The sixth and final season of Vikings is set to debut next month on History, but the historical drama will continue on Netflix as the streaming service has picked up a sequel series from creator Michael Hirst. Titled Vikings: Valhalla, the series will be an explosive new chapter of the Vikings legend as it takes place "100 years after the original series concludes and dramatizes the adventures of the most famous Vikings who ever lived – Leif Erikson, Freydis, Harald Harada and the Norman King William the Conqueror (also a Viking descendant). These men and women will blaze new paths as they fight for survival in an ever changing and evolving Europe."
Netflix has ordered 24 episodes of Vikings: Valhalla which is slated to be written and executive produced by Jeb Stuart. When it was announced that Vikings would be coming to an end earlier this year, there was talk of a sequel series, but at the time, it was expected that the series would continue on History, but it seems that Netflix quickly took interest in the project and wound up in a bidding war with other major streaming companies. Netflix is also expected to pursue the streaming rights to the original Vikings series. In a statement, Michael Hirst said:
I am beyond excited that we are announcing the continuation of our Vikings saga. I know that the millions of our fans across the globe will be thrilled by the belief being shown in our show by MGM and Netflix. Jeb Stuart, a truly wonderful writer, will bring new story-lines and a powerful visceral vision to stories about some of the most famous Vikings known to history.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Michael, Morgan, Jeb and Netflix on the next chapter in the incredible Vikings universe," said Steve Stark, MGM’s President of Television Production and Development. "Valhalla has been a labor of love for everyone involved and as we look ahead to the continuation of this great saga, we are excited to know that fans the world over will have the opportunity to continue with the series on its new home at Netflix." Channing Dungey, VP of Original Series at Netflix, added, "Vikings: Valhalla promises to be everything that fans love about the franchise: heart-pounding, unstoppable action rooted in rich characters and dramatic storytelling that shines the light on family, loyalty and power. We are thrilled to bring the next iteration of the Vikings saga to life with Michael Hirst, Jeb Stuart, Morgan O’Sullivan and MGM Television."