‘Astounding’ BBC period drama based on best-selling trilogy of books
The BBC’s acclaimed historical drama based on Hilary Mantel’s best-selling novels has earned a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from real viewers
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It’s an award-winning show
Drawing from a collection of bestselling novels, this programme has mesmerised audiences, who award it a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on genuine viewer reviews.
Hilary Mantel’s fictionalised biography, which chronicles the ascent and downfall of Thomas Cromwell, was brought to the screen in the form of an acclaimed TV series. Spanning six episodes, the debut season took the globe by storm, and enthusiasts continue to uncover its appeal.
Wolf Hall is the television drama in question, adapted from the novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, centring on Thomas Cromwell’s life. It starts with his meteoric rise to influence within the court of Henry VIII and follows his journey through to successfully liberating the monarch from his marriage.
Initially broadcast in 2015, it quickly became evident the programme was proving a triumph with audiences and the broader industry. It secured eight nominations at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards and subsequently claimed Best Miniseries or Television Film at the Golden Globes that very year.
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It is based on the life of Thomas Cromwell
With such acclaim in mind, one audience member posted: “This is one of the best period pieces I’ve ever seen. It masterfully captured the lives of the characters at the time, and I was glued to the screen for every second of it. I definitely recommend it for drama and history fans!”
The narrative was adapted by screenwriter Peter Straughan and helmed by director Peter Kosminsky, but it’s the stellar cast that made an indelible mark on audiences. Claire Foy portrays Anne Boleyn, alongside Damian Lewis as the Tudor monarch and Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell.
A viewer expressed their opinion, saying: “Peter Straughan is one of the best writers ever. A fascinating story that I could rewatch every single day. Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis and Claire Foy are phenomenal in every second of it.”
Other watchers branded the programme quite simply “phenomenal”, while others called it “incredible”. Some highlighted how its more measured tempo gave them space to absorb the narrative as opposed to “shoving the story down our throats as so many modern shows do”.
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There are two binge-worthy seasons
The second series continues from where the first ended, following Anne’s execution, and goes on to depict Cromwell’s ascent before Henry’s subsequent marriages. As historical record reveals, the monarch proceeds with his unions to his third and fourth consorts, Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves, which ultimately results in his demise and tragic execution.
It was confirmed there will be no third instalment of Wolf Hall, as the third and concluding novel was addressed in the second series. And it’s this series that achieved a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the first nearly matching it at 99%.
After watching the second instalment, one viewer wrote: “Absolutely astounding! This show was incredible, and the performances from the cast made me feel like I was witnessing the actual events that were depicted in the show. All period pieces should use this show as a template because it was amazing in every way.
All episodes of the highly acclaimed period drama Wolf Hall are available to stream now for free on BBC iPlayer.