The historical drama Vikings has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline, intense battles, and compelling characters. Created by Michael Hirst, the show aired from 2013 to 2020, spanning six seasons. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the budget, box office collections, release dates, cast, and future plans for Vikings, along with an easy-to-read table format for quick reference. Read More
Vikings: Budget & Collection Breakdown
Season-wise Budget & Earnings
| Season | Release Date | Episodes | Budget per Episode | Total Budget | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | March 3, 2013 | 9 | $4 million | $36 million | $80 million |
| Season 2 | February 27, 2014 | 10 | $4 million | $40 million | $100 million |
| Season 3 | February 19, 2015 | 10 | $4.5 million | $45 million | $120 million |
| Season 4 | February 18, 2016 | 20 (First and Second Parts) | $5 million | $100 million | $250 million |
| Season 5 | November 29, 2017 | 20 (First and Second Parts) | $5.5 million | $110 million | $300 million |
| Season 6 | December 4, 2019 | 20 (First and Second Parts) | $6 million | $120 million | $350 million |
Note: Earnings include streaming rights, syndication, and international sales.
Total Budget & Profit
- Total Budget (All Seasons): $451 million
- Estimated Total Earnings: $1.2 billion+
- Profit Margin: ~166%
Vikings: Cast & Main Characters
Norse stories were brought to life by the outstanding performers of the play. The primary actors and their roles are listed below:
| Actor | Character | Seasons | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Fimmel | Ragnar Lothbrok | 1-4 | Deceased |
| Katheryn Winnick | Lagertha | 1-6 | Deceased |
| Clive Standen | Rollo | 1-4 | Alive (Spin-off) |
| Gustaf Skarsgård | Floki | 1-6 | Alive (Exiled) |
| Alexander Ludwig | Bjorn Ironside | 2-6 | Deceased |
| Alex Høgh Andersen | Ivar the Boneless | 4-6 | Alive (Spin-off) |
| Jordan Patrick Smith | Ubbe | 4-6 | Alive (Spin-off) |
| Marco Ilsø | Hvitserk | 4-6 | Alive (Spin-off) |
Vikings: Release Dates & Episode Count
| Season | Release Date | Finale Date | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | March 3, 2013 | April 28, 2013 | 9 |
| Season 2 | February 27, 2014 | May 1, 2014 | 10 |
| Season 3 | February 19, 2015 | April 23, 2015 | 10 |
| Season 4 | February 18, 2016 | February 1, 2017 | 20 |
| Season 5 | November 29, 2017 | January 30, 2019 | 20 |
| Season 6 | December 4, 2019 | December 30, 2020 | 20 |
Future Plans for Vikings: Spin-offs & Sequels
Although Vikings concluded in 2020, the franchise continues with spin-offs and new projects:
1. Vikings: Valhalla (Netflix Spin-off)
- Release Date: February 25, 2022 (Season 1)
- Seasons Released: 3 (Final season in 2024)
- Setting: 100 years after the original series
- Main Cast: Sam Corlett (Leif Erikson), Frida Gustavsson (Freydis), Leo Suter (Harald Hardrada)
2. Potential Future Projects
- Rollo Spin-off: Rumors suggest a series focusing on Rollo’s conquests in France.
- Bjorn Ironside Prequel: Exploring his early years.
- Feature Film: Talks of a Vikings movie are ongoing.
Vikings vs. Vikings Valhalla – Public Reviews, Budget, Collection & Full Comparison
The Vikings franchise has been a monumental success, with the original series (2013–2020) and its Netflix sequel, Vikings: Valhalla (2022–2024), both captivating audiences. But how do they compare in terms of public reception, budget, and earnings? This in-depth comparison covers fan reviews, financial details, and key differences between the two series—all presented in an easy-to-read table format.
Vikings vs. Vikings: Valhalla – Public Reviews & Ratings
Audience & Critic Ratings
| Aspect | Vikings (2013–2020) | Vikings: Valhalla (2022–2024) |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb Rating | 8.5/10 (450K+ votes) | 7.1/10 (75K+ votes) |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 93% | 89% |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 89% | 78% |
| Google Users Rating | 92% | 81% |
Fan Feedback Summary
- Vikings (Original) – Praised for Ragnar Lothbrok’s iconic character, deep storytelling, and intense battle scenes. Some fans felt the later seasons declined after major character deaths.
- Vikings: Valhalla – Appreciated for its faster pace and new historical figures (Leif Erikson, Harald Hardrada), but criticized for weaker character development compared to the original.
Budget & Earnings Comparison
Total Budget & Estimated Earnings
| Series | Seasons | Episodes | Budget per Episode | Total Budget | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | 6 | 89 | $4.5M–$6M | $451M | $1.2B+ |
| Vikings: Valhalla | 3 | 24 | $5M–$7M | $150M | $400M+ |
Note: Earnings include streaming rights, syndication, and global sales.
Profit Margin
- Vikings: ~166% profit
- Vikings: Valhalla: ~167% profit (still growing with Netflix viewership)
Key Differences: Vikings vs. Valhalla
| Factor | Vikings (2013–2020) | Vikings: Valhalla (2022–2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Time Period | 8th–9th Century (Viking Age) | 11th Century (End of Viking Era) |
| Main Characters | Ragnar, Lagertha, Bjorn | Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Hardrada |
| Tone & Style | Slow-burn, character-driven | Faster-paced, action-heavy |
| Historical Focus | Norse raids on England & France | Christianization of Scandinavia & Viking decline |
| Streaming Platform | History Channel (later Amazon Prime) | Netflix |
Future of the Franchise
- Vikings: Valhalla Season 3 (2024) – Final season, releasing soon.
- Potential Spin-offs – Rumors of a Rollo-centric series or Bjorn Ironside prequel.
- Feature Film? – Talks of a Vikings movie continue among producers.
Final Verdict: Which One is Better?
- For Hardcore Fans of Deep Storytelling → Vikings (Original)
- For Action & Faster-Paced Drama → Vikings: Valhalla
- Bigger Budget & Legacy → Vikings
- Newer, More Modern Appeal → Valhalla
Conclusion
Vikings remains one of the most successful historical dramas, with a massive budget, impressive earnings, and a dedicated fanbase. The franchise continues to expand with Vikings: Valhalla and potential new projects. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his descendants is far from over!
Would you like to see more spin-offs or a Vikings movie? Let us know in the comments!
