5. Masada (1981)
A true classic, which takes place in the Roman era. A group of zealots, fanatical fundamentalists, in Israel, have hidden away in the mountain hold Masada. In the year 72 (or 73), Vespasianus sent the Tenth Legion, which was led by Flavius Silva (Peter O'Toole) to Masada to destroy the last of the Jewish resistance. 6000 Romans against approximately 1000 Zealots in a nearly impregnable hold. Based on a true story. For the time, it was a progressive series. It didn't just focus on the brute violence, but also psychological warfare.
4. Into The West (2005)
The Wild West of the United States is a source for many good television series. Into The West is a fine example. In their own country (US), the creators were criticized for a specific scene where Native Americans are murdered. From a European point of view, I didn't think it was that bad. Into The West is a great series to watch. If you enjoy this, you'll also enjoy the older Centennial (1978). Other great Western series are Hatfields & McCoys (2012) and Turn, which is almost like an exciting book from your youth.
3. Horatio Hornblower (1998-2003)
Historical drama is something the Brits know well. Horatio Hornblower provides a good (romantic) insight into the English navy around the year 1800. The advantage is that you know the hero always survive. Hornblower also features good underlying relationships, and because of some romantic development, the series is suitable for both men and women. Sharpe (1993-1997 + 2006 and 2008) also does the same job but on the land instead. Sharpe takes place during the Napoleonic wars. Mostly in Portugal and Spain, but it all ends at Waterloo. Here the same thing applies, the hero (Sean Bean) survives it all.
2. Black Sails (2015 – 2017)
Pirates have always been hip. In the first season, Black Sails was a bit too hip, as one of the pirates wore sunglasses. The series is based on the known pirates and figures from Treasure Island. The series features sea battles like we've never seen before (you should at least watch the opening scene from the first season) and a good story. It is noticeable that other pirate series never seem to be more than mediocre. Examples would be Blackbeard (US) (2006) and Crossbones (2014).
1. Farscape (1999 – 2003 and 2005)
Good science fiction is pretty much always good to look at. Farscape may be the best of them all. Even only because dolls from the Jim Henson Company are used. After four seasons, the show was suddenly cancelled. Under pressure from many fans, the movie Farscape: Peacekeeper Wars was released so that the series could receive a proper ending. The same situation occurred with Firefly (2002). Suddenly cancelled and then a movie to wrap things up. Unfortunately, Firefly only has one season, which has already received cult status.
Of course, there are many more adventure series to see. You could think of the Scandinavian Arn - Tempelrisseren (2010), which features Sofia Helin (The Bridge). Another great series from Scandinavia would be 1864 (2014), which features the Danes who lose against the Germans. Well-known and worth your time are The Last Kingdom and Vikings. I just wanted to name them.
