Make Me Watch is a new video series in which TV critic Vicki Hyman tries to maintain an open mind while sitting through guilty pleasure shows suggested by viewers -- TV shows that would not normally appear in her rotation otherwise. If you've got a suggestion, let her know via Twitter (@VickiHy), email (vhyman@njadvancemedia.com) or right here in the comments.

The challenge: "Vikings," which recently wrapped its third season on History but has renewed for a fourth. It's available for streaming on Amazon Instant.

Travis Fimmel stars as legendary Norse raider Ragnar Lothbrok in History's 'Vikings,' which has been renewed for a fourth season.

What's it about: "Bloodshed, mayhem, death!" That's what my 13-year-old son gleaned after watching the first 60 seconds of it. "Vikings" follows -- and imagines -- the 9th century exploits of legendary raider Ragnar Lothbrok, brother Rollo, shieldmaiden Lagertha, and assorted bloodthirsty types.

"It's interesting historical fiction, and the central figure is a semi-historical man who fascinates me," writes Dov Kruger in his recommendation. "He is insatiably curious. Told about Paris, he wants to see it. Of course, being Viking, that means he wants to sack it."

Dread factor: Low. Hey, I watch "Game of Thrones." This looked like nothing but a knock-off, from the political power struggles to the gory battles to the robust sex scenes (although this being basic cable, with far less skin, and this not being "Game of Thrones," with far less incest).

Reedeming value: I was pleasantly surprised to discover that "Vikings," at least the early episodes I watched, were more entertaining than the most recent season of "Game of Thrones" -- superior in pacing, with an equally well-drawn cast of characters, starting with Travis Fimmel's enterprising and devilish Ragnar Lothbrok, Katheryn Winnick's fierce Lagertha, and especially Gustaf Skarsgard as the visionary but mentally off-keel boatbuilder Floki. It's also beautifully shot, even the battle scenes -- who knew the sight of waves washing blood from the sand could be so poetic? One quibble: If "Vikings" wanted to up its game, it should burnish its dialogue a bit more. The creep of modern parlance was distracting.

Likelihood of watching again: High. The first episodes reeled me in, and the show only gets more ambitious, as Ragnar finds new shores to conquer including, as mentioned in the recommendation, the prospect of an invasion of Paris -- true story -- in the third season.

Vicki Hyman may be reached at vhyman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @vickihy. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.