The 2015 period drama Versailles, which originally aired on BBC Two and garnered a loyal UK audience across three seasons, is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. The series stars Alexander Vlahos and George Blagden in a royal court drama filled with salacious twists and turns.
Set in 1667, the show follows King Louis XIV of France as he takes sole command of his kingdom. The synopsis promises 'a world of power and betrayal, love, lust and declarations of war, where courtiers battle for the King’s favour'. It offers a glimpse into Versailles as a thriving social and political hub, with plotlines that appeal to history buffs, period drama lovers, and the LGBTQ+ community.
The first season earned an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have praised the series, with the Los Angeles Times calling it 'the best show you probably never watched' and the Guardian describing it as a 'trashy, extravagant romp'. Fans have expressed deep affection for the show, with one RT user calling it 'perhaps the best costume drama of all time'.
Despite its popularity among viewers, Versailles remains lesser-known compared to other period dramas from the same era, such as Downton Abbey and Poldark. The show concluded in 2018 but continues to maintain a strong fanbase. Alexander Vlahos, who played Philippe d'Orléans, described his role as 'probably the most physically and emotionally demanding role I’ve ever had'.
Versailles is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.
