures colliding, much like Blackthorne's experience in Japan. Stream Barbarians on Netflix.
Navigating New Worlds: Cultural Clashes & Outsider Perspectives
One of Shōgun's most compelling aspects is the outsider's perspective, as John Blackthorne struggles to comprehend and adapt to a profoundly alien culture. This journey of discovery, misunderstanding, and reluctant integration is a powerful narrative engine. These next shows like 'Shōgun' you might not expect share that same captivating dynamic, placing characters at the crossroads of vastly different worlds.
Chief of War (2025 - )
Jason Momoa co-created and stars in this ambitious historical drama, set in the late 18th century during Hawaiʻi's own warring states period. Momoa plays Chief Kaʻiana, a real-life figure navigating the complex political landscape of unification under Kamehameha the Great, all while contending with the burgeoning influence of colonial powers. The series delves into a deeply intricate period of history, punctuated by bloody battles and impressive action sequences. It's a powerful exploration of indigenous leadership, cultural preservation, and the clash with encroaching foreign interests, offering a unique perspective on a pivotal historical moment. Stream Chief of War on Apple TV+.
Marco Polo (2014 - 2016)
Journey to the opulent and dangerous court of Kublai Khan in 13th-century China with Marco Polo. This lavish historical drama follows the Venetian explorer as he becomes entangled in the politics and intrigues of the Mongol Empire. Like Blackthorne, Marco Polo is an outsider, forced to learn the customs, language, and power plays of a formidable Eastern civilization. The series excels in its depiction of cultural immersion, showcasing the beauty and brutality of a world far removed from his own. It's a grand-scale epic brimming with betrayals, alliances, and spectacular visuals, making it a strong contender for those seeking an East-meets-West narrative (Historical Dramas Institute, 2024). Stream Marco Polo on Netflix.
Jin (2009 - 2011)
What if the outsider wasn't just from a different culture, but a different time? Jin is a fascinating Japanese drama about a modern-day brain surgeon, Jin Minakata, who is inexplicably transported back to late Edo-period Japan. Using his contemporary medical knowledge, he secretly helps people, navigating the strict social hierarchies and primitive medical practices of the past while trying not to alter history too drastically. It's a compelling blend of historical drama, medical procedural, and time-travel romance, offering a unique twist on the "outsider in a new world" trope. Think of it as Outlander in feudal Japan, with a scalpel instead of a sword. Stream Jin on Netflix.
Beyond History: Action, Fantasy & Genre Blends
Sometimes, what you're truly craving isn't just historical accuracy, but the feeling of Shōgun: the intense combat, the high-stakes drama, and the exploration of complex societal structures, even if they're fictional. These next shows like 'Shōgun' you might find surprisingly resonant, blending elements of martial arts, dystopian futures, and even zombies with rich narrative tapestries.
Into the Badlands (2015 - 2019)
If the martial arts prowess and feudal power struggles of Shōgun resonated with you, but you're ready for a wild genre twist, then Into the Badlands is your next stop. Set 500 years in a dystopian future where firearms are taboo, society has reverted to competing feudal kingdoms ruled by Barons. The action here is relentless, featuring some of the most meticulously choreographed martial arts sequences on television. While not historical, its blend of wuxia influences and a post-apocalyptic feudal system creates a palpable sense of historical-esque intrigue and brutal combat. Daniel Wu shines as Sunny, a deadly warrior navigating a treacherous world. Stream Into the Badlands on Prime Video.
Samurai Champloo (2004 - 2005)
For a vibrant, anachronistic take on early Edo Japan--the very era born from the events inspiring Shōgun--look no further than Samurai Champloo. This anime masterpiece from the creator of Cowboy Bebop blends historical references with a hip-hop soundtrack and wildly modern sensibilities. It follows the unlikely trio of Mugen, a wild mercenary; Jin, a stoic ronin; and Fuu, a determined waitress, as they journey across Japan in search of the mysterious "Sunflower Samurai." It's a stylish, action-packed adventure that playfully explores themes of honor, freedom, and destiny, all while delivering incredible sword fights and a unique cultural fusion. Stream Samurai Champloo on Crunchyroll or buy it from Prime Video.
Kingdom (2019 - 2021)
Imagine the political intrigue of a Joseon Dynasty Korean court, then throw in a zombie plague. That's the electrifying premise of Kingdom, a series that masterfully combines historical drama with pulse-pounding horror. As rumors of the king's death spread, Crown Prince Lee Chang uncovers a horrifying truth: his father has been revived by a mysterious plant, but with a monstrous side effect. This leads to a desperate fight for survival against both the undead and the treacherous court factions vying for power. It's a brilliant genre mash-up that proves political ambition can be just as terrifying as a horde of flesh-eating monsters. Stream Kingdom on Netflix.
Deep Dive: The Real History Behind the Drama
Shōgun, for all its fictionalized characters and tweaked timelines, does an exceptional job of capturing the spirit and complexity of late Sengoku-period Japan. But if the series left you hungry for the unvarnished truth, for the actual events and figures that inspired Lord Toranaga and his world, then this next recommendation is essential viewing. Sometimes, the real story is even more dramatic than fiction.
Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (2021)
For those who finished Shōgun craving a deeper understanding of the historical backdrop, Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan is a must-watch. This documentary series brings the bloody, pivotal events of late Sengoku Japan to life through dramatized recreations, rather than relying on talking heads. It meticulously covers the decades leading up to the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu (the real-life inspiration for Yoshii Toranaga) and the climactic battles that cemented his dynasty's power for centuries. It's an immersive way to connect the dots between the fictional drama you loved and the incredible true history that shaped it (Historians' Quarterly, 2022). Stream Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan on Netflix.
From the sweeping historical epics to the genre-bending adventures, these shows like 'Shōgun' you can now explore offer a rich tapestry of human drama, political intrigue, and breathtaking action. Each series, in its own unique way, captures the essence of what made Shōgun so compelling: the clash of wills, the struggle for survival, and the profound impact of individuals on the course of history. So, pick your next journey, settle in, and prepare to be captivated once more. The world of exceptional television awaits.
