Vikings: Every Season Ranked Worst To Best

Season 1 is a stellar introduction into the world of the Northmen. The world-building here is on point, as we learn of their beliefs, aspirations, and shortcomings.

Ragnar is a protagonist you immediately route for. In his purest form, he is yet to be corrupted by the taint of power, and his passion and will to explore make him stand out against the stereotypical brutality of the Vikings.

In addition to having an excellent protagonist in the form of Ragnar, there is an equally excellent supporting cast. Ragnar’s relationships with Lagertha, Floki, Rollo, Bjorn and Athelstan developed here all go on to forge the foundation of the show , and the brilliant Gabriel Byrne even has a short run as Earl Haraldson. A harsh but sympathetic villain, he would go on to set the benchmark for future antagonists of the show.

It is these characters and their smaller moments that make the show worth the watch, with each one feeling so flawed and ultimately human. Rollo is an ever-underappreciated character in his run on the show, and his burning desire to outdo his brother leads him to hold a bitter resentment towards him, although he can never bring himself to fully betray him…