HomeTV Show10 Must-Watch Alternate History TV Shows That Rewrite the Past

10 Must-Watch Alternate History TV Shows That Rewrite the Past

In Short
  • Alternate history TV shows explore how different choices could reshape historical events.
  • Notable series include "The Last Empress," "My Lady Jane," and "Hunters," each offering unique narratives.
  • These shows blend fiction with historical themes, addressing power dynamics, identity, and societal issues.

History often feels set in stone, but alternate history TV shows boldly ask, “What if?” These series flip the past on its head by reimagining how one different choice could change everything.

The greatest alternate history TV shows take history and mix it with fiction to create a story that explores power, identity, and the consequences of actions, drawing the viewer into a world that seems all too possible. These are the ones worth checking out.

10. The Last Empress

The Last Empress
The Last Empress (Image: Netflix)

The Last Empress’ earns its spot among alternate history TV shows by reimagining South Korea as a constitutional monarchy. Oh Sunny, a musical actress who marries Emperor Lee Hyuk, uncovers corruption, political abuse, and murder within the palace.

Sunny refuses to stay passive and teams up with revenge-driven bodyguard Na Wang Shik to challenge the monarchy from within. The series combines over-the-top drama with sharp critiques of absolute power, making it a standout example of how alternate history TV shows reshape political realities.

Related: 10 Best Alternate History Movies

9. My Lady Jane

My Lady Jane
My Lady Jane (Image: Amazon Prime Video)

My Lady Jane‘ turns England’s shortest reign into a bold rewrite. Jane Grey defies her nine-day fate, fighting to control her destiny after a sudden coronation.

She navigates ruthless court politics with her sharp-witted husband, Guildford, as enemies threaten her crown and life. By transforming a brief historical footnote into a fast-paced tale of resistance, the series gleefully shows what history once deemed inevitable.

8. Hunters

Al Pacino in 'Hunters'
Al Pacino in ‘Hunters’ (Image: Amazon Prime Video)

Hunters’ imagines a world where Nazis continue to operate secretly in the 1970s United States. The series follows a diverse group of Nazi hunters who discover a conspiracy to establish a Fourth Reich on American soil.

Led by the determined Jonah Heidelbaum, the hunters actively track and dismantle this hidden network, blending suspense, dark humor, and stylized action. Also, Al Pacino adds much star power to this imagined reality.

In Case You Missed It: 25 Most Important Holocaust Movies Ever Made

7. SS-GB

SS-GB
SS-GB (Image: IMdB)

‘SS-GB’ imagines Britain under Nazi occupation after Germany wins the Battle of Britain. The series follows Detective Douglas Archer as he investigates crimes while navigating collaboration, resistance, and moral compromise.

Tense and suspenseful, the show blends noir-style investigation with a chilling alternate history, keeping viewers on edge as Archer uncovers secrets that could change the fate of the nation.

6. Bridgerton

'Bridgerton' (Image: Netflix)
‘Bridgerton’ (Image: Netflix)

This Netflix series effortlesly reimagines Regency-era London with a modern twist, following the wealthy Bridgerton family as they navigate love, scandal, and societal expectations.

The show combines romance, drama, and vibrant storytelling, highlighting issues of class, reputation, and desire while adding playful diversity to a historical setting, making it a standout period drama with a fresh perspective.

5. 11.22.63

'11.22.63'
‘11.22.63’ (Image: Hulu)

This Stephen King adaptation explores a world where a modern-day teacher, Jake Epping, travels back in time to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

As Jake navigates 1960s America, he confronts the challenges of altering history, moral dilemmas, and unforeseen consequences. The series blends suspense, romance, and historical intrigue, keeping us all hooked while exploring the ripple effects of changing the past.

Related: 10 Best Stephen King TV Shows Every Fan Needs To Watch

4. The Man in the High Castle

'The Man in the High Castle'
‘The Man in the High Castle’ (Image: Amazon Prime Video)

The Man in the High Castle‘ imagines a world where the Axis powers won World War II, leaving the United States divided between Nazi and Japanese control.

The series follows characters who navigate oppression, resistance, and secret rebellion, uncovering alternate realities that challenge their understanding of truth. The storytelling is tense and the political intrigue never lets up, making it one of the most compelling alternate historical dramas.

3. Watchmen

Watchmen (Image: HBO Max)
Watchmen (Image: HBO Max)

This show reimagines a world where masked vigilantes operate amid racial tension and political conspiracy in an alternate present-day America.

The series follows new and familiar characters as they confront systemic corruption, personal trauma, and hidden threats. Watch it for the bold storytelling and social commentary.

2. The Plot Against America

The Plot Against America
The Plot Against America (Image: HBO)

This TV Show envisions an alternate 1940s America where aviator Charles Lindbergh becomes president and steers the country toward fascism.

The series follows a Jewish family as they navigate rising anti-Semitism, political upheaval, and threats to their safety. Its intimate perspective on history gone wrong makes the story both gripping and thought-provoking.

1. For All Mankind

For All Mankind
For All Mankind (Image: Apple TV+)

This beautiful series imagines a world where the global space race never ended after the Soviet Union beats the United States to the Moon.

The series follows astronauts, engineers, and their families as they navigate competition, personal sacrifice, and political pressures. By exploring how small changes in history could reshape society, it delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking vision of an alternate space race.

You might also like to read: Top 25 Limited Series To Watch In A Weekend

Baishaly Roy
Baishaly Roy
Baishaly is the Sub-editor of First Curiosity, where she spends her day digging into anything and everything latest in the Hollywood. She loves to write stories about celebrities, movies, and TV shows that feels fresh and exciting. When she’s not working, you'll find Baishaly with her Kindle!

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