Masterpiece period drama is hailed best series since | UK News

All 4 luxurious series of The Tudors are now out there to stream in their entirety on Channel 4. This BBC drama, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, delves into the reign of the notorious King Henry VIII and the romantic escapades that led to his six marriages.

The Tudors offers a riveting exploration of one of historical past’s most scandal-ridden eras, encapsulating all the eagerness, intrigue, and violence of the time. As the show’s introduction proclaims: “You think you know a story but you only know how it ends. To get to the heart of a story you have to go back to the beginning.” For many viewers, the series was a feast for the eyes and completely binge-worthy.

The lavish costumes and intricate units, showcased through breathtaking cinematography, enthralled both audiences and critics.

This opulent period drama begins during King Henry VIII’s early reign when his energy is examined from within and outdoors his kingdom. Set in 1518 in the first series, Henry is nearing 30 and has been ruling for roughly 10 years.

Tensions are rising abroad while the younger king grapples with the stress of not having a official male inheritor.

Henry finds himself entangled in a love affair with Anne Boleyn (performed by Natalie Dormer before her rise to fame in Game of Thrones), who is lady-in-waiting to his first spouse, Catherine of Aragon.

His efforts to annul this union had been rebuffed, finally main to the Church of England’s break from Roman Catholicism. Also that includes prominently in the forged is Henry Cavill, who portrayed the king’s devoted confidant Charles Brandon, the first Duke of Suffolk, across all 4 series.

Peaky Blinders followers will recognise Annabelle Wallis, who joins in the third series as Jane Seymour, Henry’s third spouse. Sam Neill, meanwhile, assumes the half of the highly effective Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

The Tudors coated roughly 4 a long time, depicting all six marriages, and drew to a close in its fourth series with the king’s death.

A common grievance from skilled critics and historical past buffs was that the costume drama veered into melodrama. Creative licence apart, viewers discovered it completely fascinating.

On Reddit‘s Period Drama discussion board, followers contemplated their ideas about the show 14 years on. The basic consensus deemed it a “guilty pleasure” series, though with excellent performances from Rhys Meyers, Dormer, and Cavill.

“Despite the liberties taken, it’s very much a mid 2000s masterpiece,” noticed one consumer. “It aged very well in so many aspects, including stunning aesthetics and incredible acting from fantastic direction. I think The Tudors was really ahead of its time and paved the way for other shows in the fantasy and historical/period genres.”

Critics have likened The Tudors to a vary of other movie and tv productions, from The Sopranos to Ocean’s Eleven.

The New York Post was effusive in its reward, declaring: “Showtime’s glorious, gorgeous ‘The Tudors’ is the best series since ‘The Sopranos.’ Period.”

The New York Times famous: “When the camera follows the young king and his rat pack of randy, rambunctious courtiers, ‘The Tudors’ is a captivating romp, ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ in ruffs and doublets.”

In its inaugural season, Empire labelled The Tudors as a “sexy-historical in the vein of HBO’s Rome”.

As awards season rolled around, The Tudors bagged a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama Series in 2007. Jonathan Rhys Meyers scooped two nominations for Best Actor in a Television Drama in 2007 and 2008.

The show triumphed at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in 2007, successful Outstanding Costumes for a Series and Outstanding Main Title Theme Music.

The Tudors could be streamed on Channel 4.