The White Queen Captivates Audiences on Channel 4
Viewers have become 'utterly obsessed' with a historical period drama currently streaming free on Channel 4, hailed as the 'perfect binge-watch' for fans of The Tudors. The series, originally developed for the BBC, has audiences in a chokehold over how 'highly addictive' it is.
A Masterpiece of Historical Drama
First airing 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 by Philippa Gregory: The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker's Daughter. 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 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.'
'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.'
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
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.' 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.' 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.'
Audience Reactions
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.'
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.' While one fan of the period drama said: 'Probably the best thing on TV to watch and enjoy. From the first 10 minutes of watching my eyes were glued to the TV.'
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!'
Streaming Details
The White Queen is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
