Norse drama Bloodaxe to hit screens in 2026

A new Norse drama series has been announced, with Michael Hirst working alongside Horatio Hirst. The show is set in a new universe with a different timeline, but with that said, it’s still going to be based on real-life figures.

The Viking era is a hot topic in modern media

The Viking era is a hot topic in modern media, with the original Vikings television show drawing in millions of viewers. Even though it aired on the History Channel originally, later seasons aired on Prime Video. All six seasons are now viewable on Netflix, as streaming companies scramble to showcase the finest warriors of the era.

In other verticals, like podcasts, the Viking era is also very popular. The History of Vikings covers Norse mythology, while the Viking Age Podcast covers things like raiding and trading. Even in iGaming, the Viking theme is popular, with slots including Vikings Unleashed Megaways. Games like this include Viking warriors as well as longships and intricate wooden carvings, all of which are synonymous with the era. 

As time goes on, we are also seeing more and more people taking deep dives into Viking lore, with some shows delving into the backstory of certain figures. With Bloodaxe, however, the story is going to document Erik Bloodaxe and his wife, Gunnhild. The story is going to follow them as they fight to claim their place on the throne while struggling with shifting loyalties. The show is going to be introducing new characters, all of whom have helped to change the course of history as we know it, and who also played a major part in the shaping of the narrative events seen in Vikings.

 

Bloodaxe is set to hit our screens in 2026

Bloodaxe is going to hit our screens sometime in 2026, with Amazon Prime Video having the rights to the show. With that said, if it ends up being like the original Vikings television show, it may be that other providers go on to pick it up at a later date. The story of Erik Bloodaxe occurs in the 10th century, which puts it between Vikings and the sequel, Vikings: Valhalla.

Even though this is a standalone production, Erik is the son of Harald Fairhair, who is a major character within the Vikings universe. Although we don’t know if the stories are going to tie in together yet, as everything is being kept very under wraps, it’s safe to say that the new show is going to be bloodier and as exciting as ever, with a lot of money being put into the production to ensure the authenticity of the show. 

For those unable to wait until 2026 for new content, Barbarians is set to be one of the strongest options for fans of the original Vikings series. It follows Germanic tribes as they push back against the Roman army. Other titles to consider include Vikings: Valhalla, The Last Kingdom and Norsemen. Black Sails is also worth watching for those seeking the same grit and drama as Vikings, but with a pirate theme.

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