Becoming Elizabeth, an eight-episode historical drama series based on true events from the Tudor era, is streaming free on Channel 4. The show has captivated audiences, with fans comparing it to acclaimed series like Wolf Hall and Game of Thrones, and some declaring it comes out on top.
Plot and Cast
The series brings to life the younger years of Queen Elizabeth I, the only surviving child of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. The orphaned teenager becomes embroiled in court politics as the show charts her tumultuous journey towards the crown.
Becoming Elizabeth's official plot states: “Elizabeth Tudor, an orphaned teenager who becomes embroiled in the political and sexual politics of the English court on her journey to secure the crown.” The show was created and written by renowned British playwright Anya Reiss alongside an all-female writing team including Emily Ballou, Anna Jordan and Suhayla El-Bushra.
The series stars Alicia von Rittberg in the title role, alongside Romola Garai, Bella Ramsey, Jessica Raine, and Tom Cullen. They are joined by Jamie Parker, Oliver Zetterström and John Heffernan in a larger ensemble cast.
Filming and Cancellation
Becoming Elizabeth first premiered on Channel 4 on June 15, 2022. The show was filmed on location in Wales, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Derbyshire between September 2020 and January 2021. In Somerset, filming locations included Wells Cathedral, The Bishops Palace & Gardens, and Barrington Court. Cardiff Castle in Wales, Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, and Broughton Castle in Banbury were also featured, along with the Church of the Holy Cross in Avening and Haddon Hall in Bakewell.
The show was cancelled after just one season due to poor ratings, yet fans are still expressing their dismay online at the show's axing.
Critical and Fan Praise
The series has received glowing praise from critics. One wrote: “Tells the story well, thanks to a script that sees complexity in every action and amazing performances.” Another said: “A solid drama that hooks us with its palatial stories, and aptly written and interpreted characters.” One critic simply called it: “A smartly crafted portrait of royal intrigue.”
An IMDB user review says: “Absolutely love, love, love this show! It is getting so good. The costumes, the acting, and the engaging stories unfolding are spectacular. Keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more.”
One viewer said it was 'better than Wolf Hall': “Riveting historical drama. I feel guilty for not watching this when I first saw it advertised on c4 - I'm reading that low ratings led to a second season being cancelled. I absolutely love it. I think the pace, acting and drama was better than Wolf Hall (although I loved the book, I felt the story didn't come over so well as a TV drama). Such a shame we won't be able to see the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary played out further.”
Another user review, comparing the show to Game of Thrones, reads: “A well written political drama. This show is extremely well written. The dialogues, the setting, the acting, and the gritty realistic atmosphere remind one of the early seasons of Game Of Thrones. I hope that this show is renewed.”
One fan said: “Hits the Mark. I LIKED it. A lot. Production values are high, costuming exquisite, settings richly satisfying, plot and character development engaging. I cant get enough of this stuff-as long as it's good enough. White Queen-pffft. Spanish Queen-gak. Wolf Hall- the standard to live up to. Becoming Elizabeth is in close company.”
Another viewer added: “Wildly underrated. I'm compelled to write this because the prevailing score for this show is totally out of line. I cannot speak to the precise historical accuracy of the show's depictions. But after completing the first season, I feel like 'Becoming Elizabeth' executes on its plot about as well as could possibly be expected. I really enjoyed it way more than I thought I would coming into it.”
Becoming Elizabeth is available to stream free on Channel 4.
