Viewers are calling the Channel 4 period drama Becoming Elizabeth 'wildly underrated' and 'better than Wolf Hall', with some comparing it to Game of Thrones. The eight-episode series, which streams free on Channel 4, has captivated audiences despite being axed after one season due to low ratings.
A Tudor tale of Elizabeth I's youth
The show, created and written by playwright Anya Reiss with an all-female writing team including Emily Ballou, Anna Jordan and Suhayla El-Bushra, dramatises the early life of Queen Elizabeth I, the only surviving child of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. The orphaned teenager becomes embroiled in court politics on her path to the crown.
The official plot reads: "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."
Cast and filming locations
First aired on Channel 4 on June 15, 2022, the series stars Alicia von Rittberg as Elizabeth, with Romola Garai, Bella Ramsey, Jessica Raine, and Tom Cullen among the cast. Filming took place in Wales, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Derbyshire between September 2020 and January 2021, including at Wells Cathedral, Cardiff Castle, and Haddon Hall.
Critical and fan praise
Critics have praised the show, with one writing: "Tells the story well, thanks to a script that sees complexity in every action and amazing performances." Another called it "A smartly crafted portrait of royal intrigue."
An IMDB user review said: "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, comparing it to Wolf Hall, said: "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... Such a shame we won't be able to see the relationship between Elizabeth and Mary played out further."
Another IMDB review compared it to Game of Thrones: "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."
Fans continue to express frustration online at the cancellation. Becoming Elizabeth is streaming on Channel 4 now.
