There’s no doubt that the execs at Netflix have an eye for a good show, as they always seem to seize on the popularity of genres at just the right time. One of the favorite genres right now is the Viking era.
Vikings: Valhalla has shot to the top of the most-watched Netflix chart, with it being streamed for over 81 million hours, making it one of the most successful releases of the year to date. The latest series based around the Scandinavian explorers, which is currently showing on the streaming platform, has built on the success of Vikings, which was broadcast between 2013 and 2020.
The numbers highlight how much fans love a fix of the ancient warriors, and it’s not the only way people have been engaging with them, as Vikings have also been thrilling video gamers. Console gamers were able to take them on in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, which was set during the Viking invasion of Great Britain, and they also featured prominently in the PlayStation hit, God of War. On mobile, Viking-themed jackpot slots by Gala Spins, including Viking Riches and Kingdoms Rise Guardians of the Abyss, also feature their trademark longboats and the bearded raiders. Meanwhile, Viking: War of Clans has hooked mobile gamers with an enthralling mix of crafting, mystery, and danger. So, it’s not hard to see why Netflix has looked to capitalize on the interest in the genre.
However, the latest season of Vikings: Valhalla isn’t the only option for those looking to quench their thirst for the hairy invaders; here’s our pick of the alternative bunch below.
Norsemen
This is a very different spin on the genre, as it’s packed with comedy, which is a trait for which the Vikings certainly aren’t known! Norsemen is set in the year 790 and is based upon the lives of a group of Vikings who live together in a village, and the show deals with the various problems and conflicts they have with neighboring villages. These can range from the most basic disputes right through to an enslaved Roman wanting to modernize the culture in the villages despite the ongoing issues, and as various characters take the lead throughout, it offers something new with almost every episode. While some may see it as a parody of Vikings, it doesn’t mean it should be overlooked as it’s a great all-around show and is the perfect way to raise a few laughs.
The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is set in England and tells the tale of the Vikings who want to take over the country. They find their way blocked to complete domination, as the last Saxons under King Alfred’s reign are determined to keep hold of their homeland. The Viking characters in the story, Ubba, and Guthrum, are based on real characters from the era, but many of the others are fictional, and so is the majority of the show’s plot. It’s quite gruesome at times, and the harsh reality of battle is evident in the number of characters that lose their lives. It’s packed full of great acting, making it a show that grabs you more with each passing minute, with an enthralling combination of action, drama, and history.
Knightfall
Knightfall has raised some eyebrows in terms of its historical inaccuracies but it’s important to note that it was never a show which was trying to be an exacting replication of the era of the Knights Templar, nor was it even based on real events. The series recounts the characters’ lives, the secrets they protected, and the brotherhood between them, making them even more endearing. The set design in Knightfall is fantastic, and the acting is just as good, but remember, this isn’t a historical recreation, so focus on the entertainment side of the program, and you won’t be disappointed.
We hope you enjoyed our journey into some of the alternatives to Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla is currently available on Netflix, but if you still can’t get enough, then take a look at our article on the events that inspired the latest hit series.