What to Watch After ‘The Tudors’: Exploring the Rich History of England

If you’re a fan of the hit Showtime series “The Tudors,” you’ve likely been captivated by the rich history, drama, and intrigue that defined the Tudor dynasty. The series covers the reign of King Henry VIII and his six wives, offering a compelling portrayal of the political and personal lives of the Tudor family. Now that the series has come to an end, you might be wondering what to watch next. fear not, as there are plenty of great shows and movies that explore the history of England during the Tudor era and beyond. Here are some recommendations for what to watch after “The Tudors.”

1. “Wolf Hall”

“Wolf Hall” is a British historical drama series that aired on BBC Two in 2015. Based on the award-winning novels by Hilary Mantel, the show follows the rise of Thomas Cromwell, a low-born lawyer who becomes one of the most powerful figures in King Henry VIII’s court. The series offers a fresh perspective on the Tudor dynasty, focusing on the political intrigue and power struggles that defined the era. “Wolf Hall” is a must-watch for fans of “The Tudors” who want to delve deeper into the political landscape of 16th-century England.

2. “The White Queen” and “The White Princess”

“The White Queen” and its sequel, “The White Princess,” are two miniseries that aired on Starz in 2013 and 2017, respectively. These shows are based on the best-selling historical novel series by Philippa Gregory, which fictionalizes the lives of the women who fought for the throne of England during the Wars of the Roses. While the Tudors are not the main focus of these series, they are an essential part of the story, and watching these shows will provide valuable context for the events that preceded the Tudor era.

3. “The Six Wives of Henry VIII”

For a more comprehensive look at the wives of Henry VIII, check out the 1970 BBC miniseries “The Six Wives of Henry VIII.” Starring Patrick Swayze as Henry VIII, this series offers a more traditional portrayal of the Tudor king and his wives. While the production values may not be as flashy as modern shows, “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” is still a compelling watch and provides a more in-depth look at the lives of the Tudor queens.

4. “Borgia”

While “The Tudors” focuses on the English monarchy, the Spanish Borgia family was equally as powerful and influential during the same period. The Showtime series “Borgia,” which aired from 2011 to 2013, follows the rise of Pope Alexander VI and the corruption and debauchery that defined his papacy. The show provides a fascinating contrast to the Tudor dynasty and offers insight into the political landscape of Europe during the 16th century.

5. “The Other Boleyn Girl”

For a more fictionalized account of the Tudor era, check out the 2008 film “The Other Boleyn Girl.” Starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson as the Boleyn sisters, the movie tells the story of how Anne Boleyn’s ambition and beauty helped her capture the attention of King Henry VIII and eventually become his second wife. While the film takes some liberties with historical accuracy, it’s a compelling watch for those who enjoy the romantic and scandalous aspects of the Tudor era.

6. “The Man in the Iron Mask”

While not directly related to the Tudor dynasty, the 1998 film “The Man in the Iron Mask” is set in France during the 17th century, which is still a fascinating period to explore. The movie is based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas and tells the story of a mysterious prisoner who is kept in an iron mask and is believed to be the twin brother of King Louis XIV. The film offers a great look at the political intrigue and power struggles that defined this era, and it’s a fun watch for history buffs.

In conclusion, there are plenty of great shows and movies to watch after you’ve finished binge-watching “The Tudors.” From the rise of Thomas Cromwell in “Wolf Hall” to the debauchery of the Borgia family in “Borgia,” these shows and movies offer a variety of perspectives on the rich history of England during the Tudor era and beyond. So, get ready to dive back into the world of 16th-century politics, drama, and intrigue.