The Hollow Crown, a BBC costume drama with an A-list ensemble, is now available on Prime Video and makes for ideal weekend viewing.
Series Overview and Historical Context
The series debuted in 2012 and comprised two seasons, adapting William Shakespeare's historical works, including Richard II; Henry IV, Part 1; Henry IV, Part 2; Henry V, Henry VI, Part 1; Henry VI, Part 2; and Richard III.
It chronicled the turbulent lives and reigns of various monarchs navigating power struggles and political manoeuvring. Its second instalment, subtitled The Wars of the Roses, examined the English civil conflicts spanning 1455 to 1487, witnessing the House of York and the House of Lancaster locked in bitter rivalry for control of the English throne.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
Every episode showcased Britain's finest acting talent, featuring performances from Ben Whishaw, Patrick Stewart, Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, Julie Walters, Sophie Okonedo, and Judi Dench.
The Hollow Crown presently boasts an impressive 98 per cent fresh rating, surpassing period drama favourite Downton Abbey's 92 per cent score, with the Shakespeare adaptation eclipsing Julian Fellowes' ITV phenomenon.
Audience Praise and Accessibility
The series has garnered widespread acclaim online, with one viewer declaring in their five-star Amazon review: "Shakespeare for the 21st Century: a triumph and a masterpiece." They concluded: "Overall: fabulous, brilliant, a feast for the eye, the ear and the mind."
A second viewer stated in their highly-rated review: "Highly Recommended Shakespearean Set - Essential viewing!" A third audience member commented: "Watching this series was my first experience of Shakespere [sic]. I had to concentrate at the beginning because of the old English but soon got used to it & then found it riveting."
On IMDb, additional viewers praised The Hollow Crown for making the Bard's works accessible to modern audiences. One enthusiastic viewer noted in their 10/10 review: "To watch it, performed by actors who really know and understand Shakespeare, and can convey that in their work, is to enter a world of majesty, of subtle innuendo, of humour and of total understanding of the work of the Shakespeare who used his gift to allow 'the common man' to discuss and understand the goings-on and political machinations of his age."
Another admirer enthused: "They have pulled off what many have tried and failed to do: make good cinema out of the plays. The necessary realism is there, without detracting in any way from the source material."
The Hollow Crown is available to rent on Prime Video.
