---
title: "Vikings"
year: 2013
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/vikings-2013"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 44217
imdb_id: "tt2306299"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 6
episodes_count: 89
community_rating: 8.1
vote_count: 7718
content_rating: "TV-MA"
---

# Vikings (2013) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/vikings-2013

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Vikings is a historical drama television series created and written by Michael Hirst. The show is a co-production between Canada and Ireland that originally premiered on the History channel on March 3, 2013. The series follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore and raid distant shores across the ocean. As he rises to become king of the Viking tribes, the narrative charts his exploits as he challenges an unfit leader who lacks vision. Ragnar is described as the greatest hero of his age and a fearless warrior who embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods. Legend holds that he is a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors. The series also depicts the sagas of Ragnar's family and his band of Viking brothers. While primarily broadcast on the History channel, the second half of the sixth season aired on Amazon Prime Video in some countries prior to its History airing. The show concluded in 2020.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Follow the rise of Ragnar Lothbrok, a legendary warrior and farmer who challenges leadership to explore new lands."

### Why Watch
- engaging exploration of Norse culture
- compelling character-driven storytelling

### Caveats & Content Note
- contains scenes of intense violence
- Tone & Suitability: The series depicts a violent world and is intended for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: gritty, historical, dramatic, intense

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix | None | Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix | None | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Netflix | None | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix | None | Amazon Video, Fetch TV |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (9 Episodes)
Vikings is a historical drama television series created and written by Michael Hirst. The series originally premiered on the History Channel on March 3, 2013, and is a co-production between Canada and Ireland. The show introduces the complex and violent world of the Norsemen, focusing on the character of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer. Ragnar is claimed to be a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors, and his mystical nature and devotion to the gods drive his actions. The series tells the sagas of Ragnar's band of Viking brothers and his family as he rises to become a leader. Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods and is a fearless warrior. The show is classified as Action & Adventure, Drama, and War & Politics, and has a TV-MA rating.

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 69
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 19 (28%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 50 (72%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Michael Hirst
- **Networks / Studios**: Prime Video, History

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Katheryn Winnick** as *Lagertha*
- **Gustaf Skarsgård** as *Floki*
- **Alexander Ludwig** as *Bjorn Lothbrok*
- **Georgia Hirst** as *Torvi*
- **Peter Franzén** as *King Harald Finehair*
- **Alex Høgh Andersen** as *Ivar Lothbrok / Ivar the Boneless*
- **Jordan Patrick Smith** as *Ubbe Lothbrok*
- **Clive Standen** as *Rollo*
- **Travis Fimmel** as *Ragnar Lothbrok*
- **Marco Ilsø** as *Hvitserk Lothbrok*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who created the series?
The series was created and written by Michael Hirst.

### Q: When did the show premiere?
The series originally premiered on March 3, 2013.

### Q: What is the premise of the show?
It follows the life and exploits of the Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok and his family.

### Q: Is the series based on history?
The show is a historical drama based on the sagas of Ragnar Lothbrok.

### Q: Where can the series be viewed?
The series is available to stream on platforms including Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Vikings (TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikings_(TV_series))
- [Vikings (TV Series 2013–2020) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2306299/)
- [Watch Vikings | Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/Title/70301870)
- [Watch Vikings Full Episodes, Video & More | HISTORY](https://www.history.com/shows/vikings)
- [Vikings (TV Series) | Vikings Wiki | Fandom](https://vikings.fandom.com/wiki/Vikings_(TV_Series))
- [Vikings (2013-2020) - Where to Watch - Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/tv-shows/vikings/TsZ4Bl6CPZsVVxmwvtRWz1/where-to-watch/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*