There are countless television series dedicated to World War II. Most of them sacrifice historical accuracy in favor of drama and action. Still, there are more than a few that manage to thread this line, providing viewers an opportunity to learn something about one of the most important events in human history while also being a thrilling watch. If you are looking to pick up a new series and are interested in the subject of World War II, give these a chance.
Band of Brothers
After previously collaborating on blockbuster Saving Private Ryan, acclaimed director Steven Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks teamed up to produce Band of Brothers, a series based on Stephen E. Ambrose’s non-fiction book of the same name. The series focuses on the famed “Easy” Company military unit and its actions during World War II. Band of Brothers was a commercial and critical success and is often referred to as the best World War II series ever made.
The Pacific
The Pacific is considered a spiritual successor to Band of Brothers, with Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks serving as executive producers on the project as well. The series focuses on the experiences of three Marines during World War II, with each of the Marines belonging to a different regiment. The Pacific repeated the success of Band of Brothers, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for best miniseries.
World on Fire
World on Fire is a BBC series that premiered in 2019 and ran for two seasons. The particular draw of the series is that it puts a great focus on the lives of civilians in World War II while covering various locations. The first season covered the period between March 1939 and July 1940, while the second season covered the period between October 1940 and May 1941.