Period drama enthusiasts seeking a gritty historical series should look no further than the BBC miniseries Gunpowder, currently streaming for free on Channel 4. This three-part show first aired in 2017 and offers a stark portrayal of the infamous Gunpowder Plot led by Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes.
Star-Studded Cast
The series features Kit Harington as Robert Catesby, alongside an ensemble cast including Liv Tyler, Derek Riddell, Peter Mullan, Edward Holcroft, Tom Cullen, Mark Gatiss, and Shaun Dooley. Harington, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Industry, also developed and produced the show.
Audience Acclaim
Viewers have praised Gunpowder on IMDb, with one reviewer calling it a blend of Wolf Hall and Taboo. Another wrote: 'If anyone watched Wolf Hall, they should watch this. The religious fallout from Henry VIII breaking with the Church of Rome led to one of the bloodiest periods in our history.' A third reviewer hailed it as 'British drama at its best,' awarding a 10/10 rating.
Harington's personal connection to the story adds depth: his full name is Christopher Catesby Harington, and Robert Catesby is a distant relative. Reflecting on the series, Harington said: 'The story follows such a fascinating, dark and twisted piece of British history which is very close to being forgotten in the fog of time. It goes far beyond the name Fawkes and examines many fascinating characters and their desperate, tragedy-strewn lives.'
Gunpowder is now streaming on Channel 4 for free.
