

2012–2016 · BBC Two · Ended
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.
Saturday at 21:00 (Europe/London)
This series has ended.
Last aired
S02E03 · Richard III
2016-05-21
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Henry VI Part 1
2016-05-07 · 120 min
Henry VI Part 2
2016-05-14 · 120 min
Richard III
2016-05-21 · 120 min

Tom Georgeson
Bardolph
“A period drama sensation”: The Hollow Crown is Judi Dench’s “exceptional” performance to watch in one go
Good Housekeeping · Feb 23, 2026
Judi Dench's highest-rated TV show is a near-perfect period drama with a "spectacular" British cast
Digital Spy · Jul 13, 2026
The Hollow Crown: as good as TV Shakespeare can get?
The Guardian · Jun 29, 2012
The Hollow Crown: Shakespeare's History Plays ~ Synopsis: Richard II | Great Performances
PBS · Sep 18, 2013
TV Review: ‘The Hollow Crown’
Blogcritics · Sep 19, 2013
‘The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses’ is bloody, muddy, loud and grand
Los Angeles Times · Dec 9, 2016
The Hollow Crown (TV Series 2012–2016) - Photos
IMDb · Sep 3, 2020
‘The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses’ Clip: Sally Hawkins Gets Arrested for Summoning Spirits
IndieWire · Dec 2, 2016