What are the best historical dramas?

Human history is so long and diverse that it can be quite difficult to tell facts and fiction apart. There's no denying though that it makes for a great subject matter in historical drama shows. As the name suggests, "historical dramas" are works set in the past and can include historical fiction and romances. While these works are fictional, that doesn't mean that they don't include any real-life facts or references to people or events. The validity and accuracy of the historical information used could be debated. It really depends on the source material that was used in the first place though. They could feature accurate locations and personalities but could tell highly-fictionalized narratives. Braveheart, Les Miserable, and Schindler's List are great examples of this point.

A distinction has to be made though, with regards to "period dramas". They are fictional works that are based on a particular time or period in history rather than the place and people themselves. A historical drama could sometimes be considered as a period drama but the same can't be said for the latter. Let's use some popular shows (spoiler alert) as examples to better illustrate the differences. The Crown is a historical drama about Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events that happened during her rule. Another popular show, Downton Abbey, is an example of a period drama. It chronicles the lives of a fictional aristocratic family, the Crawley, and their servants during the early 20th century. Interested in finding out more? Check our list below where we named some of the best historical dramas that you can watch today.