The period drama 'The White Queen', hailed as a masterpiece adaptation of Philippa Gregory's best-selling book series, is now streaming for free on Channel 4. Viewers have become 'obsessed' with the series, which originally aired on the BBC in June 2013.
Historical Backdrop and Source Material
The series is set during the War of the Roses in 15th-century England, depicting real events and court politics surrounding the battle for the throne. It adapts three novels from Gregory's Cousins' War series: 'The White Queen' (2009), 'The Red Queen' (2010), and 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' (2012).
The story follows three women: Yorkist Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson), wife of King Edward IV; Lancastrian Margaret Beaufort (Amanda Hale), mother of the future Tudor King Henry VII; and Yorkist Anne Neville (Faye Marsay), wife of the Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised the series. One reviewer described it as 'a love story set in an impossibly chivalrous past, deliciously enjoyable,' while another called it 'part soap opera, part war film, and part melodrama, an intoxicating jaunt through British history.' A third critic noted: 'It's a great tale and beautifully told with beautiful actors... Don't miss it.'
Audience Reactions
Fans have echoed the praise. One IMDB user wrote: 'Fantastic!! The BBC got this series right. It is highly addictive and very watchable. The White Queen has everything an avid audience craves; it is romantic, violent, full of vengefulness, cruelty, and karma.' Another added: 'Excellent period drama! I came across this title by accident and ended up watching the first four episodes! Truly a treat to watch.'
A viewer who read the books commented: 'I've read the three books, and this series is one of the most faithful adaptations I have ever watched.' On Rotten Tomatoes, a review stated: 'I absolutely loved this mini-series. Gorgeous costumes, realistic scenery, intrigue, treachery, lies, unexpected twists, and a torrid love story.'
'The White Queen' is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
