The Channel 4 period drama Becoming Elizabeth is being praised by viewers and critics for its historical accuracy and gripping storylines, despite being cancelled after its first season.
An Eight-Episode Tudor Drama
The eight-episode series, created and written by British playwright Anya Reiss alongside an all-female writing team including Emily Ballou, Anna Jordan and Suhayla El-Bushra, is rooted in true events from the Tudor era. It charts the formative years of Queen Elizabeth I, the sole surviving child of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, as the orphaned adolescent becomes entangled in court politics and traces her turbulent path towards the throne.
The series first aired on Channel 4 on June 15, 2022, and stars Alicia von Rittberg in the titular role, with Romola Garai as Mary I. The cast also includes Bella Ramsey, Jessica Raine, Tom Cullen, Jamie Parker, Oliver Zetterström and John Heffernan. Filming took place on location in Somerset, Wales, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Derbyshire.
Axed After One Season
Just a few months after its season one broadcast, it was announced that the series had been axed and would not return for a second season. As per Deadline, the period drama failed to entice audiences 'meaningfully', and its most-watched episode only reached 158,000 viewers in total. Despite this, audiences continue to express their disappointment at the cancellation online.
Critical and Viewer Praise
The drama has received glowing praise, with one critic commending its historical accuracy: "Even for an historian’s discerning eye, Becoming Elizabeth is very impressive." Another reviewer said: "If you’re a history nut who loves a good corset and bloody beheading, Becoming Elizabeth is well worth watching."
A user review on IMDB says: "This series is fabulous. This was highly enjoyable. The most refreshing part was the historically accurate (-ish, as much as the budged allowed at times) costumes and interior décor! Unlike The Tudors, this series is trying to be accurate. The lead actresses were great to watch the plot is interesting to see unfold even if you know the story. I hope they make a second season."
One fan said: "Marvellous show! So rich in its sceneries and in the way it is filmed. The locations are stunning and it has some of the most accurate costumes to the time period I have ever seen in a period drama. The script is very well written and the cast is solid. Very interesting choice for the soundtrack as well. It fits perfectly the atmosphere of the show."
Another impressed viewer wrote: "This is a 10 star show. I was blown away by this show. I've seen multiple historians on twitter praise the show for its accuracy, I personally don't care much either way, I adored this grown up, intelligent, stunningly acted and shot take on the past."
One fan of the series said: "Gripping historical drama series. I looked up these characters as the episodes unfolded and was pleasantly surprised that, on the whole, it was near to historical accuracy. I really could not find fault with the actors who held my attention throughout the eight episodes. I was just as involved in this series as I was with Game Of Thrones."
Becoming Elizabeth is available to stream free on Channel 4.
