The Best Hulu Period Dramas, Ranked

Vikings, a rip-roaring escapade through the brutal world of Norse seafarers, excels in its impeccable portrayal of legendary Ragnar Lothbrok, played by Travis Fimmel, and his bloodthirsty clan. Exploring the mysterious world of Norse mythology and Viking warfare, the series keeps us on the edge of our oars, addicted to the sweeping sagas of conquest, vengeance, and ambition.

Shōgun is a gripping series set in feudal Japan, focusing on the adventures of an English navigator named John Blackthorne, who finds himself shipwrecked in a foreign land. As he navigates the complexities of Japanese society, he becomes entwined in its politics and culture. The show stars Richard Chamberlain as Blackthorne and Toshiro Mifune as Lord Toranaga, the powerful daimyo who influences much of Blackthorne's journey. This series brings cultural clashes and alliances to vivid life.

The Great, a delightfully wicked tale of power and ambition, takes us deep into the heart of 18th-century Russia. Elle Fanning, as the audacious Catherine the Great, and Nicholas Hoult as the capricious Emperor Peter, deliver stunning performances. The show masterfully combines historical accuracy with a tantalizing dose of absurdity - and we all can't help but revel in the madness.

Harlots, an unflinching portrayal of the lives of women in 18th-century London, takes us through a game of survival, passion, and intrigue. The performances of Samantha Morton, as the relentless brothel owner Margaret Wells, and Lesley Manville, as the ruthless Lydia Quigley, lay bare the harrowing underbelly of Georgian society, where morality and survival are constantly at odds.

Taboo takes us into the gritty and mysterious world of 1814 London, where adventurer James Delaney, played by the enigmatic Tom Hardy, fights to reclaim his family's legacy. The series, dark and atmospheric, weaves a web of intrigue, betrayal, and violence, drawing us into an absorbing story of redemption and revenge in the heart of a rapidly transforming city.

Pride and Prejudice, another gem from the treasury of Jane Austen's tales, enchants us with the resolute spirit of Elizabeth Bennet and the brooding charm of Mr. Darcy, splendidly captured by Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. This adaptation of the beloved classic, brimming with wit and ardor, immerses us in the delightful romance that the trials of Regency society fuel.