How to Watch Vikings: Your Ultimate Streaming Guide

Where can I stream all seasons of Vikings?

You can stream all six seasons of Vikings on Hulu in the United States. Hulu acquired the exclusive streaming rights to the entire series, making it the primary destination for watching Vikings from beginning to end.

While Vikings originally aired on the History Channel, it is no longer available for streaming there. Hulu provides subscribers with access to every episode, allowing them to binge-watch the historical drama at their leisure. Keep in mind that availability might vary depending on your geographical location, so confirming with Hulu in your region is recommended.

If you’re outside the US, streaming availability depends on regional licensing agreements. Check streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or local streaming platforms in your country to see if Vikings is available in your area. You can also use a VPN, but be aware that this may violate the terms of service of some streaming providers.

Is Vikings: Valhalla essential viewing before or after Vikings?

It’s best to watch *Vikings* before *Vikings: Valhalla*. While *Valhalla* is a sequel and can be enjoyed independently, it builds upon the historical context and legacy established in the original series. Understanding the characters, events, and Norse culture presented in *Vikings* enriches the viewing experience of *Valhalla* and allows for a deeper appreciation of the continuities and changes across the century that separates the two shows.

*Vikings* lays the groundwork for the Viking Age’s exploration of power struggles, religious conflicts, and expansionist ambitions. It introduces key figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons, shaping the landscape of early Viking society that *Valhalla* later inherits. Knowing the history of characters like Ivar the Boneless, even if they are only mentioned in *Valhalla*, provides a richer understanding of the Viking legacy being discussed and the political climate. The shows do an efficient job of standing alone, but some characters might be quickly mentioned without much introduction, which can be confusing if you haven’t watched the first series. Ultimately, while *Vikings: Valhalla* is set a century after *Vikings*, knowledge of the first series enhances the overall viewing experience. You can appreciate the changes and continuities in Viking culture and politics more fully if you understand the origins presented in the original series. *Valhalla* is a good show on its own, but it’s an even better experience with the background offered by *Vikings*.

What order should I watch Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla?

You should watch *Vikings* first, then *Vikings: Valhalla*. *Vikings: Valhalla* is a sequel series set roughly 100 years after the events of *Vikings*, so understanding the original show provides valuable context and enriches the viewing experience of the follow-up.

While *Vikings: Valhalla* is designed to be accessible to newcomers, the impact of certain historical figures and events mentioned is significantly heightened by prior knowledge from *Vikings*. Seeing the lineage and legacy of characters like Ragnar Lothbrok play out over generations enhances your appreciation for the world and narrative connections between the two series. *Vikings* lays the groundwork for the political landscape, religious tensions, and cultural clashes that *Vikings: Valhalla* then explores in a later era. Ultimately, watching *Vikings* before *Vikings: Valhalla* allows you to fully appreciate the historical context, character relationships, and thematic throughlines that connect the two shows. It provides a more complete and rewarding viewing experience.

Does Vikings have a definitive ending, or is it open-ended?

Vikings has a definitive ending, wrapping up the main storylines of Ragnar Lothbrok’s sons and the conflicts surrounding them. While certain character arcs could be interpreted as having some lingering threads, the overarching narrative reaches a clear conclusion, providing closure on the Viking Age as depicted in the series.

The final season, split into two parts, brings the central conflicts to a head. We see the resolution of the Rus invasion of Scandinavia, the power struggles between the brothers, and the fates of characters like Bjorn Ironside, Ivar the Boneless, and Ubbe. Key historical events, such as the exploration and settlement of new lands, also reach a satisfying point within the show’s narrative. While the ending may not tie up *every* single loose end, it provides a sense of finality regarding the major characters and their journeys. Furthermore, the sequel series, *Vikings: Valhalla*, takes place roughly 100 years after the events of *Vikings*, focusing on a new generation of characters. This transition acknowledges that the original series has concluded its specific story arc while allowing the broader historical setting to continue being explored. The existence of *Valhalla* underscores the intention of *Vikings* having a defined ending rather than leaving the door wide open for direct continuations with the same characters.

Are there any good documentaries about the historical Vikings that complement the show?

Yes, several excellent documentaries delve into the history of the Vikings and provide valuable context to the events and culture depicted in shows like *Vikings*. These documentaries often cover aspects of Viking life that the drama necessarily simplifies or fictionalizes, offering a more nuanced and historically accurate perspective.

Many documentaries focus on specific aspects of Viking society, such as their shipbuilding prowess, seafaring skills, religious beliefs, and trading networks. Productions like *Vikings Unearthed* or episodes from series like *NOVA* or *National Geographic* dedicated to the Vikings offer archaeological evidence and expert interviews that illuminate the daily lives of these Norse people. These programs often explore recent discoveries and challenge pre-conceived notions about the Vikings, revealing the complexity of their culture beyond the stereotypical image of bloodthirsty raiders. Moreover, documentaries frequently examine the sagas and historical accounts that serve as primary sources for our understanding of the Viking age, distinguishing between fact and legend. To deepen your understanding, consider seeking out documentaries specifically addressing topics touched upon in the *Vikings* show, such as the Lindisfarne raid, the Great Heathen Army, or the reign of specific figures mentioned in the series. This targeted approach will allow you to separate the historical core from the dramatized elements, enriching your appreciation for both the historical reality and the creative liberties taken by the show’s creators.

Can I watch Vikings without cable TV?

Yes, you can absolutely watch Vikings without cable TV. The show is widely available through various streaming services and digital purchase options.

The most common way to watch Vikings without cable is through streaming services. Vikings originally aired on the History Channel, and while episodes might be available on their website with a cable login, it’s more convenient to use a streaming platform. Major services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video often carry the show, although availability can vary depending on your region. Be sure to check which platform offers Vikings in your area before subscribing.

Another option is to purchase digital episodes or seasons through platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Vudu. This allows you to own the content and watch it anytime, without needing a subscription. This can be a cost-effective approach if you plan on re-watching the series multiple times.

Are there any deleted scenes or extended cuts of Vikings available?

Yes, there are indeed deleted scenes available for *Vikings*. While extended cuts of full episodes are not generally available, the DVD and Blu-ray releases of each season typically include a collection of deleted scenes that offer further insight into characters and plotlines. These scenes were cut for time or pacing reasons but can enrich the viewing experience for fans.

The availability of these deleted scenes depends on where you purchase or stream the show. Streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Hulu, even if they carry *Vikings*, don’t typically include the deleted scenes. To access these supplementary materials, acquiring the physical media (DVD or Blu-ray) of each season is generally necessary. These boxed sets often contain hours of bonus content, including not only deleted scenes but also behind-the-scenes featurettes, interviews with the cast and crew, and insights into the historical accuracy of the show. Therefore, if you’re a dedicated *Vikings* fan looking to delve deeper into the world and characters, seeking out the DVD or Blu-ray releases is highly recommended. Checking online retailers or local stores that sell physical media is the best way to find these versions and enjoy the added content. Keep an eye on the product descriptions to ensure that the versions you are purchasing explicitly advertise the inclusion of deleted scenes.

So, there you have it! Your longboat is packed, your battle axe is sharpened, and you’re ready to set sail into the world of Vikings. Thanks for joining me on this little journey, and I hope you enjoy every raid, every betrayal, and every epic saga. Happy watching, and come back soon for more TV tips and tricks!