Shows Like History 101

If you liked History 101 (2020), a documentary series, here are 20 shows with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Mind Field (2017)
★ 8.2/10Also documentary
Explore the surprising things we know (and don’t know) about why people are the way they are through expert interviews, rare footage from historical experiments, and brand-new, ground-breaking demonstrations of human…
2
The New York Times Presents (2020)
★ 7/10Also documentary
A series of standalone documentaries powered by the unparalleled journalism and insight of The New York Times, bringing viewers close to the essential stories of our time.
3
Eli Roth's History of Horror (2018)
★ 6.4/10Also documentary
An in-depth look at the history and pop cultural significance of horror films.
4
World War II with Tom Hanks (2026)
★ 8.3/10Also documentary
Explores WWII from Germany's invasion of Poland through the atomic age, examining pivotal battles, wartime leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt, and the human cost of total war.
5
Last Chance U (2016)
★ 7.2/10Also documentary
In a docuseries set at one of NCAA football's most fertile recruiting grounds, guys with red flags seek to prove their worth on the field and in class.
6
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything (2021)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded…
7
Visible: Out on Television (2020)
★ 6.7/10Also documentary
Explore the history of the American LGBTQ movement through the lens of TV in this five-part docuseries. Combining archival footage with new interviews, the series looks at homophobia, the evolution of LGBTQ characters…
8
Cursed Films (2020)
★ 7.1/10Also documentary
A documentary series exploring the myths and legends behind some of Hollywood’s notoriously “cursed” horror film productions. From plane accidents and bombings during the making of The Omen, to the rumored use of real…
9
How to Become a Mob Boss (2023)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary
This darkly satirical how-to guide explores the rise and fall of history's most notorious mob bosses and their tactics for success.
10
Kylie (2026)
★ 8.7/10Also documentary
A look at the life of Australian pop star Kylie Minogue, who opens her personal archives and reflects on a career in which she has sold 80 million records and reinvented herself, and by extension pop, several times…
11
The Walking Dead: Origins (2021)
★ 7.7/10Also documentary
The Walking Dead: Origins is a series of specials exploring the journeys of the series' most celebrated characters. Each episode charts the story of the zombie apocalypse from the point of view of a single character…
12
Drug Lords (2018)
★ 7.3/10Also documentary
Witness the stories of history's most notorious kingpins, their terrifying enforcers, and the men and women who've sworn to bring them down.
13
Robbie Williams (2023)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
After 25 years of his record-breaking solo career, Robbie looks back on his younger self and reflects on a lifetime spent in the spotlight.
14
The Real History of Science Fiction (2014)
★ 6.8/10Also documentary
The series heads to the very frontiers of space and science to produce the definitive television history of science fiction, told through its impact on cinema, television and literature, with the help of filmmakers…
15
Explained (2018)
★ 7.4/10Also documentary
This enlightening series from Vox digs into a wide range of topics such as the rise of cryptocurrency, why diets fail, and the wild world of K-pop.
16
Medal of Honor (2018)
★ 6.5/10Also documentary
Honoring service members whose courage merited the awarding of a Medal of Honor, this docudrama series re-creates their inspiring true stories.
17
Arnold (2023)
★ 7.9/10Also documentary
This intimate docuseries follows Arnold Schwarzenegger's multifaceted life and career, from bodybuilding champ to Hollywood icon to politician.
18
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos (2024)
★ 8.3/10Also documentary
A portrait of celebrated filmmaker David Chase: his life, his career and his groundbreaking work on the HBO original series The Sopranos.
19
Hulk Hogan: Real American (2026)
★ 7.5/10Also documentary
Before he was Hulk Hogan, he was Terry Bollea. Uncover the man behind the legend in this unfiltered documentary featuring his very last interview.
20
Hip Hop Evolution (2016)
★ 7.6/10Also documentary
Hip-Hop today is a global culture that has changed music, dance, fashion, language —and even politics. But where did this worldwide cultural movement begin? We trace hip-hop back to its humble beginnings, when the kids…