Fans of Netflix's The Crown have been urged to tune into an underrated historical drama now available on BBC iPlayer. Marie Antoinette, which first aired in 2022, is a period drama that, like The Crown, explores the lives of significant royal figures.
The series follows the life of Marie Antoinette, France's last queen before the French Revolution, who was thrust into the court of Versailles through an arranged marriage to Louis XVI. Initially tasked with producing an heir, she becomes a contentious figure often linked to the monarchy's downfall. However, the two-season show humanises the infamous queen and highlights the challenges she faced.
Russian actress Emilia Schüle stars as the eponymous queen, alongside Bridgerton's Louis Cunningham as King Louis XVI. They are joined by Jack Archer and Jasmine Blackborow. The series has garnered glowing reviews, with a 60 percent critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 80 percent audience rating.
One viewer wrote: 'This show is incredible... they kept it as an accurate period piece. I much prefer it this way.' Another added: 'This is the best period drama I've come across in a long time. A lot of effort has gone into the hair, makeup and costumes.'
