Top Historical Epics Streaming on Hulu

A lavish period drama set in 1880s New York, exploring the clash between old-money aristocracy and new industrialists. Created by Julianne Moore and Michelle Dockery, it offers rich costumes, intricate social politics, and lavish set designs that capture a transformative era in American history.

The latest installment in the anthology series examines the turbulent relationship between Truman Capote and a group of high-society New York women. Starring Anne Hathaway and Olivia Colman, it delves into celebrity culture, literary ambition, and social betrayal during the 1960s and 70s.

A mini-series dramatizing the lives of Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Joseph Warren as they spark the American Revolution. With high production values and compelling performances, it explores the political intrigue and personal sacrifices that led to the founding of the United States.

This anthology series focuses on the lives of iconic historical figures, with notable seasons covering Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso. It combines biographical detail with artistic flair to explore how genius, creativity, and personal struggles shaped modern history and cultural landscapes.

An adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece, this production brings the Napoleonic Wars and Russian aristocracy to life with cinematic scope. It offers a deep dive into the social stratifications and military conflicts of 19th-century Russia, featuring stellar British and international casting.

This two-part drama chronicles the early reign of Queen Elizabeth I, focusing on her political maneuvers and romantic entanglements. With Hugh Dancy and Helena Bonham Carter, it provides an intimate look at the challenges of ruling during a time of religious and political upheaval in England.

While primarily a miniseries about the 1986 nuclear disaster, its historical significance and intense dramatization of Soviet bureaucratic failure make it a modern epic. It meticulously reconstructs the events leading to the explosion and the subsequent cleanup, serving as a chilling historical cautionary tale.

This anthology series profiles three different First Ladies—Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford, and Michelle Obama—through parallel storytelling. It offers unique historical perspectives on their roles, challenges, and impacts on American society across different decades of the 20th and 21st centuries.

An alternate history series set in post-World War II Hollywood, reimagining a more inclusive Golden Age. While fictional, it meticulously recreates the style, fashion, and industry dynamics of the 1940s, serving as a historical commentary on the era's racial and gender norms.

A prequel to 'Bridgerton' that explores the young Queen Charlotte's marriage to King George III. It dramatizes the historical introduction of diversity into the British royal family and aristocracy, blending historical fiction with the opulent aesthetic of 18th-century England.

Though primarily hosted on Netflix, selected episodes or companion documentaries may occasionally rotate on Hulu depending on licensing. It covers the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to the present, offering a detailed, dramatized history of the British monarchy and its intersection with global politics.

This series dramatizes the reign of King Henry VIII, focusing on his marriages and the break with the Roman Catholic Church. It brings 16th-century European politics to life with lavish sets and intricate court intrigue, capturing the power struggles that defined an era of religious transformation.

Set in late 18th-century Cornwall, this series follows Ross Poldark's return from the American Revolutionary War to rebuild his life and manage his tin mines. It vividly depicts the social hierarchies, industrial changes, and romantic dramas of rural England during the Georgian era.

A French historical drama centered on King Louis XIV's construction of the Palace of Versailles. It explores the political maneuvering, artistic patronage, and scandalous relationships that fueled the Sun King's reign, offering a visually stunning glimpse into absolute monarchy in 17th-century France.

While a premium cable classic, snippets or specials may appear on Hulu. It offers a gritty, realistic look at the fall of the Roman Republic, following both historical figures like Julius Caesar and fictional soldiers. Its scope and production value redefine what historical epics can achieve on television.

A dark comedy-drama that, while not strictly historical, features episodes and themes deeply rooted in contemporary political history and modern warfare. It provides a satirical yet poignant look at the intersection of violence, identity, and ambition in present-day America.

A satirical drama that examines class, race, and gender through the lens of wealthy tourists in various global locations. While not a historical epic in the traditional sense, its second season's focus on Hawaiian history and culture offers a compelling, modern commentary on colonial legacies.

A recent miniseries documenting the story of the 100th Bomb Group in World War II Europe. Produced by Spielberg and Tom Hanks, it brings the harrowing reality of aerial bombardment campaigns to the forefront, offering a visceral and historically accurate portrayal of the Air Force's role in the war.

Based on Bernard Cornwell's novels, this series follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg during the Viking invasions of England. It captures the brutal and complex formation of the English kingdom, blending historical events with personal loyalty conflicts and medieval warfare spectacles.

An Italian historical comedy-drama set in 14th-century Florence during the Black Death. It follows a group of seven young women fleeing the plague, telling stories that reflect the societal breakdown, religious fervor, and human resilience of the medieval period.