Forget the decorum of Downton Abbey. Sky's explosive new limited series, Mary & George, unveils one of history's most audacious and scandalous plots: a mother's ruthless campaign to pimp her own son to a king.
Academy Award-winner Julianne Moore stars as the formidable Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham. Far from a passive noblewoman, Mary is a cunning and fiercely ambitious social climber in Jacobean England. Recognizing that her family's fortunes are stagnating, she concocts a brazen plan.
Her weapon? Her own son, George, played by the rising star Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue, The Idea of You). Mary grooms the beautiful and charismatic George, teaching him the art of seduction and political manipulation with one target in sight: King James I.
A Dangerous Game of Power and Seduction
The seven-part drama, based on the non-fiction book The King's Assassin by Benjamin Woolley, charts their incredible and dangerous rise. George successfully captures the King's favour, becoming his most powerful and influential lover.
But this was about more than just romance; it was a calculated grab for ultimate power. From the sidelines, Mary pulled the strings, guiding her son to help the Villiers family ascend to the highest echelons of the British court, making enemies at every turn.
A Stellar Cast Brings History To Life
Joining Moore and Galitzine is an incredible ensemble cast. Tony Curran (The Outlaw King) takes on the role of the volatile King James I, while Nicola Walker (Unforgotten), Niamh Algar (The Wonder), and Trine Dyrholm (The Legacy) round out the formidable supporting players.
The series is a masterclass in tension, blending opulent period detail with the cut-throat intrigue of a psychological thriller. It’s a story that proves truth is often far stranger—and more shocking—than fiction.
Mary & George is coming to Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW in 2024. Prepare for a period drama that is as intense, provocative, and unforgettable as the real-life story that inspired it.
