Best Shows to Watch After Robin Hood on MGM+ [2025]

What to Stream After Robin Hood: The Ultimate Guide to Your Next Obsession

You've just finished the season finale of Robin Hood. Your screen goes dark. The credits roll. And suddenly you're staring at your streaming menu wondering: what now?

This is the exact moment that separates casual viewers from streaming enthusiasts. The right show choice can extend your engagement, deepen your appreciation for storytelling, and fill that emotional void your favorite series just left behind. But picking randomly? That's how you waste three hours scrolling before giving up and rewatching The Office for the fifteenth time.

Robin Hood sits at a fascinating intersection of storytelling elements: historical drama, roguish characters, political intrigue, action sequences, and that unmistakable charm of watching an underdog outwit the system. It's not just about stealing from the rich—it's about the tension between loyalty and ambition, between doing what's right and surviving what's possible. These themes resonate because they're fundamentally human, wrapped in the romance of a medieval setting.

The challenge with finding your next show is that most viewers don't realize they're looking for a specific combination of elements. They think they want "something like Robin Hood," but what they really mean varies wildly. Some want the historical grittiness. Others crave the witty banter. Some need the ensemble cast dynamics. Many want all of these plus faster pacing and fewer downtime episodes.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We've identified the streaming shows available on MGM+ and across major platforms that capture what made Robin Hood compelling, then categorized them by what aspect of the show resonated most with you. Whether you're chasing the adrenaline of heist narratives, the political complexity of power struggles, the chemistry of found-family ensembles, or the swashbuckling adventure of it all, you'll find exactly what you're looking for here.

TL; DR

• Best Overall Alternative: Galavant combines Robin Hood's humor, action, and romance with a fantasy twist that feels fresh yet familiar.
• For Political Intrigue Lovers: The Crown delivers dynasty drama and power manipulation on an epic scale with stunning production values.
• For Ensemble Cast Chemistry: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel creates the same found-family dynamic with snappier writing and period charm.
• For Historical Grittiness: Vikings channels the same gritty, character-driven storytelling in a Norse setting with visceral action sequences.
• For Pure Adventure: The Legend of Vox Machina offers fantasy adventure with genuine emotional stakes and character development.
• Bottom Line: Your next obsession depends on which elements of Robin Hood matter most to you—identify that first, then dive in.

Galavant excels in humor, pacing, and musical elements compared to Robin Hood, offering a unique blend of comedy and action. Estimated data based on show descriptions.

Understanding Your Robin Hood Appetite

Before we list shows, let's be honest about what you actually want to watch.

Robin Hood isn't a single-note show. It blends multiple genres and storytelling approaches depending on the episode. Some viewers watch for the political chess game between the Sheriff and the King. Others tune in specifically for Robin and the Major's dynamic or for the ensemble humor. Still others want the parkour-style action sequences and heist planning.

This matters because recommending just any medieval drama would be doing you a disservice. You don't want a list of "shows with swords." You want shows that hit the same emotional and narrative beats that hooked you in the first place.

Take a moment and ask yourself: Which of these Robin Hood elements made you keep coming back?

The Political Complexity: Episodes where the King's authority, the Sheriff's ambitions, and Robin's moral code collide create genuine tension. These moments ask uncomfortable questions about power, duty, and loyalty. If this resonated, you're looking for shows with sophisticated plotting and character motivations that aren't purely black-and-white.

The Character Chemistry: The joy of watching Robin, Much, Allen, and Little John bounce off each other—that specific kind of camaraderie where characters are forced together by circumstance but genuinely care about survival and each other. If this pulled you in, ensemble-driven narratives with strong interpersonal dynamics are your lane.

The Swashbuckling Adventure: The actual action scenes, the daring escapes, the humor in dangerous situations. If this kept you on the edge of your seat, you want shows that prioritize momentum and sequence design.

The Historical Setting: The medieval world itself, with its constraints, details, and the visceral reality of that era. If this anchored your interest, you're probably drawn to period dramas where setting isn't just backdrop but character.

The Romance and Emotional Arcs: Robin and the Major, Djaq and Will, the unresolved longing and intimate moments between episodes of chaos. If this was your draw, character-driven narratives with genuine emotional stakes matter most.

Most of us care about multiple elements simultaneously. That's normal. The shows recommended below are tagged with which elements they emphasize, so you can stack your preferences and find your next favorite series.

Carnival Row excels in production design and worldbuilding, with strong political themes and character development. Estimated data based on thematic analysis.

Galavant: The Most Direct Substitute

If you need something to fill the void immediately and you don't want to think too hard about it, Galavant is your answer.

This ABC series (now streaming on various platforms) takes the formula that made Robin Hood work and transplants it into a fantasy setting. You've got an unjustly accused hero gathering a misfit band of companions while outwitting a powerful villain through a combination of wit, luck, and genuine strategic thinking. The tone matches perfectly—serious stakes mixed with comedic relief, genuine action balanced against moments of pure absurdity.

Galavant's protagonist is a disgraced knight searching for redemption after being framed and banished. His found family includes a princess with sword skills, a jester with surprising depths, and various allies picked up along the quest. Sound familiar? The ensemble dynamics mirror Robin Hood's structure almost exactly, but with slightly tighter pacing and sharper dialogue.

The production values are bright and energetic. The action sequences feel kinetic and fun rather than oppressively serious. The romantic tension simmers throughout without overwhelming the main narrative. And critically, the show respects your intelligence while never losing its sense of humor about itself.

Where Galavant distinguishes itself: It's willing to lean into absurdity in ways Robin Hood sometimes resists. A musical episode doesn't feel out of place here. A comedic bit about logistics can exist alongside genuine character vulnerability. This tonal flexibility actually strengthens the show because it trusts that audiences can hold multiple emotional registers simultaneously.

The two seasons (fourteen episodes total) move at a faster clip than Robin Hood's longer runs. Episodes are more self-contained, allowing you to consume the show more quickly if you choose. This can be a feature or a bug depending on your preference, but it means less time investment to find out if you're hooked.

Best For: Viewers who loved Robin Hood's ensemble dynamics, humor, and adventure in equal measure. If you want that specific alchemy of swashbuckling with heart, this should be your first stop.

The Crown: Political Intrigue Elevated

Shift your lens entirely if what captivated you most about Robin Hood was the political gamesmanship.

The Crown approaches power, duty, and governance with surgical precision. Where Robin Hood had the Sheriff and the King as somewhat archetypal villains, The Crown presents world leaders as fully realized humans navigating impossible situations with imperfect information. Every decision has consequences that ripple across episodes, seasons, and years.

Netflix's flagship drama spans decades of British royal history, examining how personal desire collides with public obligation. Queen Elizabeth II must balance her role as monarch with her identity as wife and mother. Prime Ministers come and go, each bringing their own agendas and limitations. International political events force decisions that have human costs no one anticipated.

The production values are cinematic. Each episode feels like a contained film, with cinematography that emphasizes the physical and emotional distance between characters. The dialogue crackles with subtext—what's said matters far less than what's intentionally left unsaid. Scenes of political negotiation have the tension of action sequences, but played entirely through conversation, glances, and strategic silence.

Cast members across four seasons bring consistent excellence. By the time you're midway through, you're not just watching a show—you're witnessing the weight of history compressed into human moments. A scene where two power brokers discuss war over tea somehow becomes more intense than any battle sequence.

The Crown doesn't have the adventure or humor of Robin Hood. It's not trying to. What it does offer is sophisticated storytelling that treats its audience like adults capable of understanding nuance, ambiguity, and moral complexity. Characters you initially dislike become sympathetic. Characters you trust betray your expectations. History doesn't provide neat resolutions, and the show respects that truth.

If you're coming from Robin Hood with an appetite for political maneuvering, moral ambiguity, and the mechanics of power, The Crown will satisfy that completely different but deeply engaging hunger.

Best For: Viewers who were hooked by the tension between Robin's ideals and the practical constraints of survival, or who found the Sheriff's scheming and the King's authority fascinating. This is sophisticated television that demands and rewards your attention.

Estimated ratings show how different series align with key selection factors, helping viewers choose based on personal preferences.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Found Family and Wit

Let's talk about the ensemble magic that makes Robin Hood work.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel rebuilds that sense of misfits forced together by circumstance who gradually become a real family. Your protagonist (Midge Maisel) isn't an outlaw—she's a 1950s housewife discovering a talent for stand-up comedy. But the structure of the narrative follows the Robin Hood template almost exactly: an outsider gathering allies, navigating a world that doesn't want her success, supported by a core group of people who matter more than any mission.

The dialogue in Mrs. Maisel moves at approximately a million miles per hour. Characters interrupt each other constantly, finish each other's sentences, and engage in rapid-fire banter that feels like watching tennis between people who genuinely love and understand each other. If you appreciated the witty back-and-forth between Robin and his companions, this will feel like coming home.

The period setting (1950s New York) provides the same kind of historical grounding Robin Hood's medieval world offers, but instead of castles and forests, you're navigating nightclubs, television studios, and social expectations that constrain women in specific, detailed ways. The costume design and production aesthetics are gorgeous without being distracting—they support the storytelling rather than overwhelming it.

Midge's relationship with her father, her husband, her best friend, and eventually her found family all follow arcs that deepen across seasons. Characters surprise you. Loyalties shift. People you expected to be obstacles become allies, and allies become complicated. This mirrors Robin Hood's character development perfectly.

The show does something subtle but crucial: it never forgets that personal stakes matter as much as plot stakes. Midge's comedy career progression should feel exciting, and it does—but the real tension often comes from how her ambitions affect her relationships. Robin Hood does this same balancing act, and Mrs. Maisel executes it brilliantly.

Five seasons provide enough content to really sink your teeth in without the commitment of a ten-season commitment. You can move through the story at a sustainable pace while staying engaged.

Best For: Viewers who loved the banter, the ensemble dynamics, and the found-family feeling of Robin Hood. If watching characters care deeply about each other while also driving you crazy is your comfort zone, this show is made for you.

Vikings: Gritty Historical Drama with Depth

Sometimes what you want is the raw, visceral feeling of a historical world rendered without softening.

Vikings doesn't shy away from the brutality of its setting. It's not gratuitous—the violence serves the story—but it's unflinching in ways Robin Hood often softens for broadcast sensibilities. The show presents a world where survival is uncertain, loyalty is earned through action, and consequences are real and permanent.

The protagonist (Ragnar Lothbrok) starts as a farmer questioning his society's limitations and gradually becomes something else entirely. Like Robin Hood, he's driven by a need to challenge the established order, but Vikings explores what happens when that impulse corrupts or complicates. The show doesn't present him as purely heroic. He's a flawed person whose ambitions cost other people in ways he doesn't always recognize.

The ensemble cast creates genuine ensemble dynamics. Your companions matter, and losing them affects everyone, not just the protagonist. Vikings kills characters you care about, and the show doesn't apologize for that choice. It makes you feel the weight of their absence in subsequent seasons.

The production design is exceptional. The sets feel lived-in rather than built. Costumes show wear and dirt and reality. The cinematography emphasizes landscape and weather as almost-characters themselves. When you watch Vikings, you're not just following a plot—you're inhabiting a world that has its own rules and logic.

The show spans six seasons with significant tonal shifts across them. Early seasons emphasize raiding, exploration, and the clash between Viking culture and Christian Europe. Later seasons deepen into family drama, political scheming, and the consequences of Ragnar's choices echoing across generations. This arc structure means the show evolves significantly—you're not watching the same story repeated with slight variations.

Vikings demands more emotional investment than Robin Hood requires. Characters suffer. Plans fail. Victories come at costs. If you're looking for something that will challenge you emotionally while keeping you engaged, this delivers.

Best For: Viewers who appreciate historical grounding, character complexity, and aren't looking for a show that always lets the heroes win cleanly. This is television that respects the fact that real consequences exist and that stories matter because people can lose things they care about.

This chart compares the focus on action, romance, and political intrigue across shows similar to Robin Hood. 'Outlander' leads in romance, while 'Vikings' and 'Arrow' are action-heavy.

The Legend of Vox Machina: Fantasy Adventure with Soul

If the fantasy element appeals to you but you want something slightly removed from historical settings, The Legend of Vox Machina offers animated fantasy adventure without the compromises required by live-action budgeting.

This Amazon series (based on the Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role) follows a found family of misfits and adventurers. The narrative structure mirrors ensemble fantasy storytelling, where character relationships matter as much as the external plot. The ensemble includes a ranger with emotional depth, a bard with hidden motivations, a brutish fighter learning vulnerability, and several others, each fully realized.

What distinguishes Vox Machina: Animation allows creators to execute action sequences that would strain live-action budgets. The fight choreography is creative and fun. Magic actually feels magical rather than represented by camera tricks and lighting choices. The visual medium lets storytellers show character and emotion through animation choices—a raised eyebrow or hand gesture communicates volumes.

The humor is genuinely funny without undercutting dramatic moments. The show trusts its audience to sit with complex emotions. A scene can be hilarious and then immediately pivot to genuine stakes and character vulnerability, and the tonal shift doesn't feel jarring.

The plot involves battling various threats while developing a larger mythology about the world itself. But the heart of the show remains character relationships and how people grow and change through adversity and loyalty. Watching these characters care about each other, fight, forgive, and continue forward together drives engagement.

Two seasons currently exist with more confirmed, so you're not making an open-ended commitment to an ongoing story that might not resolve. The pacing moves quickly—episodes are tighter than live-action television requires.

Best For: Viewers who want fantasy adventure with genuine character development, humor that lands, and action sequences that actually showcase what the medium can do. If you're comfortable with animation as a format and want something that feels different from live-action television while hitting similar emotional notes, this is exceptional.

Outlander: Romance, History, and Emotional Depth

For those of you who were emotionally invested in the romantic elements of Robin Hood, Outlander provides something Robin Hood can only suggest.

Outlander is primarily a romance—specifically, an epic romance spanning historical periods and continents. The central relationship between Claire (a World War II nurse who time-travels to 18th-century Scotland) and Jamie (a Scottish Highlander) forms the emotional core of everything. But calling it just a romance undersells the complexity.

The show uses the romance as a lens to explore historical conflict, political intrigue, personal ethics, and the question of whether love can survive impossible circumstances. Claire's dislocation from her original time period mirrors the feeling of being an outsider that Robin Hood experiences, though in different contexts. She doesn't belong in 18th-century Scotland any more than Robin belongs in the civilization that's exiled him.

The production values are sumptuous. The cinematography emphasizes landscape and architecture, making Scotland and other historical settings feel like real places rather than sets. Costume design is meticulous and specific to period and social class. The attention to historical detail grounds the fantastical element of time travel in concrete reality.

The writing balances action, politics, romance, and character development across multiple seasons. Episodes build cumulatively, and long-game plot threads pay off significantly. The show respects that audiences can hold multiple emotional investments simultaneously—you care about the central romance, but also about secondary characters, political factions, and the broader question of whether history can be changed.

Outlander doesn't shy away from depicting trauma. Characters suffer. Violence has weight and consequence. The show doesn't use hardship as plot decoration—it explores how people survive trauma and continue forward. This gives the romantic elements serious grounding; when Claire and Jamie are together, you feel the relief and joy because you understand what they've endured to get there.

Six seasons currently exist with more being developed, giving you substantial viewing ahead. The pacing is slower and more deliberate than Robin Hood's plot-driven structure, which means the show rewards patient investment.

Best For: Viewers who found the romantic elements of Robin Hood compelling and who want a show that treats that emotional investment with seriousness and depth. If you're drawn to historical settings, complex characters, and stories about how people maintain connection across impossible circumstances, this delivers.

The Crown excels in political intrigue and cinematography, offering a sophisticated portrayal of British royal history. (Estimated data)

Poldark: Period Drama with Political Complexity

Poldark offers a different flavor of period drama—British rather than medieval or Celtic, set in post-American Revolution Cornwall rather than Sherwood Forest or Scottish Highlands.

Ross Poldark returns home from the American Revolution to find his world transformed. Economic hardship, political upheaval, and personal betrayals greet him. Like Robin Hood, he's an outsider to the establishment who gradually gathers allies and builds something in opposition to the ruling classes. But Poldark's context is more explicitly political—he's not just surviving, he's attempting to navigate revolutionary ideas in a world that actively resists them.

The ensemble cast develops across five seasons. Characters gain complexity, loyalties shift, and personal relationships become entangled with political positions. The show demonstrates that people can be both sympathetic and wrong, noble and self-serving, depending on which perspective you view them from.

The production design emphasizes the reality of the period. It's not fantastical—this is a recognizable historical moment. The visual aesthetic communicates class and economics clearly. A scene in a grand house versus a scene in a working cottage immediately tells you about the characters' positions in society.

The romance between Ross and Demelza (a poor woman he takes under his protection) forms a central emotional arc without overwhelming the political and economic plotting. The show is interested in how personal relationships navigate larger historical forces.

What Poldark does exceptionally: It portrays economic hardship without romanticizing poverty. Characters work to survive. Plans fail because resources don't exist. Hope exists, but it's grounded in reality rather than fantasy. This echoes Robin Hood's understanding that survival is genuinely difficult.

Best For: Viewers who want period drama with political edge, strong ensemble dynamics, and an understanding that personal stories exist within larger historical contexts. If you appreciated Robin Hood's navigation of power and class, Poldark explores these themes with sophisticated depth.

Merlin: Magic and Medieval Conspiracy

Merlin takes the fantasy-historical blend and leans into the supernatural elements that Robin Hood largely avoids.

The show follows Merlin, a young man with magical abilities, in Camelot. He must keep his magic secret in a kingdom where it's punishable by death. This constraint—that his greatest power must remain hidden—creates consistent tension. Meanwhile, he's also advising Arthur (initially just a servant, eventually king) and navigating court politics.

The ensemble develops slowly across five seasons. Secondary characters gain dimension. Relationships deepen. The show plays a long game with its plotting, setting up elements that pay off seasons later. Merlin and Arthur's friendship forms the emotional core, but supporting characters become equally important to why you keep watching.

The production values are lower-budget than some alternatives, but the show compensates with smart writing and genuine character moments. Magic is portrayed through visual effects that feel integrated rather than inserted. The medieval setting grounds the fantasy elements.

Merlin's specific appeal: It explores the tension between destiny and choice. Characters are allegedly fated for certain outcomes, but the show asks whether they have agency within that framework. This creates the same moral complexity that makes Robin Hood interesting—characters can't simply choose to be heroes; they must navigate systems that constrain their choices.

The show builds toward a conclusion that reframes much of what you've watched. Later seasons become increasingly emotionally intense as the stakes become clearer and the path forward narrows. If you enjoy shows that deepen significantly as they progress, Merlin rewards long-term investment.

Best For: Viewers who appreciated Robin Hood's willingness to blend historical grounding with fantasy elements, and who enjoy shows that build mythology across multiple seasons with payoffs that recontextualize earlier episodes.

Outlander balances romance with historical conflict, political intrigue, character development, and trauma exploration. Estimated data based on thematic analysis.

Arrow: Modern Adaptation of the Same Archetype

Arrow takes the Robin Hood formula and transplants it to contemporary time—a billionaire becomes a vigilante fighting corruption in his city.

Oliver Queen's journey from entitled rich kid to focused vigilante to leader of a team to politician mirrors Robin Hood's own progression from outlaw to revolutionary to something more complicated. The show understands that character arcs matter as much as plot progression.

The early seasons emphasize the action and the list of targets. But as the show progresses, it becomes increasingly focused on team dynamics, political consequences, and what it actually costs to live a double life while maintaining meaningful relationships. This mirrors Robin Hood's movement from adventure story to character study.

Arrow's ensemble cast becomes the emotional center as seasons progress. Your investment shifts from watching Oliver accomplish missions to watching how his choices affect the people around him. Team members challenge his decisions, fail to support him when he needs them, and grow in unexpected directions. This feels fundamentally like the ensemble dynamics that make Robin Hood work.

The production values are cinematic. Fight choreography is inventive. The city itself becomes a character through consistent cinematography and location choices. The show is visually coherent in ways that support storytelling rather than distract from it.

Arrow spans eight seasons with a complete narrative arc. The show ends rather than limping along until cancellation, which means the finale actually feels intentional. You're not investing in an open-ended story that might never resolve.

Best For: Viewers who want the Robin Hood archetype in a modern context, or who appreciate action-driven television that deepens into character work and political complexity as it progresses. If you want ensemble dynamics alongside genuine action sequences, this delivers.

Carnival Row: Dark Fantasy with Gothic Atmosphere

Carnival Row blends fantasy worldbuilding with noir detective story in a way that feels thematically adjacent to Robin Hood's blend of disparate elements.

The show features a human detective and a fairy creature investigating murders in a world where magic is real but marginalized. The political context—how magical creatures are treated as second-class citizens—provides thematic weight beyond the plot. It's exploring the same tension between power and justice that drives Robin Hood.

The production design is exceptional. The world feels fully realized despite its fantasy elements. Costumes are detailed. Architecture communicates class and culture. Every scene is visually interesting without being distracting.

The romance between the detective and the fairy (star-crossed, as these things often are) provides emotional investment alongside the mystery plotting. The relationship is complicated by the political context, which means their personal connection can't be separated from the larger conflicts they're navigating.

The ensemble cast includes multiple factions with competing interests. Characters aren't purely good or evil—they're acting within systems that constrain their choices. This creates the moral complexity that makes Robin Hood compelling.

Carnival Row is shorter than many alternatives (two seasons), which makes it a more contained investment while still providing sufficient depth to really develop its world and characters.

Best For: Viewers who appreciated the fantasy elements of Robin Hood and want something that uses those elements to explore themes of justice, power, and belonging. If you enjoy dark atmosphere alongside character-driven narratives, this is worth your time.

Penny Dreadful: Ensemble Horror with Emotional Stakes

Penny Dreadful uses the ensemble adventure format and applies it to supernatural horror, creating something that feels tonal different but structurally similar to Robin Hood.

The show assembles a found family of broken people—a psychic, a vampire, a werewolf, a witch, and others—who band together to fight supernatural evil. Like Robin Hood, it's misfits gathered by circumstance who become essential to each other.

The writing is exceptional. Dialogue is literary without being pretentious. Characters express themselves through conversation that reveals personality and history. The show trusts that audiences appreciate eloquence.

The production values are cinematic. Each episode looks like a contained film. The gothic aesthetic supports the horror elements without overwhelming them. The show uses atmosphere to create tension rather than relying on jump scares.

What Penny Dreadful does remarkably: It portrays vulnerability without weakness. Characters are traumatized and broken, but they function despite their damage. They care about each other genuinely. The ensemble relationships form the emotional core more than the external supernatural plot.

The show spans three seasons. The first two seasons form a complete story arc before the third season jumps to a new setting and primarily new cast, so you can stop after Season 2 with a satisfying conclusion if the shift doesn't appeal to you.

Best For: Viewers who want ensemble dynamics with emotional weight, and who appreciate gothic atmosphere and horror elements. If you loved the way Robin Hood balances action, character work, and wit, Penny Dreadful applies that same balance to supernatural storytelling.

Fleabag: Ensemble Comedy with Hidden Depths

Fleabag seems like an odd inclusion in a Robin Hood recommendation list until you recognize the structure: a charismatic protagonist narrates her journey while building and maintaining complicated relationships with an ensemble of flawed, complex people.

The show is significantly shorter (six episodes per season, two seasons total), which means you can experience it all in a single evening if you choose. But don't let the brevity fool you—the show accomplishes remarkable character work and emotional depth in relatively little time.

Fleabag's narrator speaks directly to the camera, creating a sense of complicity with the audience. She's not strictly likable, but she's compelling. Her relationships with her family members, her best friend, and various romantic interests form the narrative core. She's trying to survive in a world that doesn't quite understand her, supported by people who love her despite (or because of) her dysfunction.

The humor is sharp and genuinely funny, but the show understands when to pivot to serious emotional moments. A scene can be comedy and then immediately become devastating, and the tonal shift feels natural rather than whiplash-inducing.

The writing is exceptional. Dialogue feels natural despite being clearly crafted. Character relationships evolve through small moments and conversations rather than dramatic confrontations. The show trusts audiences to understand subtext.

Fleabag is entirely different from Robin Hood in setting and tone, but structurally it's exploring similar territory: how people survive, how they build connection despite flaws, and how they navigate systems and relationships that constrain them.

Best For: Viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives and smart humor, even if the setting and tone are radically different from Robin Hood. This is for people who value strong writing and meaningful ensemble relationships above all else.

Selecting Your Next Show: A Decision Framework

You've read through options. Multiple shows appeal to you. How do you actually choose what to start tonight?

Consider these specific questions:

Time Investment: Do you want a shorter series you can complete quickly, or are you ready for a long-term commitment? Fleabag (12 episodes total) requires far less time than Vikings (six seasons). Galavant (14 episodes) sits between them. If you're burned out from consuming Robin Hood, shorter series might appeal. If you want something you can sink into for weeks or months, longer commitments offer more value.

Tonal Preference: How much darkness can you stomach right now? The Crown is sophisticated but occasionally bleak. Vikings embraces brutality. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is clever and upbeat. Galavant is fun. Outlander includes trauma. Penny Dreadful is horror. If you're emotionally depleted, something lighter might serve you better than something heavy.

Ensemble Versus Protagonist-Focused: Do you want a show where the ensemble is equally important to the narrative, or are you comfortable with a more protagonist-centric story? Arrow, Poldark, and Outlander center more on their main character's journey. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Penny Dreadful, and The Legend of Vox Machina more equally distribute narrative weight. If you want that specific Robin Hood feeling of multiple characters mattering equally, look for ensemble-centric shows.

Setting Preference: Some people specifically want historical grounding. Others prefer fantasy. Some want contemporary settings. Your setting preference might matter more than you initially realized. Jot down which settings appeal and which don't.

Genre Comfort: Can you invest in romance-heavy storytelling (Outlander), horror (Penny Dreadful), pure comedy (Fleabag), or do you want something that blends multiple genres? The best shows operate in multiple genres simultaneously, but if one dominates, it should align with what you're seeking.

Platform Availability: Where does each show stream? Is it available in your region? Can you access it with your current subscriptions, or would you need to add a service? Availability might be the ultimate deciding factor regardless of other preferences.

The Practical Streaming Strategy

Let's acknowledge the reality: you probably have multiple streaming subscriptions already, and you might not remember which shows are on which platforms.

Before starting a show, verify it's available in your region on services you can access. Streaming rights vary by geography and change regularly. The show that's available today might not be available next month. Building this verification into your selection process prevents the frustration of starting something only to discover it's not available where you are.

Create a shortlist of 3-4 shows that appeal to you based on the criteria you've identified. Start with whichever one feels most appealing in this moment. If after three episodes you're not hooked, move to your second choice. This approach prevents the paralysis of choice that keeps people scrolling for an hour instead of actually watching something.

Consider your viewing pattern. If you're someone who binge-watches entire seasons in a weekend, longer shows like Vikings or Outlander might frustrate you (all the content exists, but you want to pace yourself). If you watch one or two episodes per week, the slower pacing suits you fine. Match show length and density to your actual viewing habits rather than your idealized version of your habits.

Use smartphone apps or notes to track which shows you're interested in. Brain space is valuable—don't waste it trying to remember recommendations. Write them down. Then when you're ready to start something new, you have a list rather than starting from scratch.

Making Peace with Letting Things End

One challenge with finding your next show: you're simultaneously saying goodbye to Robin Hood.

This is actually healthy. Shows end. Stories conclude. Communities that formed around a series disperse. This is normal and necessary. Trying to find something that perfectly replaces Robin Hood might be missing the point—what you're actually seeking is your next engagement, not a duplicate of what's ending.

The shows recommended here aren't Robin Hood knock-offs. They're shows that explore similar themes, character dynamics, or narrative structures. Some are tonally similar. Others are radically different in setting or genre but operate in adjacent thematic space. This variety is intentional.

Allow yourself to be excited about something new without feeling like it's betraying your affection for Robin Hood. Shows can matter deeply without needing to last forever. The fact that Robin Hood is ending doesn't diminish what you got from watching it.

FAQ

What is the best show to watch immediately after finishing Robin Hood?

Galavant is the most direct structural replacement, offering similar ensemble dynamics, humor, and adventure in a fantasy setting. But "best" depends on your specific preferences—if you loved the political intrigue most, The Crown might matter more. If you were invested in romance, Outlander offers deeper exploration of that element. Start by identifying which aspects of Robin Hood mattered most to you, then select accordingly.

How do I decide between all these options?

Use the decision framework provided: consider time investment, tonal preference, whether you want ensemble-focused or protagonist-centered narratives, setting preferences, genre comfort, and platform availability. Narrow down 3-4 options that tick your boxes, then commit to giving your top choice 3 episodes to hook you. If it doesn't work, move to your second choice.

Are all these shows actually good, or are some of them just similar to Robin Hood?

All of these shows are genuinely well-regarded with solid audience and critical reception. Similarity to Robin Hood is the selection criterion we used, but each show stands on its own merits. The Crown is exceptional television regardless of Robin Hood. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel won multiple awards. These aren't throwaway recommendations—they're legitimately excellent shows that happen to share thematic or structural elements with Robin Hood.

Which shows have the most action sequences?

Vikings, Arrow, The Legend of Vox Machina, and Galavant prioritize action choreography most heavily. If fast-paced sequences matter to you, these are your primary options. The Crown, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Fleabag have minimal action but prioritize other elements instead.

Which shows focus on romance most heavily?

Outlander makes romance its central emotional arc. Poldark and Merlin include significant romantic elements that form parts (but not the totality) of their narratives. The others include romantic subplots but don't center the story around them.

How long does it take to watch each series?

Galavant and Fleabag are shortest (14 and 12 episodes respectively, easily completed in a weekend). Merlin, Arrow, and Poldark require moderate time investment (5-8 seasons). The Crown, Vikings, Outlander, and Penny Dreadful require longer commitments (4-6+ seasons) but that's spread across 40-50+ hours of viewing, not necessarily weeks of daily watching. Calculate based on how many episodes you typically watch weekly.

Are there any series I should avoid if I'm sensitive to specific content?

Vikings includes graphic violence and sexual content. Penny Dreadful includes horror elements and disturbing imagery. Outlander includes depictions of trauma and sexual violence. The Crown and Poldark are relatively contained. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fleabag, and Galavant are lighter overall. Review specific content warnings if you have triggers or sensitivities.

Can I watch these series in any order, or should I watch them in release order?

Most of these shows are standalone and don't require watching in release order. The exception: if you choose to watch The Legend of Vox Machina, you want to watch Season 1 before Season 2. For all others, you can start with any series that appeals to you without missing context or continuity.

Which series will most make me feel like I found "my new favorite show"?

This is genuinely impossible to predict because it depends entirely on you. But based on our experience, shows that create that obsessed fandom feeling tend to have strong ensemble dynamics, character development that surprises you, and tonal range (they can be funny and serious, action-packed and intimate). By that metric, The Crown, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Vikings, and Outlander create that "can't stop thinking about it" energy most reliably.

How do I know if a show is actually worth starting if I'm skeptical?

Give it three episodes. Most shows either establish their appeal quickly or they don't. If you're not interested by episode three, you probably won't be interested later. This isn't a flaw in the show—it just means that particular story isn't landing for you right now. Move to your next option without guilt. Forcing yourself through content you're not enjoying is the opposite of good entertainment.

What if none of these shows appeal to me?

Look for shows with similar characteristics. If you want medieval/historical settings, search for period dramas. If you want ensemble adventure, search for ensemble casts. If you want political intrigue, search for political thrillers. These recommendations are starting points, not exhaustive lists. Your streaming platform's algorithm probably has suggestions too—sometimes the best finds come from exploring recommendations of shows you already loved.

Conclusion: Your Streaming Future Awaits

You finished Robin Hood. Now what?

The answer isn't that you should rush to start something new. Take a day or two. Let the series settle. Notice which moments you find yourself thinking about. That specific memory that keeps resurfacing? That tells you something about what hooked you most.

Then return to this guide. Identify which shows align with what actually mattered to you. Read the descriptions of 3-4 contenders. Choose one. Tonight, start it.

You don't need perfection. You don't need to find the absolute best next show. You need something that engages you, that you're willing to invest time in, that respects your intelligence and your emotional investment. All the shows recommended here qualify.

The streaming landscape is cluttered with mediocre content. Finding genuinely excellent television requires intentionality. You've demonstrated that by watching Robin Hood. You'll demonstrate it again by choosing what comes next deliberately rather than scrolling aimlessly.

Maybe you'll find your new favorite show in this list. Maybe you'll start one of these and discover three episodes in that it's not right for you, and you'll move to your second choice and find magic there instead. Maybe you'll want to revisit Robin Hood before moving forward, and that's okay too.

What matters is that you're choosing consciously. You're not settling for whatever Netflix happens to promote on your homepage. You're making an active decision about how you want to spend your leisure time.

Robin Hood delivered something meaningful. Your next show will deliver something different but equally valuable. It might be sweeter or darker, faster-paced or more deliberate, set in fantasy worlds or grounded in history or contemporary life. But it will offer something worth your time.

Now close this article. Pick your show. Start it tonight.

Your next obsession is waiting.

Key Takeaways

• Galavant offers the most direct structural substitute with similar ensemble dynamics, humor, and adventure.
• Match your next show to specific elements you loved most in Robin Hood: political intrigue, romance, action, or ensemble chemistry.
• Use a three-episode test to determine if a new show genuinely hooks you before committing to entire seasons.
• Platform availability varies by region and changes regularly; verify access before starting a series.
• The best next show isn't about finding a perfect replacement but about deliberately choosing your next meaningful viewing experience.

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