The Tudors

The Showtime dramatic series The Tudors fictionalizes the early years of English King Henry VIII's reign, with a particular focus on his relationship with Anne Boleyn. The series was created by Michael Hirst, who also writes all the episodes. Season 3 is scheduled to debut in 2009.

Fast Facts:

1. Network: Showtime
2. First aired: April 1, 2007
3. Second season premiere: March 30, 2008 9pm
4. Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jeremy Northam, Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Nick Dunning
5. Airs on the BBC in Britain and CBC in Canada

Historical Accuracy

The show takes many liberties with actual history for dramatic effect, especially in terms of chronology. Many characters were older during the events depicted than they appear to be in the show, and the timelines for major events (particularly concerning Henry's relationship with the Pope) do not match up at all with the actual history.

Perhaps most obviously, Henry VII's two actual sisters - Mary Tudor and Margaret Tudor - have been combined into a single character on the series, Princess Margaret Tudor, played by Gabrielle Anwar.

Awards

The show won two Emmy Awards in 2007: Outstanding Costume Design and Outstanding Main Title Theme Music. It was also nominated for its casting and art direction. Star Jonathan Rhys Meyers was also up for a 2007 Golden Globe for his performance as Henry, and the show was nominated for Best Dramatic Series.

Categories