Sometimes, when you can’t travel somewhere, it’s comforting to know that there is media that exists solely to transport you and your imagination to places your body can’t go. For us, as dark tourists, many of these places can be found in documentaries, historical drama series, or suspenseful recreations of noteworthy events. We love to find TV shows that really immerse you in the subject matter – ones that also allow you to see events from new perspectives, and connect you with people who lived through extraordinary circumstances. And if it gives us a deeper insight into something we previously had a more limited knowledge of, well, then that’s even better!
Since we’re partial macabre media, we’ve put together our picks for the best historical TV series for dark tourists. We’ve tried to cover as many aspects of dark tourism as possible for a comprehensive spread of shows covering the subject.
Everyone has a different preference of dark tourism; Dagney has a penchant for Medical Dark Tourism, for example, whereas I lean more in the direction of Grave Tourism. In fact, there are so many forms of dark tourism that often times a show will cover one or two (or more!) without even knowing it.
We hope you enjoy them!
We’ve opted to sort these historical TV shows by Netflix originals and non-Netflix originals. Some of the others may also be available on Netflix, or on other streaming services. However, we’ve grouped together those that are Netflix originals because they will always be available on Netflix, regardless of which region you are in. Also, of the popular streaming services available, Netflix seems to be the one that we’ve found to be most prevalent.
Just to be clear, we’re not sponsored by Netflix or any streaming company – it’s just something that we’ve noticed from people we’ve met. Anyway: on to the macabre TV shows!
I’ve also put in a little tag for which aspect(s) of dark tourism each series covers most. You can find our list of what these terms mean on our dark tourism primer. Or, if you know what dark tourism is, but you’re still on the fence, read about why we think dark tourism matters.
RELATED: The Best Dark History Podcasts for Dark Tourists
The Best Historical TV Series on Netflix
Black Earth Rising (2018)
What’s it about? This Netflix/BBC collaboration is about a barrister with an adopted daughter who survived the Rwandan genocide. As the series opens she takes on the prosecution of a man who recruited child soldiers for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But everything isn’t so black and white when we discover that he was also responsible for halting the slaughter during the Rwandan genocide.
Which dark tourism is this? Genocide Tourism and War Tourism.
Black Earth Rising asks the big moral questions, tackling a tough subject through powerful drama. With the subject matter relating to such a brutal atrocity, Black Earth Rising will be difficult viewing for many. However, it is worth persevering with as it puts its characters through situations which cause them to question their own moral judgments as they navigate the processes of the International Criminal Court. The show is initially fast-paced, but very well acted, and gives the viewer an insight into how those responsible for genocide are brought to international justice.
While Black Earth Rising does give an overview of the genocide, it is worth having a basic understanding of it beforehand as most of the show deals with the courts and longer term after effects. In fact, it is one of the best historical series about genocide because it addresses these long term consequences and shows how frustrating the struggle for justice in and out of the court can be.
The Devil Next Door (2019)
What’s it about? John Demjanjuk lived in Cleveland for many years as a seemingly unremarkable autoworker before retiring. But in 1986 he was extradited to Israel and tried as notorious war criminal ‘Ivan the Terrible’; former Nazi concentration camp guard. This Netflix historical TV series documents his legal battles and trial.
Which dark tourism is this? War Tourism and Holocaust Tourism.
A gripping examination of a man suspected of being one of the worst members of an already terrible organisation, The Devil Next Door delves into the case of Demjanjuk by re-examining the evidence and talking to many of the key players from the original trial. As that trial was originally televised nationally, there are more visual aids available than many other historical TV series on Netflix, which helps elevate this documentary to a higher level.
This series remains a fascinating refresher of a case many seem to have forgotten.
Dark Tourist (2018)
What’s it about? New Zealand journalist David Farrier explores the increasingly popular phenomenon of ‘dark tourism’ in this 8 part series.
Which dark tourism is this? Multiple – pretty much ticks off all the boxes.
I’ll be honest; while we enjoyed watching this series, and David Farrier’s reactions to the situations he puts himself in, we feel it doesn’t entirely represent what true dark tourism is. As it covers many different forms of dark tourism, and because the idea of dark tourism being acceptable and/or popular is relatively new, there were occasions when the subject matter (and the practices of those Farrier is documenting) was somewhat exploitative, and more removed from under the proper umbrella term of dark tourism than it should be.
That said, I believe shows like Dark Tourist are necessary in order to bring dark tourism fully into the public consciousness. This is why it is included in this article of best historical TV shows for dark tourists (okay, so it’s not super historical, either). In spite of its faults, the show is very comprehensive, and definitely has some enjoyable episodes and educational discussions. It’s just a shame that some of the activities and attitudes shown in Dark Tourist are more questionable than others.
Just make sure to choose your dark tourism wisely – and be respectful!
The Best Historical TV Shows from Other Providers
Chernobyl (2019)
What’s it about? This historical drama series covers events surrounding the catastrophic nuclear disaster in the town of Chernobyl, Ukraine in April 1986. The TV show follows events from the initial accident itself through the ensuing investigation. No punches are pulled; the show explores the lives of those responsible for – and directly affected by – this horrific tragedy.
Which dark tourism is this? Nuclear/Atomic Tourism and Disaster Tourism.
Considered to be one of the best historical TV series out there, shows like Chernobyl are rare, but fortunately so are the events that inspire them. A well-acted, thoroughly researched dramatisation with high production value that takes a very low amount of dramatic license because the truth is gripping enough. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster is the most well-known accidental nuclear incident to date, and it is a recent enough event that the Chernobyl area is still hazardous to visit to this day. Viewers can also see the expertly recreated town of Chernobyl as it was before the catastrophe.
Be warned: the physical effects of severe radiation poisoning – suffered for real by those unfortunate enough to be involved in the early stages of the cleanup operation – are unflinchingly shown in graphic detail. If you thinking watching it will be too much, it is worth picking up Chernobyl Prayer: Voices from Chernobyl by Svetlana Alexievich, which was used as the basis for several of the personal stories told in Chernobyl.
Roots (2016)
What’s it about? Based on the novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley, Roots follows the life and descendants of Kunta Kinte; an African man sold into slavery in 18th century America.
Which dark tourism is this? Heritage Tourism and War Tourism.
As culturally relevant as ever, Roots was nominated for multiple awards, including Primetime Emmys for everything from narration to costumes and make-up, as well as Outstanding Limited Series. Visually, the show is a feast. But in addition to that, the subject matter makes for compelling drama in its handling of how African slaves were treated in their daily lives whilst working on plantations, and then later against the backdrop of the impending Civil War.
The original Roots historical TV series (of which this is a remake) was created in 1977 and is also well worth watching!
Band of Brothers (2001)
What’s it about? In this historical wartime drama, we follow the 101st Airborne Division “Easy” Company as they complete their training, get deployed to Europe and attempt to carry out their missions during WWII.
Which dark tourism is this? War Tourism.
There are plenty of TV shows based on true stories, but when Band of Brothers first aired it changed the nature of historical TV series from then on – for the better. Featuring interview segments with the real-life veterans from the original Easy Company, the level of conflict realism in Band of Brothers really sets it apart from other wartime dramatisations.
Of course, you’d expect nothing less from a show produced by Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks, and when it premiered the show was the most expensive television miniseries ever made. For those interested in military-related dark tourism, this is essential viewing.
Waco (2018)
What’s it about? In 1993 in Waco, Texas, cult leader David Koresh and his followers had a 51-day armed standoff with the FBI and the ATF which ended with a fatal fire at their compound.
Which dark tourism is this? Cult of Personality Tourism.
For lots of cults, what goes on inside remains a mystery to many, as no secrets are usually allowed to leave their grounds. Waco remedies this by putting a more human emphasis on the people involved on both sides of the standoff. Taylor Kitsch and Michael Shannon, as cult leader and FBI negotiator respectively, give compelling performances that draw you into the drama surrounding this powder keg situation.
This is considered by many to be one of the best historical series about Waco – if not THE best – because it shows both sides of the story. One reason for this is because it drew heavily on two memoirs from people actually involved in the 1993 siege: Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator by Gary Noesner (Michael Shannon) and A Place Called Waco: A Survivor’s Story by David Thibodeau (Rory Culkin). Additionally, David Thibodeau actually consulted on the show.
One controversy with the show is that Taylor Kitsch’s Koresh comes off as more of a sympathetic character than he should have, given all that he did, but this could be an attempt by the creators to put the same doubt in the viewer’s mind as his followers had. That of course is up for debate, but I would say that as long as you are not leaning towards sympathy for Koresh, there is a lot to get out of this historical TV drama series. Because ultimately, it’s not about him; it’s about all the innocent people – many of whom were children – that died, and who never got to tell their stories.
Just don’t side with the cult leader.
RELATED: Addictive TV Shows About Cults
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979)
What’s it about? Following a failed foreign operation, George Smiley, the deputy head of the British Secret Intelligence Service, is forced to retire from active service. However, he must then work covertly to uncover a Soviet mole deep in his own organisation who has been leaking British secrets to the USSR.
Which dark tourism is this? Cold War/Iron Curtain Tourism and Soviet Tourism.
Made and released five years after the publication of the John le Carré novel on which it is based, putting it firmly in the years of the Cold War, this slow-burning thriller is one of the best historical series available. Distinctly at odds with the more commonplace James Bond/Jason Bourne style of espionage, realism and atmosphere are at the forefront here as veteran actor Sir Alec Guinness gives an exceptional, understated performance in the lead role. Perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in a Cold War atmosphere.
A film adaptation of the novel was made in 2011 – and it’s also really good!
La Peste (The Plague) (2018)
What’s it about? Seville, 1597: The Bubonic plague is ravaging the city. Having fled to save his life, Mateo, a former soldier, returns to find a dead friend’s son and take him away. However, he is arrested by Inquisitors who spare his life in return for helping them solve a crime with diabolic overtones.
Which dark tourism is this? Medical Dark Tourism and Supernatural Tourism.
There’s nothing like the gritty realism that comes from an era like the 16th century. Period accuracy is at the forefront of this Spanish language historical TV series, and interwoven through that is an almost noir storyline as our protagonist attempts to avoid falling foul of both the wealthy church and the disease that’s ravaging the country.
The seemingly demonic symbols found on the body of the murdered Inquisition member add a layer of the supernatural, for an overall intense experience as Mateo races against time to solve the crime. Make sure you check this one out, and don’t be put off by the fact that it has subtitles!
Currently on air
RELATED: A Brief History of Witchcraft in Norwich and East Anglia
Ripper Street (2012)
What’s it about? A team of police officers attempt to maintain law and order on the streets of Victorian Whitechapel, as the recent shadow of Jack the Ripper lingers.
Which dark tourism is this? Cult of Personality Tourism and Supernatural Tourism.
Ripper Street does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of Victorian London. In fact, it’s probably one of the best historical TV series from this period. Though the first season begins six months after the Ripper’s reign of terror, Ripper Street works well as an historical TV series, as it accurately recreates both the visual look of the Whitechapel area in which Jack the Ripper operated, as well as the paranoid mindset of its people following his crimes.
Many thought of Jack the Ripper as a supernatural being, especially as he was never caught, which is why this falls under the purview of supernatural tourism – even though it’s one of the TV shows based on real life. Having been around Whitechapel on a Jack the Ripper walking tour, we can vouch for the creepy and unnatural feeling that the show is aiming for!
Inside North Korea’s Dynasty (2018)
What’s it about? National Geographic’s documentary series explores the lives and actions of North Korea’s leaders – the Kim family – from WWII until the present day.
Which dark tourism is this? Cult of Personality Tourism and Red Tourism.
North Korea remains, for many, an enigma. As information is strictly controlled coming in and going out of the country as it stands today, no one can say what is happening there with complete accuracy. This four-part documentary contains interviews with people directly involved with and affected by the Kim family regime, making it one of the more accurate TV shows based on real life.
These accounts are perhaps the best evidence the rest of the world currently has about what life has really been like under the Kims, directly from the mouths of those who have lived through it. Whether you’re interested in North Korea, Cult of Personality Tourism or dictatorships, this is one of the best historical TV series available!
Buy Inside North Korea’s Dynasty
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Have you seen any of these series? What did you consider the best historical TV series? Are there any other TV shows for dark tourists that should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
