Vikings on History Channel

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In "Vikings" on the History Channel, we see the epic tale of Ragnar Lothbrok, from his start as a regular Viking villager who leads raids west into unknown seas. His first raid falls on the hapless monastery at Lindisfarne, England, the event that begins the historic Age of Vikings. As his fortunes rise, Ragnar reveals himself as a man of vision among his more conventional contemporaries. With the guidance of Athelstan, a monk taken captive at Lindisfarne, Ragnar absorbs Western knowledge and combined with his native cunning, develops his skill in the game of intrigue and betrayal with his Viking and Saxon rivals. As he rises to earl and then king, he leads his family, (mostly) loyal followers and allies in bigger and more ambitious expeditions, culminating in the raid on Paris at the end of season 3. This show has everything. Action, violence, history, intrigue, violence, clever dialogue and violence. Despite a few lapses, it does a good job of showing life in Europe of the Middle Ages. Vikings also has a cinematic quality that you don't usually see on television. The cost of producing such an epic show on television probably explains why they can make only about 9 or 10 episodes every season. Good news for new viewers, who can binge on all three seasons in a relatively short time.