The Tudors (2007–2010)

A dramatic series about the reign and marriages of King Henry VIII.

Creator:

Michael Hirst

Stars:

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, James Frain

Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 43 wins & 65 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Jonathan Rhys Meyers	...	King Henry VIII (38 episodes, 2007-2010)
Henry Cavill	...	Charles Brandon (38 episodes, 2007-2010)
James Frain	...	Thomas Cromwell (24 episodes, 2007-2009)
Anthony Brophy	...	Ambassador Bishop Chapuys (24 episodes, 2007-2010)
Guy Carleton	...	Chamberlain (23 episodes, 2007-2010)
Sarah Bolger	...	Mary Tudor (22 episodes, 2008-2010)
Natalie Dormer	...	Anne Boleyn (21 episodes, 2007-2010)
Max Brown	...	Edward Seymour (21 episodes, 2008-2010)
Nick Dunning	...	Thomas Boleyn (20 episodes, 2007-2008)
Rod Hallett	...	Richard Rich (19 episodes, 2008-2010)
Maria Doyle Kennedy	...	Queen Catherine of Aragon (18 episodes, 2007-2010)
Simon Ward	...	Bishop Gardiner (17 episodes, 2009-2010)

Storyline

This costume drama features England's splendid Renaissance dynasty under King Henry VIII. Beginning in Season 1 when Henry VIII was growing desperate for an heir and growing distant from his first wife, the series moves quickly to the period when Anne Boelyn became his obsession. During this time Cardinal Wolsey rose to become the power behind his throne, ruling ruthlessly and nearly absolutely while Henry (played by Johnathon Rhyes Meyers) for the most part followed the Cardinal's advice, maneuvering through a series of betrayals and plots against him. When Anne Boelyn plays much harder to get than any woman ever has, Henry begins to search for a way out of his marriage to Katherine of Aragon, so that he can make Anne his wife. Needing a divorce, Henry turns to Wolsey, who promises to help him create waves of backlash from the church, as well as the Spanish Habsburg dynasty and its overseas empire. Against this background, gyrate the private lives and political intrigues of several ...

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Plot Keywords:

king | king henry viii | england | intrigue | court | 

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Taglines:

Sex. Intrigue. Excess. Treachery. Power. Obsession. Murder.

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance | War

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [us]

Country:

Ireland Canada USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die Tudors

Filming Locations:

Ardmore Studios, Herbert Road, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Peace Arch Entertainment Group, Showtime Networks, Reveille Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The final TV role of Simon Ward.

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Goofs

In establishing shots introducing scenes in the Vatican St Peter's Basilica is shown complete. The dome of St Peter's was not completed until 1590, over 50 years after the time the series is set and over 20 years after Michaelangelo (who also appears) died. It may be that the producers decided to show the complete basilica in these establishing shots to make it recognizable to the audience.

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Quotes

Thomas Wyatt: [talking to Thomas Tallis of Anne Boleyn] For what it's worth I did fuck her.

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Connections

Version of The Tudors: Civil Unrest (2009)

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Soundtracks

"Lacrymosa"
(Theme)
Performed by Evanescence

User Reviews

Not quite like Rome, but in the spirit of historically set series, a good replacement

With the proposed ending of Rome - I think a lot of viewers will automatically turn to The Tudors as a replacement. I have watched the first episode and find that the acting and set alone can pull a viewer in. It is different than Rome, but the same core passions of humanity are present.

I am deeply saddened that Rome will be ending after such a short run, and I think that were it not, The Tudors would find far more competition. As it is, both shows are proving that there is an audience for historical dramas and I hope such endeavors continue in the future.

The Tudors has a quality cast with attractive actors for both genders to attach to. I cannot make an honest opinion yet on the plots and direction of the series until I see more of it, but the imagery alone is a good start for this series.