Outlander, The Serpent Queen, and the rest of Starz’s historical dramas ranked from worst to best

As a huge fan of historical dramas and pirate stories, I can’t help but be completely captivated by “The White Princess.” Having grown up watching and reading tales of the Tudor and York dynasties, I found myself drawn to this Starz production like a moth to a flame. The on-screen chemistry between Jodie Comer as Elizabeth “Lizzie” of York and Jacob Collins-Levy as King Henry VII is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Starz excels in producing high-quality historical dramas, a reputation they have earned. With adequate budgets, these shows truly shine. Although Starz may not be as large as other streaming platforms and production companies, it holds its own against them with hit series such as “Outlander” and others including “BMF” and “Heels.”

Death and Nightingales

The three-episode miniseries of “Death and Nightingales,” featuring Jamie Dornan, Matthew Rhys, and Ann Skelly, held great promise. However, I found myself disappointed with my viewing experience. While the final episode did surprise me with unexpected twists, the overall story failed to hold my interest.

The Luminaries

As a avid reader and lover of intricately woven narratives, I was truly excited to delve into “The Luminaries,” a six-episode miniseries based on Eleanor Catton’s acclaimed novel of the same name. Having thoroughly enjoyed her writing in the past, I held high expectations for this adaptation. However, I must confess, I was left feeling disappointed.

Camelot

The timeless tale of fictitious King Arthur has been retold countless times, with some interpretations shining brilliantly and others falling short. The Starz portrayal is decent. Frankly, I was quite taken by Jamie Campbell Bower’s performance as the monarch. He left a lasting impression on me. However, if you prefer a more conventional rendition of the myth, then this series might not satisfy you.

I support taking creative risks in storytelling, but there’s a limit to how far these liberties can be pushed without losing the audience’s connection to the original narrative. While some modifications can add intrigue and keep stories fresh, it’s essential to consider the viewers’ expectations. They bring preconceived notions to each retelling, and significant departures from the source material may confuse or alienate them. In the case of “Camelot,” which consists of 10 episodes, this balance was not always achieved.

Becoming Elizabeth

In the realm of royal historical dramas on television, most productions have piqued my interest. However, “Becoming Elizabeth” on Starz falls short for us, not due to its writing but rather the unsatisfying conclusion. Sadly, we were left with just a glimpse of Elizabeth’s teenage years during her brother Edward VI’s reign. The subsequent events – Mary Tudor ascending the throne and eventually Elizabeth becoming Elizabeth I, or the renowned Virgin Queen – are missed opportunities in this series.

It would have been intriguing to learn how she handled being a queen during her sisters’ rules. I appreciated seeing a more compassionate side of Queen Elizabeth, yet she proved herself to be a formidable fighter as well. Her strength was evident, and we got a glimpse of what was to come. However, compared to other royal series, this one didn’t quite reach the top for me. The eight episodes were a good start but felt insufficient in telling the complete story.

Mary and George

If you’re a lover of historical fiction, and I presume that’s why you’re here, then “Mary and George” is worth checking out. Personally, it didn’t capture me as much as other shows on this list have. Yet, there are moments that make it entertaining, mainly due to the impressive performances of Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine, and Tony Curran.

Due to the abundance of royal period dramas and various adaptations, it’s crucial for productions to offer something fresh and distinctive. Unfortunately, despite my initial excitement, “Mary and George” failed to introduce anything new to the genre. As a result, this seven-episode series ranks lower on our list.

Da Vinci’s Demons

As a longtime fan of historical fiction and art history, I’ve been utterly captivated by “Da Vinci’s Demons.” Having studied Leonardo Da Vinci in depth throughout my academic career, I was initially skeptical about the show’s ability to do justice to his complex personality. Yet, after watching all three seasons, I must admit that Starz has outdone themselves.

Spartacus

As a history enthusiast with a soft spot for tales of rebellion and the human spirit, I simply cannot contain my excitement when I come across a series like “Spartacus”! Having delved deep into the annals of Ancient Rome’s rich tapestry of history, I can assure you that this show is a must-watch.

The Spanish Princess

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently become captivated by “The Spanish Princess,” a series produced by Starz. Building upon the intriguing stories of “The White Queen” and “The White Princess,” this engaging sequel offers a unique perspective on the lives of these historical figures.

Over the course of their union, and with no male heir in sight among the dramatic players, we observe their marriage crumble and uncover why Henry grew distant from Catherine – a development driven by the show’s narrative, not necessarily historical fact. Charlotte Hope skillfully portrays Catherine in this sixteen-episode production, eliciting sympathy from viewers much like the real-life character did for many.

The White Queen

I truly enjoy one Starz series: “The White Queen.” This show initiated the franchise as previously stated. The historical War of the Roses between the York and Lancaster families is captivating on its own due to actual events. However, the lengths these families went to seize power in England are astonishing. Plus, the added drama from a television production adds up to an engaging tale. In essence, that’s what transpired here.

Rebecca Ferguson brilliantly portrayed Elizabeth Woodville, a woman of influence behind the royal curtains. The series of ten episodes unravels political intrigue, power plays, and unfortunately, a love tale gone awry in the courts. Despite these challenges, Elizabeth’s unwavering strength leaves a lasting impression.

The Serpent Queen

I found myself utterly captivated by the first installment of “The Serpent Queen,” a captivating romantic drama unfolding between Catherine de’ Medici, her husband King Henry II, and Diane de Poitiers. What sets this love triangle apart is the significant influence and hold Diana exerted over Henry, surpassing that of other mistresses depicted in similar royal narratives. I felt a pang of disappointment with Henry’s demise, despite its grim reality, as it added an intriguing layer to the show’s allure.

It’s quite entertaining and an intriguing addition to “The Serpent Queen” season 2, with the Bourbons and Guises constantly at odds with each other. The show has just begun its second installment, and I’m eagerly anticipating the developments now that Catherine and Henry’s children have grown up, including their son Edward who is now king. Needless to say, Catherine continues to wield her subtle influence.

Black Sails

As a dedicated gamer and avid fan of pirate tales, I cannot help but extol the virtues of “Black Sails.” This captivating series continues to top my list of favorite shows, leaving me unfazed by any opposing views. The allure of swashbuckling adventures on the high seas has always held a special place in my heart, and “Black Sails” delivers that and more.

The White Princess

Among the three series in this franchise – “The White Queen,” “The White Princess,” and “The Spanish Princess” – I strongly prefer “The White Princess.” These are the types of shows that linger in my mind long after I’ve finished watching them. In truth, I find myself frequently considering a rewatch of “The White Princess.” The historical drama’s on-screen chemistry between Jodie Comer as Elizabeth “Lizzie” of York and Jacob Collins-Levy as King Henry VII truly captivates me.

The authors skillfully breathed life into the characters in an engaging manner, and their dynamic together was captivating. I found it refreshing that Lizzie and Henry’s relationship was strong, with him not favoring mistresses over her. Moreover, Henry’s attentiveness towards his wife added a unique twist to the story, distinguishing it from other similar tales.

During their rule, they successfully put an end to the Wars of the Roses, but there were significant consequences later on. Lizzie goes to great lengths to safeguard her family, even her children. If you’re looking for a captivating story filled with political intrigue, unexpected plot twists, and a heartfelt love tale, then this show is definitely worth your attention. The series consisted of ten episodes, and every moment is well worth investing in!

Outlander

If you’ve continued to follow along, it should be no secret that “Outlander” holds the number one spot for us. I personally can’t get enough of this series. With its captivating blend of romance, time travel, intriguing adversaries, and epic battles, as well as the unwavering loyalty to family and homeland, “Outlander” checks all the boxes. The pairing of Jamie and Claire is undeniably iconic, and we have Sam Heughan and Caitríona Balfe to thank for their remarkable on-screen chemistry.

The couple serves as the anchor, keeping the chaotic and evolving narrative of “Outlander” grounded. For the majority of its duration, it does this effectively. However, like many series, there are a few seasons that don’t reach the same heights as others. Nevertheless, “Outlander” continues to impress me greatly. With six full seasons and part 1 of season 7 already released, the second half of season 7 premieres on Starz on November 22, 2024. The show has been granted an eighth and final season to conclude the story.

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2024-07-21 17:28