An 'outstanding' period drama that has been described as perfect for Game of Thrones fans is now available to watch for free. The series, titled Becoming Elizabeth, first aired in 2022 but was controversially cancelled after just one season, leaving many viewers devastated.
Plot and Cast
The eight-episode series follows Elizabeth Tudor, the only surviving child of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, who would later become Queen Elizabeth I. The story begins with Alicia von Rittburg portraying Elizabeth as an orphaned teenager who becomes entangled in the dangerous politics of the Tudor court. The narrative covers almost the entire reign of her younger half-brother, Edward VI, as Elizabeth prepares to ascend the throne. The cast includes notable actors such as Emma star Romola Garai, Call the Midwife's Jessica Raine, Downton Abbey's Tom Cullen, and Bella Ramsey from The Last of Us.
Critical Reception
Viewers have hailed the series as 'gripping' and 'fantastic', with many drawing comparisons to the early seasons of Game of Thrones. One fan remarked, '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.' Another called it an 'outstanding start', while others described it as 'wildly underrated' and a 'riveting historical drama'. Several fans begged for a second season, with one declaring it the 'best series I've seen since Poldark'.
Cancellation and Future Projects
Despite the fan acclaim, Becoming Elizabeth was axed after its first season. According to Deadline, the period drama failed to capture audiences 'meaningfully', with its most-watched episode attracting only 158,000 total viewers. Showrunner Anya Reiss had previously hinted at plans for a second season, stating, 'We have a plan. Edward's not even dead, so we have a lot of story, a lot of room.' She expressed devastation at losing some characters but was excited about new narrative possibilities. Reiss is now working on a new legal drama for the BBC titled Reputation, which follows a formidable lawyer defending a global pop star in a high-stakes libel battle.
How to Watch
Becoming Elizabeth is available to stream for free on Channel 4. The synopsis teases: 'Gripping historical drama. A teenage Elizabeth Tudor is thrust into a dangerous world of ambition, intrigue and sex when Henry VIII's death ignites a cutthroat fight for England's crown.'
