The Hollow Crown

2011 • PBS
4.9
35 reviews
TV-14
Rating
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (4)

1 Richard II
6/30/12
From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare's most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. In Richard II, King Richard (Ben Whishaw of Skyfall), a vain, self-indulgent man who rules with little regard for his people's welfare, is called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. In an act that will spell doom for his reign, he banishes both men, and sets into motion a chain of events that will change British history forever. The work of William Shakespeare is brought to life by a cast that also includes Patrick Stewart (Star Trek), James Purefoy (The Following), and David Morrissey (The Walking Dead). A Focus World presentation.
2 Henry IV - Part I
7/7/12
From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare's most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. In Henry IV, Part 1, King Henry IV (Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons) sees his reign marred by uprisings led by young Harry Hotspur and undercut by the impulsive, irresponsible actions of his son Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston of The Avengers). As the stakes get even higher, both sides converge in the epic battle of Shrewsbury.
3 Henry IV - Part II
7/7/12
From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare's most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. Starring Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons, Henry IV, Part 2 shows the increasingly frail King Henry stave off insurrection following the battle of Shrewsbury and the rise of his son, Prince Hal (Tom Hiddleston of The Avengers), who will ascend to the throne as Henry V. Also starring Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Julie Walters (Harry Potter), and directed by Richard Eyre (Notes on a Scandal). A Focus World Presentation.
4 Henry V
7/21/12
From executive producer Sam Mendes comes The Hollow Crown, stunning adaptations of four of Shakespeare's most treasured plays featuring all-star casts. Prince Hal's (The Avengers' Tom Hiddleston) journey continues in Henry V. Recently crowned King, he has scarcely settled onto the throne when the French ambassador brings a challenge to his rule. Inspired by his courtiers Exeter and York, Henry swears that he will answer the French with all force. The stage is set for all-out war, and the young ruler must overcome incredible odds and self-doubt to win the day. A Focus World presentation.

About this show

Executive Producer Sam Mendes brings together an all-star cast for this epic and definitive adaption of William Shakespeare's most celebrated history plays: Richard II, Henry IV Part I, Henry IV Part II and Henry V. Mounted with unsurpassed scope and scale, The Hollow Crown dramatically re-imagines the tetralogy as a limited series, exploring themes of succession, power, corruption and greed in a singular sweeping production.

Ratings and reviews

4.9
35 reviews
Solo Flyer
February 18, 2021
The Hollow Crown had almost every well known actor/actress from the UK. Well done performances. l loved it.
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Jessica Miles
May 30, 2017
Normally I don't watch plays but these were brilliant!
5 people found this review helpful
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Karen Oi
May 7, 2020
Performances mesmerizing. Details of everyday life in that century true to historical reality. Amazingly well done.
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