The popularity of historical dramas is on the rise, but not all of these series focus on the actual history of their time period. With shows likeand taking their own path through the subject matter, it's clear that truth isn't the priority. Both leads, Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and Catherine (Elle Fanning), represent real women from history, and the shows touch on their struggles with their respective marriages, but neither show is caught up in accuracy. While is set up with the , takes a different approach of Though these may seem similar, they are slightly different. The concept of makes one distinct change:

. Meanwhile, takes liberties with anything it chooses, never claiming anything to be strictly true.

Yet both of these approaches set the shows apart from more realistic examples of the genre. Historical dramas often adhere closely to history, like which can occasionally come off as part documentary. Certainly, it interprets pieces and adds conversations that were never recorded, but the major plot points are stolen from a history book. The freedom and gain from their loose approach to history allows for increased diversity and unpredictability. Additionally, not dealing with real events lest these shows take a lighter and more humorous tone.

These not-quite-historical dramas prove that the genre doesn't always need accuracy to be good.

'Queen Charlotte's Alternate History Adds Diversity

and its predecessor, actively chose not to follow the traditional look of English high society, adding people of all races into the ranks of the ton. While the , it's certain that however Charlotte may have looked, the larger society never integrated as a result. Yet these series cleverly use the alternate history idea to add diversity to their cast.

This not only sets apart but, especially with adds urgency to many of the characters' plots that otherwise wouldn't exist. It's a simple change, yet it has several lasting benefits.

takes advantage of historical freedom in other ways as well. deals little with historic events or people, with Charlotte and the occasional appearance from her husband being the major exceptions. Instead, the show focuses on the marriages and gossip of the characters' personal lives. However, with a royal lead, ventures into more historical waters. There is an element of truth in George and Charlotte's story — King George (

Corey Mylchreest) , and the couple really did have fifteen children, but there is also no evidence that Charlotte ever actually tried to scale a garden wall in order to escape her wedding. Yet the fact that history isn't a constant focus of the show allows it to be lighter. It's not dealing with the lives of real people but a fictionalized version of them. Not everything must be taken so seriously when it's not portrayed as a literal representation of history. While many things are realistic, the show isn't tied too closely to the historic figures and change things around when need be.

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'The Great' Takes a More Absurd Approach to the Story

With the note that the story is only occasionally true, takes a general concept from Catherine the Great's life and tells its own story. Though names are largely the same, the story as a whole is wildly inaccurate, to the point that calling it historical in any sense of the word seems wrong. This allows for plenty of unpredictability, with characters living longer and from their historic counterparts. The unforeseeable twists add to the story, though they often remove it further from its historic roots.

But, as the show doesn't claim to be accurate, the deviation doesn't particularly matter.

The non-realistic approach allows to make jokes, include , and ultimately be a satirical representation of history. If the show were accurate, it could not have Peter (Nicholas Hoult) be as he is, nor could it include the ridiculousness on which the show relies. The show's irreverent tone is a direct result of its lack of accuracy. takes whatever plot points it wants from history but is quick to disregard the rest, and it's for the best. The show doesn't aim to be taken seriously, which is evident in the slightest clip.

exaggerates characters to draw attention to the misguided norms throughout history. Whether it's the comparison of Catherine's strategic battle planning, Peter's ineptitude at waging war, or the literal child trying to duel the man sleeping with his wife, the show's ridiculousness has a purpose, yet adds humor as well. It may not be accurate, but takes the general description of Catherine the Great's life and turns it into an engaging series that isn't quite like anything that came before.

'The Great' and 'Queen Charlotte' Don't Need to be Accurate

While these shows are based on historic figures, . Unlike many other historical dramas, which focus on minute details to give a realistic representation of the past, and actively change things to make their stories unique. This has the potential to cause problems by confusing the public about what happened in real life, yet neither show hides the fact that their basis is loose. In fact, these shows may not portray reality, but they have enough truth that many fans choose to research the history on their own. So people still learn history, just not from these shows directly.

The alternative histories of

and make for less serious shows with unpredictable stories and diverse casts that wouldn't happen with rigid historic accuracy. These series never claim to be realistic and use that fact to their benefit. Clearly, there is a market for this sort of approach. and may not be good sources of history, but they are entertaining, which is the ultimate goal of TV.

is available to stream on Hulu, while is available to stream on Netflix.