Black Sails was a great but underrated series about pirates that aired on Starz for four seasons. It is a prequel based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s work before the story of Treasure Island. The show followed Captain Flint and his crew, featuring interesting and complex characters, along with intense storylines that made it popular with viewers.
Move forward and find out what makes Black Sails worth watching and why people are so obsessed with this show.
Why do people like Black Sails Show?
People like Black Sails for its gripping mix of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling. It is also liked, particularly as a prequel to Treasure Island. The show features well-developed characters, intense drama, and high-quality production. These features makes this show both visually stunning and narratively rich. Its portrayal of pirates as complex figures, along with action-packed scenes, has captured the mind of fans of the genre. The unique blend of history and fiction sets it apart from other TV series.
Advertisement Even though the show ended a few years ago, there are several options for those looking for a new series to enjoy after Black Sails. As good as it was, there’s always the question of what to watch after a show like this one ends. It’s too much for me to bear. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We searched for more good TV shows like Black Sails that might fill the void in your heart. Let us now examine them.
List of Top 16 Shows Like Black Sails To Watch
Several other historical drama and action shows are similar to Black Sails, and while nothing will be the same. If you’re looking for pirate shows like Black Sails, there are several exciting options to explore. Here are some other shows like Black Sails fans to check out.
1.The Last Kingdom
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Historical, Adventure, Romance |
| Release Date | 10-Oct-15 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.5 out of 10 |
| Director | Peter D. Dlugach, among others |
| Cast | Alexander Dreymon, David Dawson, Emily Cox |
The Last Kingdom is a historical drama set in the late 800s when Vikings invade England. It follows Uhtred, a Saxon nobleman who is captured by Vikings and raised by them. Torn between his Saxon heritage and Viking life, Uhtred tries to get back his land and unite England while facing battles and political struggles.
Check out the trailer here:
2. The Borgias
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Historical Fiction, Drama |
| Release Date | 3-Apr-11 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.9 out of 10 |
| Director | Neil Jordan |
| Cast | Jeremy Irons, Francois Arnaud, Holliday Grainger |
The Borgias is a three-season Showtime historical fiction drama that aired from April 3, 2011, to June 16, 2013. The series is set in the 15th century and follows the lives of the Borgia family, an Italian crime family. The Borgias stars Jeremy Irons, Francois Arnaud, David Oakes, Holliday Grainger, and Colm Feore. This is the most distinct TV show, like Black Sails, because it focuses on an infamous criminal family rather than an infamous royal family!
Check out the trailer here:
3. The Tudors
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Historical Fiction, Drama |
| Release Date | 1-Apr-07 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1 out of 10 |
| Director | Michael Hirst |
| Cast | Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer |
The Tudors is a historical drama about King Henry VIII of England. It follows his life as a young king who marries six times while trying to secure a male heir. The show highlights his relationships with his wives and the powerful people in his court, showing how his desire for power and love leads to major changes in England, including the creation of the Church of England.
Check out the trailer here:
4. Rome
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Historical Drama |
| Release Date | 28-Aug-05 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7 out of 10 |
| Director | Bruno Heller, William J. MacDonald |
| Cast | Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker |
Rome is an HBO historical drama about the Roman Republic’s fall and the establishment of the Roman Empire. It follows two soldiers through war, killings, and tough political moves during a chaotic time in Roman history. The show features well-known historical figures, including Mark Antony, Cleopatra, and Julius Caesar.
Check out the trailer here:
5. Reign
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Historical, Drama, Romance |
| Release Date | 17-Oct-13 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5 out of 10 |
| Director | Laurie McCarthy, and others |
| Cast | Adelaide Kane, Megan Follows, Torrance Coombs |
Reign is a historical drama about Mary, Queen of Scots, who arrives in France to marry Prince Francis. The show follows her as she navigates court life filled with political intrigue, romance, and betrayal, facing challenges from rivals like Catherine de’ Medici while trying to secure her future and protect her kingdom.
Check out the trailer here:
6.Spartacus
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Drama |
| Release Date | 22-Jan-10 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.5 out of 10 |
| Director | Steven S. DeKnight, among others |
| Cast | Andy Whitfield, Lucy Lawless, John Hannah |
The series debuted on the Starz Network on January 22, 2010, and concluded on April 12, 2013. Andy Whitfield played the role of Spartacus in the first season. The plot revolves around a Thracian slave who rises to become one of the greatest gladiators ever. Later, he leads a slave uprising against the Romans, causing chaos and instability throughout the land.
Check out the trailer here:
7. Game of Thrones
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Fantasy, Drama |
| Release Date | 17-Apr-11 |
| IMDb Rating | 9.2 out of 10 |
| Director | David Benioff, D.B. Weiss |
| Cast | Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage |
The show aired on HBO in the United States on April 17, 2011, and ended on May 19, 2019, with 73 episodes spread across eight seasons. The plot revolves around the Nine Noble Families fighting each other for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Meanwhile, a force emerges millennia later that threatens the existence of living men.
Check out the trailer here:
8. Vikings
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Historical Drama |
| Release Date | 3-Mar-13 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.5 out of 10 |
| Director | Michael Hirst |
| Cast | Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen |
Viking’s first episode aired on March 3, 2013. The plot is set when Vikings terrorized Britain and France, raiding and looting everything. The story revolves around Ragnar Lodbroka, a legendary figure considered the direct descendant of war gods. His desire to explore beyond the safe territories led to glory in France and Britain, but he made many enemies within his tribe.
Check out the trailer here:
9. The Shannara Chronicles
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure |
| Release Date | 5-Jan-16 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1 out of 10 |
| Director | Alfred Gough, Miles Millar |
| Cast | Austin Butler, Poppy Drayton, Ivana Baquero |
The Shannara Chronicles is a fantasy series set in a post-apocalyptic world where magic returns. It follows Wil Ohmsford, a half-elf with the power to save his land from evil. Along with warrior Amberle and human Eretria, Wil goes on a quest to protect the Elfstones, magical items that can help defeat dark forces threatening their world. They face many challenges and learn about friendship and bravery along the way.
Check out the trailer here:
10. House of Cards
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Political Drama |
| Release Date | 1-Feb-13 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.6 out of 10 |
| Director | Beau Willimon, among others |
| Cast | Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly |
House of Cards is the story of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a Democrat from South Carolina‘s 5th congressional district and the House Majority Whip, who decides to exact his revenge on those who betrayed him after being passed over for appointment as Secretary of State.
Check out the trailer here:
11. Poldark
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Historical, Drama, Romance |
| Release Date | 8-Mar-15 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.3 out of 10 |
| Director | Ed Bazalgette, and others |
| Cast | Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed |
Poldark is a BBC One three-season historical, romance, and drama television series premiered on March 8, 2015. The first six books in Winston Graham’s 12-book Poldark series have served as the basis for the series thus far. The plot revolves around Captain Ross Poldark, who returns to his home in Cornwall, England, after three years of fighting in the American Revolutionary War.
Check out the trailer here:
12. Outlander
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Drama, Fantasy, Romance |
| Release Date | 9-Aug-14 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.4 out of 10 |
| Director | Ronald D. Moore |
| Cast | Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies |
Outlander is a three-season television drama, fantasy, and romance series premiered on August 9, 2014 on Starz. It is based on Diana Gabaldon‘s hugely popular Outlander series of books. Claire Randall, a married nurse, is transported back to 1743 in 1945, where she meets Jamie Fraser, a handsome Highland warrior. Claire faces the challenge of choosing between returning to her own time and staying with Jamie in the past.
Check out the trailer here:
13. Frontier
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Drama, Action |
| Release Date | 6-Nov-16 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.1 out of 10 |
| Director | Rob Blackie, Peter Blackie |
| Cast | Jason Momoa, Landon Liboiron, Alika Autran |
This Canadian Netflix Original series stars Jason Momoa. The plot revolves primarily around Momoa’s character, Declan Harp. He’s a fur trader attempting to break Lord Benton and his Hudson Bay Company’s massive monopoly on the fur trade. Even if the term “fur trading” does not appeal to you, there is plenty of sex and violence to keep you entertained. It’s similar to Game of Thrones, except everyone fights for control of the fur company instead of an Iron Throne.
Check out the trailer here:
14. TURN: Washington’s Spies
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Historical Drama, War, Espionage |
| Release Date | April 6, 2014 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1 out of 10 |
| Director | Jeremy Webb, Keith Boak |
| Cast | Jamie Bell, Seth Numrich, Heather Lind |
TURN: Washington’s Spies is a historical drama set during the American Revolution. It follows Abe Woodhull, a farmer in British-occupied New York, who becomes a spy for the American army. Along with a group of friends, Abe forms the Culper Ring, a secret spy network that gathers information to help George Washington’s army.
Check out the trailer here:
15. Penny Dreadful
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Horror, Drama, Fantasy, Supernatural |
| Release Date | May 11, 2014 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.2/10 |
| Director | J.A. Bayona, James Hawes, and others |
| Cast | Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton |
Penny Dreadful (2014) is a horror drama set in Victorian London. It follows Vanessa Ives, a woman with mysterious powers, who teams up with people like Ethan Chandler and Sir Malcolm Murray to battle supernatural creatures. They face threats like vampires, witches, and demons, while famous characters like Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray also play key roles.
Check out the trailer here:
16. Hell on Wheels
| Details | Information |
| Genre | Western, Drama |
| Release Date | 6-Nov-11 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.3 out of 10 |
| Director | Tony Gayton, Joe Gayton |
| Cast | Anson Mount, Common, Colm Meaney |
Hell on Wheels is a historical drama about Cullen Bohannon, a former Confederate soldier seeking revenge for his wife’s murder. Set during the building of the first transcontinental railroad, it explores the tough lives of workers and the conflicts between different groups in post-Civil War America.
Check out the trailer here:
Why is it Called Black Sails?
The title Black Sails refers to the notorious reputation of pirates. These pirates were often viewed as villains in society. The phrase evokes the imagery of pirate ships sailing under black sails. It symbolizes their defiance and rebellion against the established order. The Black Sail encapsulates the central theme of the show, which explores the lives and motivations of these infamous outlaws.
Does Black Sails Use Real Ships?
Yes, Black Sails incorporates real replica ships to enhance the authenticity of its storytelling. The production team aimed to create a sense of realism by using practical sets, including those out at sea. This approach not only grounds the narrative but also immerses viewers in the harsh realities faced by pirates during that era. It is kind of much like the approach seen in Pirates of the Caribbean.
FAQs
Yes, Poldark, Rome, and Turn offer similar historical drama experiences for those craving more after Black Sails.
The events of Black Sails take place about 20 years before Treasure Island, and therefore the two don’t directly connect much.
Black Sails is a gritty realistic period piece with an awesome line up of characters, and beautiful cinematography.
Many sails are now made with carbon fibers, the strongest load-carrying material in sails and carbon is black.
Bottom Line
For fans of Black Sails looking for similar shows, there are several that offer the same excitement, adventure, and complex characters. While no show is exactly like Black Sails, series like Vikings, The Last Kingdom, and Outlander bring strong stories, action, and a mix of history and fiction. These shows are great for anyone who enjoyed the battles, drama, and personal struggles that made Black Sails so popular.