10 Billy the Kid

Michael Hirst, who is the master of historical fiction and is perhaps best known for creating Vikings, always scores when it comes to this genre. No matter what he pens, it becomes a raging hit.

Hirst’s MGM+ series Billy the Kid is an epic adventure drama that chronicles the life of the infamous outlaw William H. Bonney (Tom Blyth), better known as Billy the Kid. From his humble Irish immigrant roots in New York City to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War on the American frontier, the series captures it all, even his early days as a cowboy and gunslinger.

Hirst’s perspective offers a fresh take on the Kid, portraying him as a realistic hero frequently caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. His series paints a more truthful, detailed portrait amid its engrossing narrative, outstanding cinematography, and impressive acting.

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9 Britannia

Swords, sorcery, sandals, and sass—and Romans and Druids. That’s what you’ll get out of Britannia. What started out as a Prime Video Original got swept up by MGM+ (when it was still EPIX) and saw three glorious seasons before it was canceled way too early.

Britannia is set in the primitive, mystical times of 43 A.D. and follows the Roman army in their effort to conquer Britain after Caesar’s failed attempt. The plot centers on Rome’s effort to crush the Celtic tribes, who are divided and at war. A prophecy exists that a "Chosen One" will save her war-torn land, but that falls into jeopardy when the one known as “The Dead Man” arrives, setting into motion a battle among the Druids that risks their demise.

Britannia’s vivid portrayal of Rome’s invasion of Britain makes it one hell of a bloody, brooding series. It has a fascinating plot, a cast of strong and mouthy female warriors and Druids, gorgeous visuals, impeccable battle sequences, and superb acting with outstanding makeup and costumes.

8 Condor

If you’re a fan of political thrillers with suspenseful narratives, Condor is one series you don’t want to sleep on.

Based on the novel Six Days of the Condor and its 1975 film adaptation (Three Days of the Condor), the MGM+ series follows a young, idealistic CIA codebreaker named Joe Turner (Max Irons). After his entire office is massacred, Turner suspects a conspiracy, so he goes on the run to uncover the truth and hopefully stop a plot that threatens millions. While Turner evades hitmen and other perpetrators of the attack, he works to understand the complex plot involving an algorithm he previously developed for the government organization.

You’ll enjoy the show’s compelling plot, its strong performances and production, and its fast-paced, pulse-pounding action. As it explores themes of government trust, Condor’s challenging of ideals makes it a particularly resonant watch for those who enjoy stories that question authority.

7 Domina

Domina tells the story of Livia Drusilla (Kasia Smutniak) and traces her early life as a naïve young girl in the wake of Julius Caesar’s assassination, right up to her rise as the wife of Emperor Augustus Caesar, making her Rome’s most powerful and influential empress. As she navigates political intrigue, family feuds, and personal ambition, Livia finds herself driven by a strong desire to avenge her father and secure power for her sons.

While not entirely historically accurate, Domina offers a compelling female-focused take on the tumultuous transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire. The series boasts madly impressive production design, costumes, and a rich depiction of the times, which all contribute to the series’ immersive viewing quality.

6 Earth Abides

Earth Abides is a unique post-apocalyptic drama about a geologist named Isherwood “Ish” Williams (Alexander Ludwig), who survives a devastating pandemic that wipes out nearly all of humanity.

After he wakes from a coma induced by a snake bite, Ish finds the world has drastically changed, thanks to a fast-spreading, highly virulent plague that has ravaged the earth. With few survivors around, he must navigate the challenges of rebuilding society, and that doesn’t just mean finding shelter for safety.

Based on the novel, the series nosedives into what it means to be in harmony with the earth. It also delves into philosophical questions about the future of humanity, the potential for both good and evil within civilization, and the enduring spirit of human connection. What makes this series so unique is its thought-provoking approach to post-apocalyptic storytelling.

5 From

From is one of those sci-fi horror shows about a nightmarish town in America that you can never unsee.

Its residents are trapped, with no way out. It doesn’t matter if they get in the car and drive—they always end up right back where they started. That’s not what makes the town nightmarish, though. Danger lurks after sundown, with nightfall bringing out unsettling, creepy monsters; however, in this town, monsters don’t just lurk outside. They also lurk within each of us, and that’s where the true horror of our story originates.

This show offers a rare combination of truly compelling production and remarkable performances from the actors. As it focuses on the residents' struggle to survive while trying to maintain some semblance of a normal life, From builds an array of suspense through a series of mysteries.

4 Godfather of Harlem

I’m glad I stumbled across Godfather of Harlem. I would’ve hated to miss this show, which is sort of like Black Sopranos meets Peaky Blinders.

Set in the 1960s, Godfather of Harlem is a crime drama series that reimagines the story of real-life gangster Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), who returned to Harlem after a decade in prison. Upon his release, he finds his neighborhood now controlled by the Italian mob, meaning he must go to war with the Genovese crime family. It also explores Bumpy’s unlikely alliance with Malcolm X (Nigél Thatch).

What’s awesome about this series is that it blends an interesting gangster drama with the rich history and turbulent political landscape not just of the 1960s, but also of Harlem in the 1960s. Notice the costumes, set designs, cars, and—my personal favorite—the smooth integration of real black-and-white footage, which contributes to an authentic viewing experience.

3 Pennyworth

Pennyworth is the origin story of the comic book butler Alfred Pennyworth and chronicles his life before he became loyal to The Dark Knight.

The DC-inspired drama explores Pennyworth's life as a former British SAS soldier in London in the 60s, who forms a security company and becomes entangled with Thomas and Martha Wayne (Ben Aldridge and Emma Paetz). It also explores his entanglement with crime and the burgeoning world of heroes and villains.

The series is full of action and over-the-top violence, which rounds out its character-driven narratives and its reimagining of the widely popular Batman mythology. However, though entertaining and a great spy thriller, it does not rely on the main Batman canon and should be viewed as an Elseworlds story.

2 War of the Worlds

As a loose reimagining, War of the Worlds presents a modern take on H.G. Wells’ 1898 novel and is the third television adaptation to date.

Instead of Edwardian England, our story is set in present-day Europe. When astronomers detect a transmission from another galaxy and the world waits for further contact, mankind is all but annihilated by a surprise attack. Pockets of survivors remain, and it’s up to them to evade and combat the aliens, who are hellbent on destroying them.

This War of the Worlds adaptation differs from others in that it is a cerebral take on the classic invasion story. It focuses heavily on character development and the psychological impact of a global catastrophe while exploring the survivors’ struggle to understand the aliens’ motives and to exist in the world they dominate.

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1 The Winter King

A gritty adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles about King Arthur, The Winter King reimagines the Arthurian legend from the perspective of a former warrior, Derfel (Stuart Campbell), who narrates the series as an elderly monk.

Set in a brutal, war-torn Britain following the Roman withdrawal, the story details the obstacles and struggles Arthur Pendragon (Iain De Caestecker) faces as he rises in rank from an outcast warlord to the leader and unifier of broken British kingdoms. With the Saxon forces invading, Arthur must navigate treacherous political landscapes and a doomed romance with Guinevere.

Having this story framed as a chronicle of events through flashbacks from a former warrior who served Arthur makes The Winter King a compelling interpretation of a legendary time in history. Expect plenty of detailed battle scenes, bloody warfare, pagan rites, vengeance, and fancy, heavy robes.

These underrated series aren't the only hits running on MGM+. The new Stephen King adaptation, The Institute, arrives mid-July, and with more originals and new seasons of ongoing favorites on the way, there's plenty here to keep you entertained.

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