Recommended Sci Fi TV: Science fiction and fantasy shows from the past decade or so that you may have missed and that we believe are worth checking out.
What Is It?
This epic fantasy series with a basis in history is set in Celtic England at the time the Romans invaded the country. Roman commander Aulus Plautius leads an imperial force to take control of the British Isles but faces strong resistance from the Celtic tribes and the mysterious druids who support them.
Aired: Prime Video/MGM+, 2018-21, 3 Seasons Totaling 27 Episodes
Starring: David Morrisey, Annabel Scholey, Eleanor Worthington-Cox, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Mackenzie Crook
Created By: Jez Butterworth, Tom Butterworth
Bottom Line: This historical fantasy definitely strives for a Game of Thrones vibe and actually succeeds to some extent, while delivering an epic tale populated with intriguing characters.
Why Is It Worth Watching?
This overlooked series landed on Amazon in January 2018 and set out to deliver Game of Thrones in a Celtic setting. And while it did not quite match up to that George R. R. Martin fantasy series in its first season, it definitely delivers an excellent example of fantasy on television. As with GoT, the story weaves through many different characters, giving us perspectives from both the Celtic and Roman sides of the conflict. It works in some magic and fantasy elements as well, but there are no dragons or other mystical beasts, as the main focus is on the humans.
The Walking Dead’s David Morrissey plays the Roman commander, and he is surrounded by an excellent cast well suited for the grand tale they populate. Particularly notable are Eleanor Worthington-Cox as Cait and Nikolaj Lie Kaas as Divis, who have a contentious relationship as they are forced together to fulfill the prophecy of saving their lands from Rome. The first season focuses on the attempts of the Celtic tribes to stand against Rome while also fighting amongst themselves, while the second season shifts more toward the schism among the druids that threatens to allow Rome to secure its hold on the lands. The third season sees the Celts on the verge of fracturing as Rome pushes its advantage across the land.
Overall, the show delivers good drama with touches of history and fantasy, and while not quite as epic as Game of Thrones, The Rings of Power, or The Wheel of Time, it still offers a sweeping saga populated with many, well-developed characters. Lovers of fantasy should certainly enjoy this one, as well as those who like a good historical drama.
The series was produced by Sky in Britain, with Amazon onboard for the first season. The streamer later bowed out, and the second season was produced exclusively by Sky. MGM+ (then known as Epix) came onboard, and the second and third seasons were available on that service. Sadly, the show did not continue to a fourth season, even though it was primed to carry on its story. It did wrap up some of its storylines, though, and should still provide a satisfying watch. And perhaps at some point it will return with more episodes. In any case, Britannia is certainly worth checking out.
Where Can You Watch It?
The entire series is still available to stream on MGM+. It did get a DVD release, but that is in PAL format only.
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