The fact that ‘Shogun’ was going to be one of the best series of 2024 was already something that could be deduced from its impressive trailers. What no one had seen coming is that it would also be one of the best series in history. The first reviews of the production on IMDb (3,000 and counting) are taking it flying to the Olympus of television, where it already rubs shoulders with the crème de la crème of the medium. With an average score of 9.3 on the site (which is still one of the largest databases available) It’s set itself as one of the 10 best-scoring series of all time. In fact, there are only 4 with a better rating and they tie with 4 others of the caliber of ‘Chernobyl’ and ‘The Wire’.

The best series in history according to IMDb

These are the best series in history and its grade according to IMDn itself.

Right now, ‘Shogun’ would enter directly into the ninth position, although its rating is likely to drop as the chapters go by and opinions increase. To see names like ‘Game of Thrones’ you have to go down to 13th place (where you get a 9.2), ‘Sherlock’ is on 21 (9.1), ‘The Office’ on 26 (9), ‘Better Call Saul’ on 29 (another 9), ‘Seinfeld’ is 38 (8.9), ‘True Detective’ at 39 (8.9) and recent hits like ‘Succession’, 51st with an 8.8.

Media like Empire talk about a production “exciting beyond its complicated bureaucracy, with surprising performances and astonishing visual effects” and others like The Hollywood Reporter define it as “big, bold and beautiful, with a balance between machinations and consistent action.”

What is ‘Shogun’ about?

‘Shogun’ is a new samurai series based on the novel of the same name by James Clavell, published in 1975 and previously adapted to television by Jerry London (known for ‘Hogan’s Heroes’). Set in Japan in the 1600s, it tells the story of a British sailor who is captured along with his crew on the coast of Japan.