Period drama enthusiasts are being encouraged to binge-watch a gripping series that is now available to stream for free. The White Queen, which originally aired on the BBC in 2013, has been added to Channel 4's lineup, much to the delight of fans who have praised it as 'one of the best' historical dramas ever made.
A Tale of Power and Intrigue
The series, set during the tumultuous 1460s, follows the lives of three women embroiled in the War of the Roses—the bitter conflict between the House of York and the House of Lancaster for control of the English throne. Based on Philippa Gregory's trilogy The Cousins' War, the drama centres on Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson), wife of King Edward IV; Margaret Beaufort (Amanda Hale), mother of King Henry VII; and Anne Neville (Faye Marsay), wife of King Richard III. These women use seduction, manipulation, and ruthless ambition to secure power for themselves and their families.
Channel 4 describes the show as a 'gripping drama set during the turmoil of The War of the Roses,' adding that it features 'seduction, betrayal and murder' as tools in a plot for power. The synopsis reads: 'Riveting historical drama with Rebecca Ferguson. First series in a trilogy following the fascinating lives of England's queens.'
Critical Acclaim and Fan Praise
Upon its original release, The White Queen earned widespread acclaim, receiving nominations for three Golden Globes, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and a People's Choice Award. Fans have been equally enthusiastic, with one viewer declaring: 'I am absolutely obsessed with this show! I love it and cannot get enough!' Another called it 'one of the best TV shows I've ever seen,' while a third remarked: 'I was utterly drawn in by the series from episode 1.'
One fan even compared it to the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones, stating: 'Pretty impressive! I rate this almost as highly as Game of Thrones. A must-watch destined for IMDb 9s.' Another added: 'Probably the best thing on TV to watch and enjoy. From the first 10 minutes of watching my eyes were glued to the TV.'
A Desire for More
Although the series originally aired as a limited run, fans have been clamouring for additional episodes. One viewer pleaded: 'Please keep it going. I gave this series a 10 for excellent—that's exactly how I feel about it. Would love to see what happens next!!!' Another echoed: 'I love this series and sincerely hope for more seasons.'
Behind the Scenes: Rebecca Ferguson's Memorable Moment
In an interview, Rebecca Ferguson, who plays Elizabeth Woodville, recalled her casting experience as 'an absolute rollercoaster.' She also shared a particularly memorable on-set incident: 'In episode one I had a scene with King Edward (Max Irons). I had to grab his dagger from his belt, which was very sharp. The stunt coordinator taught me how to hold the knife, but what we hadn't discussed were the little studs on Max's belt! So in the kerfuffle and me trying to grab the knife correctly, there is blood pouring down my leg caused by the studs—I thought wasn't it his knife I was supposed to be worrying about! And to this day I still have the scar—a lasting memory.'
The White Queen is now available to stream on Channel 4.
