Watch this series if:You like men with long hair and beards.
John, King of England
Depicted on:The BBC’sRobin Hood Netflix streams all three seasons.
When he reigned:John was King of England from 1167-1216.
Robert Viglasky/Carnival Film & Television Ltd; Giles Keyte/HBO; Jonathan Hession/Showtime; Robert Viglasky/Netflix; ITV/MASTERPIECE; Alex Bailey/Netflix; Sven Frenzel/The CW
He was known as Prince John during the reigns of his father and older brother, Richard the Lionheart.
Plus, the eventual king falls into the same late-medieval period as the folkloric outlaw.
Yet, some historians agree that it’s an accurate depiction.
Joss Barratt/BBC America
If you’re a stickler for historical accuracies, however, watch at your own peril.
King Edward IV
Depicted on:The BBC dramaThe White Queen,available to stream onstarz.com.
King Richard III
Depicted on:The BBC’sThe Hollow Crown,an adaptation of the Shakespeare play.
BBC
It’s worth noting that Shakespeare might’ve been a little liberal with the truth.
It’s pretty much the opposite of “Winter is coming.”
If that hopeful note isn’t enough to make you tune in, what is?
Ed Miller/Starz
Watch this series if:You have good taste in actors.
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Richard III and Judi Dench as Cecily, Duchess of York.
Why he makes for royally good television:He killed Richard III to gain the throne.
Robert Viglasky/Carnival Film & Television Ltd
Not novel enough of a reason to watch?
Then let’s turn to the novel for some inspiration.
Again, we have to credit Philippa Gregory for making Henry’s story more viewable.
Aimee Spinks/Starz
Why he makes for royally good television:He had six wives, two he eventually had beheaded.
Henry VIII is pretty much the most famous king in English history.
Why she makes for royally good television:Her story is bursting with drama.
Jonathan Hession/Showtime
She then returned to Scotland and married her first cousin, Lord Darnley.
The man suspected of causing his death, James Hepburn, married Mary a month later.
Watch this series if:If you like your royals sexy and with plenty of teenage drama.
Sven Frenzel/The CW
Available to stream onhbo.com.
When she reigned:1558-1603: The epoch known now as the Elizabethan era.
Why she makes for royally good television:Her nickname was The Virgin Queen.
Giles Keyte/HBO
Watch this series if:Good acting and award-winning drama impress you.
Queen Victoria
Depicted on:The upcoming seriesVictoriastaringDr.
Who’sJenna Coleman as the young queen, available onPBSstarting Jan. 15.
Courtesy of ITV for MASTERPIECE
When she reigned:FOREVER, but reallyjust1837-1901.
Watch this series if:You’re a sucker for a good love story and pretty period costumes.
He is one of the shortest-reigning monarchs in British history.
ITV
Watch this series if:You enjoy basking in the opulence and finery of the British aristocracy.
His death deeply shook the family.
He also played tennis in the Wimbledon men’s doubles competition one year!
Alex Bailey/Netflix
The first season is available to stream in its entirety on Netflix now.
Robert Viglasky/Netflix
