‘Masterpiece’ BBC period drama that fans are calling ‘better than documentary’
This highly praised BBC history drama focuses on King Henry VIII’s nearly 40-year reign.
The Tudors first aired in 2007 with Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Image: BBC)
BBC viewers have shared their thoughts about the historical drama The Tudors, which first aired in 2007. Set primarily in 16th-century England, the series explores King Henry VIII’s reign throughout its four seasons as well as his famous love life. The series kicks off with his widely documented dispute with the Roman Catholic Church over an annulment before getting married six times in a passionate desire for a male heir. The Tudors features a star-studded cast, led by Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the late monarch Henry VIII. The line-up also includes the likes of Henry Cavill, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Natalie Dormer.
Although the series aired as a BBC production, it also became a huge hit in the US after it aired on Showtime. While it was filmed in Ireland, The Tudors became a collaboration among American, British, and Canadian producers. Many took to social media to share their interest in the period drama and urged other history fans to tune into the drama, as one raved: “I think The Tudors is the best television I’ve watched in a long time.” Another added: “I love The Tudors, the acting, storyline and costumes is better than any documentary about King Henry.”
Jonathan Rhys Meyers starred as King Henry VIII (Image: BBC)
A third praised: “I absolutely loved this show! It got me completely fascinated with that time period. I found myself constantly having numerous web pages open, checking up on facts and what happened, and I was often surprised at the things they included.”
“From the screenplay, the costume design, hairstyling, the art direction, to the cinematography, the music, the direction, and the acting, this TV series was crafted, developed and finished to perfection.
“There’s just a few historical TV series out there that you can compare with this one, in the level of quality and professionalism,” said another.
One fan shared: “I love the mixture of the time period with a slight modern twist. This series has it all. If you want ‘Hardline Tudor history’, with NO slight historical inaccuracies and embellishments at ALL…..You should probably turn it to the History Channel, but I highly suspect that it wouldn’t be nearly as interesting a show on the History Channel.”
Henry Cavill starred in The Tudors before becoming a Hollywood sensation (Image: BBC)
As another echoed: “Everything about the series The Tudors is phenomenal, such a masterpiece!
“It’s Amazing to see these historical, real-life characters come to life with a mind-blowing attention to detail in likeness, events, clothes, scenery, bar no expense! The captivating cast of actors put the finishing touch on this EPIC show!”
Following its 2007 premiere in the USA, The Tudors became the highest-rated Showtime series debut in three years after drawing almost 870,000 viewers. It also gained a combined one million views online and via cable affiliates.
The Tudors was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2007. Meyers received two nominations for the Best Actor in a Television Drama Golden Globe, in 2007 and 2008.
It won the 2007 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Costumes for a Series and Outstanding Main Title Theme Music.
SOURCE: EXPRESS