The three-part British period drama Anne Boleyn has gripped audiences with its charged storylines, outstanding performances, and memorable characters, earning perfect scores from viewers and high praise from critics.
What Is Anne Boleyn About?
Developed for Channel 5 and first broadcast in June 2021, Anne Boleyn is a psychological thriller set against a historical backdrop, rooted in harrowing real events. Written by Eve Hedderwick and directed by Lynsey Miller, the mini-series features historian Dan Jones as executive producer. It covers the final five months of Anne Boleyn's life — Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 — who was executed for treason in 1536.
The official synopsis states: "The final months of Boleyn's life, her struggle with Tudor England's patriarchal society, her desire to secure a future for her daughter, Elizabeth, and the brutal reality of her failure to provide Henry with a male heir."
Cast and Filming Locations
Jodie Turner-Smith stars in the lead role, joined by Mark Stanley, Paapa Essiedu, Barry Ward, Amanda Burton, Lola Petticrew, Thalissa Teixeira, and Isabella Laughland. Principal photography took place across Yorkshire over six weeks at locations including Castle Howard, Bolton Abbey, Ripley Castle, St Michael's Church in Emley, Bolton Castle, Oakwell Hall, and Harewood House.
Viewer and Critical Reception
The series has garnered widespread acclaim. One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer wrote: "Jodie Turner-Smith is amazing in the title role Anne Boleyn. The entire cast does a great job, it's well directed, and it's very entertaining." An IMDb user gave it 10 stars, saying: "This is a wonderful period piece... I love art house movies and superior attention to detail... Jody Turner Smith is a legend... Pure talent." Another viewer called it "riveting" and praised Turner-Smith's portrayal of Anne as a "politically astute woman."
Critics have been equally impressed. One review noted: "Anne Boleyn and Turner-Smith make the dusty, distant history feel immediate and pertinent once more." However, some were less convinced, with one critic stating: "For the most part, we've been down this road so many times that Miller and her actors struggle to bring much that's fresh to the table." Yet another critic described Turner-Smith as "mesmerising."
Where to Watch
All three episodes of Anne Boleyn are available to stream on Channel 5 or to purchase on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
