8 Historical Prequel Series That Dive Even Deeper Into the Past

Sometimes, the creators of historical drama shows go a step further by digging even deeper into the past. Fans thus get treated to amazing prequel series or television movies, focusing on the “history before history.” Outlander: Blood of My Blood is one such show that viewers are enjoying at the moment, and there are more like it. But is it always worth it? Sure! If fans are asking for more, producers are always justified in churning out more stories.

Venturing further back into history is always a great idea because history buffs, or those in love with period dramas, are fascinated by older stories, not newer ones. The older, the better. Prequels of historical drama also tend to have higher success rates than those of shows from other genres. It’s quite rare to find one that isn’t critically acclaimed. The only problem is that they don’t make them often enough. Hopefully, this changes in the future.

Here are 8 great prequels to historical TV dramas that dive even deeper into the past.

‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ (2023)

Parent series: ‘Bridgerton’ (2020 – Present)

Loosely based on the rise of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz to prominence and power in the late 18th century, Queen Charlotte covers the life of young German princess Charlotte (India Amarteifio) after she reluctantly marries King George III (Corey Mylchreest) of England. Though shaky at first, their arranged union morphs into a genuine love story. But first, she has to bear with court intrigue.

Like a Fairy Tale

Winner of make-up and hairstyling at the Emmys, Queen Charlotte remains one of the most immersive Shondaland shows. Bursting with vivid colors and matched by Kris Bowers’ expressive score that reinterprets pop songs in a classical style, this romantic tale still has all the power to enchant. Most importantly, the show tackles mental health, love, female empowerment, and interracial mingling in Regency society with the utmost thoughtfulness.

‘Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes’ (2015)

Parent series: ‘Marco Polo’ (2014 – 2016)

Marco Polo: One Hundred Eyes traces the adventures of the blind monk-warrior known as Hundred Eyes (Tom Wu) before he served the Kublai Khan. We watch how he morphs from a pure Taoist monk to a deadly assassin. After being captured by the Khan’s forces, he adapts to his new surroundings, becoming both prisoner and feared sword wielder.

‘One Hundred Eyes’ Changes Things for the Better

Although not as lavish as the original show, One Hundred Eyes remains one of the most entertaining andenduring of Netflix’s short productions. Tom Wu is wonderful, brilliantly juggling the inner peace and wisdom of Hundred Eyes with his violent side. Here, the thematic discourse is sacrificed for a concise story that deepens the lore and helps fans to properly understand the motivations of one of the show’s best characters. Consider this a necessary move, given that Marco Polo had been panned by some critics for poor characterization.

‘Kingdom: Ashin of the North’ (2021)

Parent series: ‘Kingdom’ (2019 – 2021)

We feel bad for the gentle soul, Ashin (Kim Si-ah / Jun Ji-hyun), a young girl from a small Jurchen tribe near Korea’s northern border, whose family gets slaughtered in a brutal raid. Luckily, she discovers a plant that can resurrect the dead, placing her on a path for a fresh and fulfilling existence. But her delicate re-entry into the mundane is bound to be disturbed by some nefarious figures in Ashin of the North.

Putting on a Brave Face

Several South Korean historical movies and shows deserve more love, and this is undoubtedly one of them. Alternately scary and sweetly affecting, Ashin of the North is a beautifully accomplished bonus by Kim Eun-hee, who wrote and directed the entire thing, just as he did with episodes of the original show. Kim Si-ah and Jun Ji-hyun’s cathartic and kind portrayal of Ashin also stirs the viewer’s deepest sympathies.

‘Spartacus: God of the Arena’ (2011)

Parent series: ‘Spartacus’ (2010 – 2013)

Before Spartacus brought Rome to its knees, the House of Batiatus (the gladiatorial house that forged him into a proper fighter) was thriving. Gods of the Arena looks at the early days of the ludus, with much focus placed on young gladiator Gannicus (Dustin Clare), the first Champion of Capua, and Batiatus (John Hannah), who is scheming to take over from his father.

The Good Old Early Years

A touching, hilarious, and suspenseful rush of a show, Gods of the Arena was never meant to exist. It was only created to buy time as the original series’ lead actor, Andy Whitefield, battled cancer. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. Still, fans will be glad the show happened as it offers great insights into the lives of gladiators, making it one of the most essential shows about Ancient Rome. The wide-eyed Dustin Clare is a force as Gannicus, and John Hannah maintains a serious face as he utters flowery and outrageous remarks.

‘The White Princess’ (2017)

Parent series: ‘The White Queen’ (2013)

In The White Princess, an arranged marriage involving Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer), the daughter of King Edward IV, and Henry VII (Jacob Collins-Levy), proves weak. Meant to unite warring houses and stabilize the Tudor dynasty, the union only results in betrayal and backstabbing.

The Higher the Class, the More the Problems

Once again, Emma Frost and her team bring a Philippa Gregor book to vibrant life, with cinematographers Jean Philippe Gossart and David Luther deserving extra praise for their kinetic camerawork. It would be unfair not to mention Jodie Comer. Hollywood should cast her in numerous historical movies. Predictably, several award nominations came for the colorful, captivating show, including four Emmys and three Golden Globes.

‘1883’ (2021 – 2022)

Prequel to ‘1923’ (2022 – 2025)

A prequel to both Yellowstone and 1923, the thoroughly winning 1883 covers the woes and wins of the post–Civil War generation of the Dutton family as they move from Tennessee, make a journey to Fort Worth, Texas, and head west to Oregon before settling in Montana. There, they establish the legendary Yellowstone Ranch.

Pure Western Bliss

If ever a show demonstrated one television producer’s affinity and affection for the lifestyle of cowboys, 1883 is it. This delicate, intimate charmer disarms fans with an abundance of cordiality, heartbreak, and humanity, and in crafting the labor of love, Taylor Sheridan injects delightful post-Civil War flavoring via his skilled ensemble cast. Nominated for cinematography and music, this sure is one of the best Sheridan offerings, not to be missed.

‘Roots: The Gift’ (1988)

Prequel to ‘Roots: The Next Generations’ (1979)

Roots: The Gift follows Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton) and Fiddler (Louis Gossett Jr.) during a holiday journey with their master in 1770s Virginia. While on it, they help an Underground Railroad group acquire freedom from slave masters. Knowing what the consequences will be if discovered, Kunta and Fiddler still risk it all.

Deeper Roots

This powerful ode to the fight against slavery expertly interlaces the problems and experiences of several brave characters, young and elderly, coupled with incredible action sequences. We’re reminded that by no fault of their own, slaves lived in their own unique world; one constituting fear, horror, and uncertainty, but also magical optimism and occasional unfettered joy. Some moments are celebratory, others are nothing but piercing notes of melancholy and pain. Above all, the cinematography is something to behold.

‘Outlander: Blood of My Blood’ (2025)

Parent show: ‘Outlander’ (2014 – Present)

If you thought there was no space for Outlander to expand, you were totally wrong. Outlander: Blood of My Blood rewinds the years even more, showing fans how the parents of Jamie Fraser fell in love and married in 18th-century Scotland and how the parents of Claire Beauchamp also met during the tumultuous Great War period in England.

Did the Parents Love as Deeply?

A slow-build drama that alternates between warming your heart and burrowing under your skin, Blood of My Blood proves itself as good as the parent show. The key cast members give restrained, measured performances largely conveyed through appropriate posture and wonderful facial expressions. The villainous characters are all superb, too, perfect studies in ice-cold nastiness. There are still a few more episodes to go, but so far so good.