Netflix adds all six seasons of the ‘best’ historical drama series

Fans of juicy historical drama are in luck as Netflix adds all six seasons of Vikings – a meaty political odyssey set in the Dark Ages.

The Emmy-winning show, created by Michael Hirst for the History Channel, ran from 2013 to 2019 amassing a large fandom, glowing critics reviews and winning accolades along the way.

Comprised of 89 episodes, the inter-generational Nordic plot follows Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his crew as they navigate choppy waters and bloody political intrigue in his thirst for power after coming from humble beginnings.

As the seasons progress, we are introduced to the next generation and follow their exploits as they shoulder the burden left to them by their father.

The cast also includes Katheryn Winnick, Gustaf Skarsgard, Alexander Ludwig and Georgia Hirst.

The series, shot in the breath-taking Irish landscape, has an impressive average score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and promises to remain deliciously high-stakes throughout, culminating in a 100% score for the sixth and final season.

Vikings is an epic historical drama spanning 89 action-packed episodes (Picture: MGM/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Travis Fimmel plays Viking chieftain Ragnar at the start of the series (Picture: History Channel/ Bernard Walsh)

Metro’s four-star review praised it as ‘edge of your seat’ action while Sydney Morning Herald declared: ‘The thrills take their time but when they come, they come with a mighty rush’.

Meanwhile, Esquire magazine said: ‘[Vikings] swooped in from out of nowhere and, in a manner befitting the actual Vikings of yore, seized the title of Most Metal Show on Television.’

And Digital Spy called it ‘essential viewing’.

Online, fans have praised the ‘excellent’ show as ‘one of the greatest TV series ever made’, ‘a god damn masterpiece’, ‘very well written’ and an ‘absolute must-see’.

‘Just the best series of all time. That simple. Just watch it. You won’t find a better performance of a character that Travis brings to Ragnar,’ one Rotten Tomatoes user wrote.

‘Vikings is one of the rare shows where it is never dull and full of entertainment. It’s a show with plenty of violence, drama, mystery, etc.

‘The character development is what keeps the show fresh and interesting. It takes you into this world of Vikings and keeps you intrigued throughout the series,’ user Kyle E echoed.

And in a refreshing turn of events, the show managed to reach a natural, and satisfying, conclusion rather than being cancelled prematurely.

Vikings scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes for its sixth and final season (Picture: MGM/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

‘I needed to conclude these last storylines in ways that would be satisfactory and satisfying to an audience. I didn’t want to cheat anyone. I didn’t want to cheat the actors, the characters, or the audience,’ Michael told Collider of the emotional experience writing the finale.

What’s more, once you have finished bingeing all six seasons, the fun doesn’t end there.

In 2022, Jeb Stuart helmed a three-season (eight episodes each) sequel for Netflix called Vikings: Valhalla which takes 100 years after the conclusion of the original show.

‘As a powerful North Sea Empire is forged by the sword of history’s greatest medieval ruler, his Vikings thirst for glory, riches and revenge,’ the synopsis reads.

So if you’re looking for something to tide your through these cold winter months where there is nothing more appealing than cosying under the blanket and losing yourself in a good show – run, don’t walk.

Vikings is now streaming on Netflix.

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