The BBC's historical drama Wolf Hall, adapted from Hilary Mantel's best-selling novels, has earned a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from genuine viewer reviews. The six-episode first season, which chronicles the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, captivated audiences worldwide and continues to attract new fans.
Acclaimed Adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Trilogy
Wolf Hall is based on the novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, focusing on the life of Thomas Cromwell. It begins with his meteoric rise to influence in the court of Henry VIII and follows his journey to freeing the monarch from his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The series originally aired in 2015 and quickly became a critical and commercial success.
Award-Winning Series with Stellar Cast
The show earned eight nominations at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards and won Best Miniseries or Television Film at the Golden Globes that year. One viewer enthused: "This is one of the best period pieces I've ever seen. It masterfully captured the lives of the characters at the time, and I was glued to the screen for every second of it." The narrative was adapted by screenwriter Peter Straughan and directed by Peter Kosminsky, with a cast including Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn, Damian Lewis as Henry VIII, and Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell.
Viewer Praise for Performances and Pacing
Another fan commented: "Peter Straughan is one of the best writers ever. A fascinating story that I could rewatch every single day. Mark Rylance, Damian Lewis and Claire Foy are phenomenal in every second of it." Some viewers highlighted the show's measured tempo, noting it allows them to absorb the narrative rather than "shoving the story down our throats as so many modern shows do."
Two Seasons Available on BBC iPlayer
The second series picks up after Anne Boleyn's execution and depicts Cromwell's continued ascent before Henry's subsequent marriages to Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves, ultimately leading to Cromwell's downfall and execution. There will be no third season, as the second series covers the concluding novel. The second season achieved a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the first season close behind at 99%. One viewer wrote: "Absolutely astounding! This show was incredible, and the performances from the cast made me feel like I was witnessing the actual events." All episodes of Wolf Hall are available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
