The first season ofShōgundidn’t just captivate audiences; it ignited a fervor. Based on James Clavell’s epic 1975 novel, the series’ success has already led to the commissioning of two further seasons, even as the adaptation surpasses the source material. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s tumultuous Warring States period, the story centers on a collision of worlds.
English pilot John Blackthorne, brilliantly portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis, finds himself shipwrecked on Japanese shores, immediately falling under the sway of the formidable Lord Yoshii Toranaga, played with quiet intensity by Hiroyuki Sanada. Each man possesses something the other desperately needs, initiating a complex dance of power and necessity. Caught between them is Toda Mariko, portrayed by Anna Sawai, a translator burdened by loyalty to Toranaga and a shadowed past.
The series’ authenticity is striking, drawing heavily from real historical figures and events, lending a palpable weight to the intricate political maneuvering and dramatic tension reminiscent ofGame of Thrones. This commitment to verisimilitude, combined with a largely Japanese-language script, creates an immersive experience unlike anything else on television. But where does a viewer turn when the story concludes?
Pachinko(2022 – ) offers a sweeping, multigenerational saga beginning in 1915, following a Korean family’s journey through Japanese occupation and the subsequent diaspora. Sunja, portrayed across generations, makes a life-altering decision to leave her home for Japan, facing relentless racism and hardship. The series masterfully interweaves past and present, revealing the enduring impact of history on individual lives.
For those seeking action,Into the Badlands(2015 – 2019) delivers a visceral, martial arts-fueled drama set in a dystopian future. Five centuries from now, civilization has crumbled, yet pockets of feudal-like kingdoms remain, ruled by brutal barons and defended by highly skilled warriors. Despite its sci-fi setting, the series draws inspiration from wuxia and pre-modern Chinese history, creating a unique blend of genres.
Deadwood(2004 – 2006, 2019) transports viewers to the American Wild West, a lawless frontier town teeming with ambition, greed, and violence. LikeShōgun, it explores the messy, often brutal process of building a community, and the inescapable pressures from the outside world. The series focuses on the complex power dynamics within Deadwood, where fortunes are made and lives are shattered.
Samurai Champloo(2004 – 2005) offers a vibrant and unconventional take on Edo-period Japan. Blending historical references with wildly anachronistic elements – including a hip-hop soundtrack – the series follows two samurai, Mugen and Jin, and a waitress named Fuu on a quest for the mysterious Sunflower Samurai. Director Shinichirō Watanabe crafts a series of standalone stories woven together by subtle overarching themes.
To understand the historical context ofShōgun,Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan(2021) provides a compelling documentary series. Using dramatized recreations, it brings to life the bloody events leading up to the unification of Japan and the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate, the very dynasty at the heart of the fictional narrative.
Jason Momoa’sChief of War(2025 – ) promises a gripping historical drama set in 18th-century Hawai’i, a time of warring kingdoms and complex relationships with colonial powers. Momoa stars as a real-life chief caught in the struggle for unification, navigating treacherous alliances and bloody battles. The series doesn’t shy away from the complicated history of the islands.
Wolf Hall(2015, 2024) delves into the treacherous world of Tudor England, following the rise of Thomas Cromwell, brilliantly portrayed by Mark Rylance, from humble beginnings to become the second most powerful man in the kingdom. The series is a masterclass in political intrigue, showcasing the delicate balance of power and the constant threat of betrayal.
Kingdom(2019 – 2021) offers a unique blend of historical drama and horror, set in Korea’s Joseon Dynasty. A mysterious plague transforms the dead into ravenous monsters, threatening to unravel the kingdom. The series combines political intrigue with thrilling zombie action, creating a captivating and suspenseful narrative.
The Last Kingdom(2018 – 2022) echoes the themes of clashing cultures and warring kingdoms found inShōgun. Set in 9th-century England, the series follows Uhtred, a Saxon raised by Vikings, as he navigates the conflict between his birthright and his adopted culture. The series is a sweeping epic of war, loyalty, and identity.
For a more fantastical journey through time,Jin(2009 – 2011) presents a captivating story of a modern-day brain surgeon transported to late Edo-period Japan. Using his medical knowledge, he attempts to help those in need while navigating the complexities of a bygone era. It’s a unique blend of historical fiction and time-travel romance.
