Vikings
2013
Original language: English
- action & adventure
- drama
- war & politics
The story
The adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, the greatest hero of his age. The series tells the sagas of Ragnar's band of Viking brothers and his family, as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. As well as being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods. Legend has it that he was a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.
What it’s like
Muddy earth, grey overcast skies and firelit longhouses give Vikings its dominant look: a gritty, naturalistic palette of ochre, slate and dirty green, shot with handheld camera that stays close to faces and weapons. Battle sequences are chaotic and tightly framed, with mud, blood and sweat always visible, while quieter scenes lean on candlelit interiors, wind through pine forests and long, windswept shots of fjords and open sea. The score mixes low drones, taiko-style percussion and folk-tinged strings, and the soundscape is full of creaking timber, rain and clanging steel. The vibe is earthy, brooding and rough-edged, with a rhythm that alternates between sudden violence and slow, talky stretches of scheming at court. Violence is frequent and graphic: bloody battles, beheadings and brutal deaths, along with some sexual content and nudity. It suits a long weekend binge or a dark winter evening, for viewers who want sweeping historical drama, political intrigue and mythic family rivalries rather than anything gentle.
More TV shows like Vikings
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Vikingsand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
