The Hollow Crown (2012–2016)

TV ShowEndedBBC TwoDrama, History2 seasons, 7 episodes
The Hollow Crown posterReview score: 80%

Plot

The Hollow Crown brings together four filmed adaptations of Shakespeare's History Plays - Richard II, Henry IV parts 1 and 2, and Henry V. Starting in the year 1399, this continuous story of monarchy follows events during sixteen years of dynastic and political power play. Kings, with their families and followers, are threatened by rebellion and conflict. The story takes us from the Royal Court at Westminster to battlefields in England and France. These rich films are woven with the finest of Shakespeare's poetry and are filmed in the architecture and landscape of the period.

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Highest-rated episodes all ranked

  1. 01The Hollow Crown S01E01Richard IIS01E01 · 9.0The story takes us from the Royal Court at Westminster to battlefields in England and France. These rich films are woven with the finest of Shakespeare's poetry and are filmed in the architecture and landscape of the period.King Richard is called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. Richard calls for a duel but then halts it just before swords clash. Both men are banished from the realm. Richard visits John of Gaunt, Bolingbroke's father, who, in the throes of death, reprimands the king. After seizing Gaunt's money and land, Richard leaves for wars against the rebels in Ireland. Bolingbroke returns to claim back his inheritance. Supported by his allies, Northumberland and the Duke of York, Bolingbroke takes Richard prisoner and lays claim to the throne.

Episodes by season

Season014Episodes2012Aired 9.0Season avg
  1. S01E01The Hollow Crown S01E01Richard IIJune 30, 2012 9.0The story takes us from the Royal Court at Westminster to battlefields in England and France. These rich films are woven with the finest of
  2. S01E02The Hollow Crown S01E02Henry IV Part 1July 7, 2012—The heir to the throne, Prince Hal, defies his father, King Henry, by spending his time at Mistress Quickly's tavern in the company of the d
  3. S01E03The Hollow Crown S01E03Henry IV Part 2July 14, 2012—In the aftermath of the Battle of Shrewsbury, Northumberland learns of the death of his son. The Lord Chief Justice attempts on behalf of th
  4. S01E04The Hollow Crown S01E04Henry VJuly 21, 2012—Henry V has settled onto the throne and has the makings of a fine king when the French ambassador brings a challenge from the Dauphin. Inspi

Season 1 ranked & reviewed

Season023Episodes2016Aired—Season avg
  1. S02E01The Hollow Crown S02E01Henry VI Part 1May 7, 2016—Against the backdrop of wars in France, the English nobility quarrel. News of the English defeat at Orleans reaches the duke of Gloucester a
  2. S02E02The Hollow Crown S02E02Henry VI Part 2May 14, 2016—After the Battle of St Alban's, Plantagenet and the Yorkists ride to London to claim the throne. Henry negotiates to keep the crown for his
  3. S02E03The Hollow Crown S02E03Richard IIIMay 21, 2016—At Westminster, Richard speaks about his deformity, the evil plots he has laid, and the decadence at court.

Season 2 ranked & reviewed

Castfull cast & details

Anton LesserAnton LesserDuke of ExeterRory KinnearRory KinnearHenry Bolingbroke / King Henry IVJeremy IronsJeremy IronsHenry Bolingbroke / King Henry IVSimon Russell BealeSimon Russell BealeFalstaffTom HiddlestonTom HiddlestonPrince Hal / Henry VTom GeorgesonTom GeorgesonBardolphJames LaurensonJames LaurensonWestmorlandJulie WaltersJulie WaltersMistress Quickly

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