Awards season might only just have kicked off, but there's already one show rising above the rest. Shōgun, the epic historic Japanese drama, swept the 2025 Golden Globes, taking home the prestigious Best Drama Series awards, as well as Best Actor in a Drama Series, Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series, and Best Actress in a Drama Series. Of course, once you've binged through all ten episodes of season one (and with the fate of season two still undecided), you'll likely be left with a Shōgun-shaped hole in your heart. Luckily, there are plenty of other drama-filled historical dramas to occupy you in the meantime. Need inspiration for your next watch? Below, five shows like Shōgun to binge next.
1. Game Of Thrones
We'll admit, Game Of Thrones is a little less fact and a lot more fiction, but it's brimming with Shōgun-esque battles of epic proportions. With an all-star cast spanning Emilia Clarke, Kit Harrinton, and Maisie Williams (to name only a few), there are 73 episodes in total to keep you satiated. And if you're still hungry for more, there are several spinoffs in the GOT universe, including House Of The Dragon, and the soon-to-be-released A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms.
2. Pachinko
Much like Shōgun, Pachinko borrows its plot from min Jin Lee's novel by the same name, charting the tribulations of a Korean family across four generations, who emigrate to Japan amidst Japanese colonisation and political warfare. The action takes place between 1915 to 1989, following the family as they fight for a better life.
3. Vikings
It's hard not to be transported to early medieval Scandinavia with this six-season triumph. The drama charts the exploits of Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), as he challenges his current leader in an effort to extends the remit of the Norse. Naturally, this isn't without its own challenges and, much like Shōgun, there's plenty of blood shed on the battlefield.
4. Succession
Hear us out: what Succession lacks in historical battles, it makes up for in scheming and politics. The critically acclaimed series stars Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook, Jeremy Strong, Matthew Macfadyen and Brian Cox as the Roy family; owners of media conglomerate Waystar RoyCo. Throughout the four Emmy-winning seasons, the siblings vye for control of the company, amid speculation of their father's retirement.
5. Kingdom
This South Korean series combines period drama with a zombie apocalypse. Set at the start of the 17th century, three years after the end of the Imjin War, the series follows the Prince of Joseon as he investigates a mysterious illness that has afflicted the King, before it sweeps the entire Kingdom. Think: plenty of blood and gore, with a hefty dose of political tension thrown in.
Feature images via IMDb.
