10 Shows & Movies Like Colonial House (2004)

Description: Set in a lawless mining camp, this series explores the formation of social order in a frontier community. It shares the detailed examination of how societies develop under difficult circumstances.

Fact: The dialogue was heavily influenced by actual historical documents from the period. The set was built on a ranch in California and became one of the largest standing Western sets in Hollywood.

Description: This Western drama follows the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, depicting the challenges of building communities in frontier conditions. It shares the theme of societal development in challenging environments.

Fact: The show's title refers to the mobile encampments that followed the railroad construction crews. Much of the series was filmed in Alberta, Canada, standing in for the American West.

Description: This epic drama portrays Norse life and exploration during the Viking Age, emphasizing cultural traditions and survival in harsh environments. It shares the immersive historical recreation approach.

Fact: The show's creators consulted with historians to ensure accuracy in depicting Viking culture. Many scenes were filmed in Ireland, where a full Viking village was constructed.

Description: Set in the Golden Age of Piracy, this series explores the formation of a pirate community and their struggles against colonial powers. It shares themes of societal formation and resistance against authority.

Fact: The series serves as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island'. Production built full-scale replicas of 18th century ships that were fully functional.

Description: Based on the true story of a doomed Arctic expedition, this series combines historical drama with supernatural elements, showing the breakdown of social order under extreme conditions. It shares the theme of community survival challenges.

Fact: The show blends historical fact with Inuit mythology. The freezing conditions were recreated using practical effects rather than CGI in many scenes.

Description: This time-travel drama explores 18th century Scottish life with remarkable historical detail, particularly in its depiction of rural communities and cultural traditions. It shares the immersive historical recreation approach.

Fact: The show's production team works with historians to ensure period accuracy in everything from costumes to dialect. Many scenes are filmed at authentic Scottish historical sites.

Description: Set during the Viking invasions of England, this series explores cultural clashes and the formation of national identity. It shares the historical authenticity and focus on community dynamics in challenging times.

Fact: The series is based on Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories' novels. Many battle scenes were filmed using authentic Viking combat techniques.

Description: This drama series depicts the early years of the Jamestown settlement in 17th century Virginia, focusing on the struggles of colonists adapting to a new world. It shares the theme of community building under harsh conditions.

Fact: The series was filmed in Hungary, where a full-scale replica of the Jamestown settlement was built. It was one of Sky One's most expensive original productions at the time.

Description: This historical documentary series immerses viewers in the daily lives of people living in the 19th century, showcasing the challenges and realities of rural life during that era. It provides an authentic look at historical living conditions, similar to the immersive experience of a historical reenactment.

Fact: The series was filmed at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm in Shropshire, England, which is still a working farm using traditional methods. The presenters actually lived on the farm for a year while filming.

Description: Focusing on the agricultural and domestic life of the Tudor period, this series offers a detailed exploration of historical living conditions and practices. It shares the educational approach of revealing historical truths through practical experience.

Fact: The presenters learned and performed authentic Tudor-era skills including blacksmithing, brewing, and manuscript illumination. The series was filmed at Weald and Downland Open Air Museum in West Sussex.