The History Channel, being known for its documentary style programming in years past, is changing its style.  

Last year, they aired the original series "Hatfields & McCoys", which was very successful in terms of ratings and got great reviews.  This year, without even knowing it, The History Channel put out 2 original series that would end up making their channel the highest rated cable channel of the year to date.  

On the same night, Sunday night March 3rd, The History Channel premiered both "The Bible" which is a 10 hour, 5 part epic mini-series covering stories from the bible and "Vikings" which follows the rise of Ragnor Lothbrok, from warrior to eventual king.  

This is what The History channel general manager Nancy Dubic had this to say in regards to the upcoming series, "This is an amazing crossroads for History embarking on our first scripted series. People think they know about the Vikings - we see references to them all the time in our popular culture from TV commercials to football teams - but the reality is so much more fascinating and complex, more vivid, visceral and powerful than popular legend."

"The Bible" ended up premiering #1 on cable tv with almost 14 million viewers the first night and became cable's highest rated program of the year.  "Vikings" came in with close to 10 million viewers on its premiere night as well.  

"The Bible" series is already coming to a close with it's final episode strategically placed on Easter Sunday and entitled, "Passion".  It will cover Jesus crucifixion and resurrection.  

"The Bible" series will already be on sale for DVD by April 2nd as well, so people will not have to wait long to enjoy the series over and over again.  No release date set for "Vikings" on DVD yet, but the season still have at least 4 more episodes left as well.