Gore, sex, and intriguing pirate drama—Black Sails has everything you need for a fantastic TV show that will immediately hook you. It won a lot of fans throughout four seasons thanks to its wacky storyline and talented cast.
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 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. Here are some similar shows for Black Sails fans to check out.
1.The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is a BBC America two-season historical, adventure, and romance drama series that debuted on October 10, 2015. Season 2 of the show is set to debut in 2017. It is based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories book series. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the series’s protagonist, is torn between his birthright and upbringing. The Last Kingdom stars Alexander Dreymon. If you want to learn about the origins of royalty in England, this is the show to watch.
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.5 out of 10 on IMDb.
2. The Borgias
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:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 7.9 out of 10 on IMDb.
3. The Tudors
The Tudors was a Showtime historical fiction drama series from April 1, 2007, to June 20, 2010. The series is named after the Tudor Dynasty but focuses on King Henry VIII of England’s reign. The Tudors stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Keep this rhyme in mind as you watch to track what happens to each of his brides: “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.”
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb.
4. Rome
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, assassinations, and brutal political maneuverings in turbulent Roman history. The show features well-known historical figures, including Mark Antony, Cleopatra, and Julius Caesar.
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.7 out of 10 on IMDb.
5. Reign
The Reign debuted on The CW on October 17, 2013, and ended after four seasons on June 16, 2017. Mary, Queen of Scots, is central to the plot. She battles dark forces and other foes alongside her best friends in medieval France. In the series, Adelaide Kane plays Queen Mary Stuart, featuring an ensemble cast.
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 7.5 out of 10 on IMDb.
6.Spartacus
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:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.5 out of 10 on IMDb.
7. Game of Thrones
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:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 9.2 out of 10 on IMDb
8. Vikings
The 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:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.5 out of 10 on IMDb.
9. The Shannara Chronicles
The Shannara Chronicles, which airs on MTV, is based on a series of books by Terry Brooks. The plot follows heroes from various countries as they attempt to stop the army of darkness from destroying the universe. MTV has already ordered a second season based on the first season’s ten episodes.
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb.
10. House of Cards
Between February 1, 2013, and November 2, 2018, 73 episodes of House of Cards were released throughout six seasons. 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:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.6 out of 10 on IMDb.
11. Poldark
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. Poldark stars Aidan Turner.
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.3 out of 10 on IMDb.
12. Outlander
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. Outlander stars Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, and Tobias Menzies.
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.4 out of 10 on IMDb.
13. Frontier
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:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb.
14. Crossbones
It was broadcast on NBC on 30 May 2014. Crossbones is one of the few shows about pirates on television. It tells the story of Blackbeard, the infamous pirate played by John Malkovich. Lester and Jesse, antagonistic half-brothers, reunite to pursue different goals after inheriting a land plot in Trinity, only to find themselves neck-deep in trouble.
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 6.4 out of 10 on IMDb.
15. Medici
The series premiered on October 18, 2016. The plot revolves around Cosmio, who finds himself at the helm of his wealthy family after his father, Giovanni, dies. When he realizes his father has been murdered, he is solely responsible for his family’s safety.
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb.
16. Hell on Wheels
Hell on Wheels is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. It follows the turbulent journey of Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount), a former Confederate soldier seeking vengeance for the murder of his wife. As Bohannon becomes involved in constructing the First Transcontinental Railroad, he meets many characters, including unscrupulous businessman Thomas Durant (Colm Meaney) and freed slave Elam Ferguson (Common).
Check out the trailer here:
IMDb’s rating: It scored 8.3 out of 10 on IMDb.
What are the best streaming channels for shows like Black Sails?
Some of the best streaming platforms to check out if you want to watch shows similar to Black Sails are:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Hulu
- Max on HBO
Common Queries
Black Sails was a series ahead of its time in pirate media and genre storytelling.
Shows like Black Sails are available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
Of course, Black Sails was made for adults, and there’s plenty of questionable content to give parents pause.
Bottom Line
If you enjoyed the thrills of Black Sails, this list of the top 16 shows like black sails will lead you to even more thrilling adventures. These fan-approved series promise an entertaining binge-watching experience, whether historical drama or action-packed tales.