Vikings (2013)

Kernel Score: 91% · 7,509 ratings

Genres: Action & Adventure, Drama, War & Politics

First aired: 2013-03-03

Seasons: 6 · 89 episodes

Is Vikings worth watching?

Must-watch. A big, violent historical drama about a Viking raider's rise and the family that follows him. It's strongest in its early seasons and keeps its pull as the cast changes.

Watch it if you

  • like historical war dramas
  • enjoy Game of Thrones-style power struggles
  • want a long binge

Skip it if you

  • dislike graphic violence
  • want a short series

Best for: Binge weekend

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Vikings

  • Stream: Netflix
  • Buy: Prime Video, Google Play

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

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.

Vikings parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Vikings is a TV-MA historical drama built on intense, bloody battles and Norse raiding, with mature content throughout.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Battle and warfare are central, and the keywords explicitly flag violence and intensity. Expect frequent bloody combat between warriors and raiders.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Moderate — As a TV-MA period drama, mature sexual content is indicated by the rating.
  • Language: Moderate — The TV-MA rating reflects mature dialogue expected in adult historical drama.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like Vikings

If you liked Vikings, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • The Last Kingdom (2015) — 90%: Saxons and Danes clash in a long historical saga.
  • Game of Thrones (2011) — 91%: Brutal power struggles on an epic scale.
  • Vikings: Valhalla (2022) — 86%: The follow-up set later in Viking history.
  • Vinland Saga (2019) — 89%: Bloody Viking tale with real depth.
  • House of the Dragon (2022) — 90%: Family power struggles in a dark fantasy.
  • Shōgun (2024) — 91%: A rich historical epic about power and survival.

Cast

  • Alex Høgh Andersen as Ivar Lothbrok / Ivar the Boneless
  • Jordan Patrick Smith as Ubbe Lothbrok
  • Marco Ilsø as Hvitserk Lothbrok
  • Peter Franzén as King Harald Finehair
  • Georgia Hirst as Torvi
  • Danila Kozlovsky as Prince Oleg of Novgorod

Vikings FAQ

Is Vikings worth watching?

Must-watch. A big, violent historical drama about a Viking raider's rise and the family that follows him. It's strongest in its early seasons and keeps its pull as the cast changes.

Where can I watch Vikings?

In the US you can stream Vikings on Netflix and buy it from Prime Video and Google Play.

Is Vikings OK for kids?

Vikings is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Vikings is a TV-MA historical drama built on intense, bloody battles and Norse raiding, with mature content throughout.

What shows are like Vikings?

If you liked Vikings, try The Last Kingdom, Game of Thrones, Vikings: Valhalla and Vinland Saga.