Audiences are ‘utterly obsessed’ with a historical period drama currently streaming free on Channel 4 being hailed as the ‘perfect binge-watch’ for fans of The Tudors.
Viewers are completely hooked to the ‘masterpiece’ historical period drama(Image: BBC/Company Pictures & ALL3MEDIA/Giles Keyte)
Fans of historic period dramas focusing on court politics and real-life events like The Tudors are in for a treat, because one little-known series has viewers in a chokehold over how ‘highly addictive’ it is.
The series was originally developed for the BBC and is currently streaming for free on Channel 4 and audiences are ‘utterly obsessed’.
First hitting airwaves in June 2013 in the UK, The White Queen is a historical drama based on The Cousins’ War book series adapted from three interwoven Tudor novels, The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker’s Daughter written by Philippa Gregory.
The show was developed for television by lead writer and executive producer Emma Frost and is set against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, presenting the riveting stories of the women who were involved in the long and tumultuous conflict for the throne of England.
The series’ official plot states: “War ravages England in 1464 during a blood feud between the House of York and the House of Lancaster over who is the country’s true king. Young Edward IV, heir to the House of York, is crowned king with help from master manipulator Lord Warwick, known as ‘The Kingmaker’, who has a plan to control the throne.
The ‘addictive’ series has been hailed as ‘tremendously entertaining’(Image: BBC/Company Pictures & ALL3MEDIA/Ed Miller)
“But that plan comes crashing down when Edward falls in love with Lancastrian commoner Elizabeth Woodville. A violent struggle for the crown ensues between Woodville, adversary Margaret Beaufort and Anne Neville, a pawn in her father’s power game.”
Starring Rebecca Ferguson in the lead, The Dune actress is joined by Max Irons, Amanda Hale, Faye Marsay, Aneurin Barnard, David Oakes, Janet McTeer, and Caroline Goodall alongside a larger ensemble cast.
The White Queen was a critical darling, having been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards and a People’s Choice Award after its release.
One critic said of the series: “The White Queen is tremendously entertaining.”
While another reviewer added: “Like a Masterpiece Classic on steroids, Starz’s 10-part historical potboiler The White Queen is ripe with juicy intrigue of the royal and romantic variety, ripping bodices with pay-cable aplomb.”
The ‘exceptional’ period drama is based on real events from British history(Image: BBC/Company Pictures & ALL3MEDIA/Ed Miller)
Yet another review says: “It’s the kind of lavish, sexy period piece you’d expect from a 10-part series based on historical novels by Philippa Gregory.”
Audiences have been equally bowled over, with one viewer writing: “The British always do it better! This pretty and complex series is a great way to learn about history. The acting is superb, the costumes are stunning and the storyline is all true!! Each episode is quite intense and engrossing. The actors play their characters with great skill and banter with rich dialogue. We can really feel the variety of emotions as if we were transported back in time.”
An IMDB review of the series added: “The best show. I am absolutely obsessed with this show! I love it and can not get enough! I was in amazement how fantastic it was. Will definitely be watching the entire season again. The entire cast are great actors. I keep telling everyone I know to watch the show. It is definitely my favourite show. It is by far the best show on television right now. It is historic, entertaining, intriguing, and makes me never want to stop watching.”
While one fan of the period drama said: “Probably the best thing on TV to watch and enjoy. I didn’t know about the storyline, the author or any background information about ‘The White Queen’; it was just something I had switched on the TV on an uneventful Sunday night. From the first 10 minutes of watching my eyes were glued to the TV. For those who want to lay back, relax and delve into a romantic drama; I would give my highest recommendation for you to watch this.”
Yet another glowing review wrote: “From beginning to end it had me grabbing my armchair armrest. Of any made for TV short series in my recent memory none gets higher praise then TWQ. It’s the only made for TV ‘anything’ that I cared to watch twice! Rebecca Ferguson as Queen Elizabeth Ist rocked it and I’ve never seen anyone look better on a Royal Throne! She wore her crown with majesty! Jacquetta Of Luxembourg is a rare treat. Wait and see the series.”
The White Queen is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
