Watch A Very English Scandal

A Very English Scandal is a gripping Amazon series that tells the real-life story of British politician Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) and his attempted murder trial in the 1970s. Thorpe, a member of the British Parliament and leader of the Liberal Party, was accused of conspiring to murder his former lover, Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw), who threatened to reveal their homosexual affair to the public. The scandal that ensued both shocked and outraged the British public and led to one of the greatest political scandals in British history.

The series opens up in the 1960s, when Thorpe first meets Scott, a shy stable boy. Thorpe is charmed by Scott's youthful vigor and beauty and immediately sets out to seduce him. However, as their relationship evolves over the years, Scott becomes increasingly possessive and unstable, eventually leading Thorpe to end their affair. That's when Scott sets out to blackmail Thorpe, threatening to reveal their affair to Thorpe's colleagues and the public.

With the help of his close friends and associates, including his trusted deputy secretary (Alex Jennings) and his loyal wife (Monica Dolan), Thorpe hatches a plan to silence Scott once and for all. However, their scheme quickly falls apart, and soon the press picks up on the story, unleashing an explosive scandal that could bring down Thorpe's political career and destroy his life.

The acting in A Very English Scandal is top-notch, with Hugh Grant delivering one of the finest performances of his career as the deeply flawed but charismatic Thorpe. He brings to life every nuance of the complicated politician, capturing his charm, ruthlessness, and inner turmoil.

Similarly, Ben Whishaw shines as the troubled and manipulative Scott, portraying him as far more than just a victim. In fact, the complex relationship between Thorpe and Scott is one of the most compelling aspects of the series, as we witness the love, obsession, and betrayal that ultimately drove them apart.

The supporting cast is equally strong, with Monica Dolan as Thorpe's stoic but devoted wife, Jonathan Hyde as the eccentric hitman hired to take out Scott, and Jason Watkins as the dogged detective who helps uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.

The series benefits from its stunning period production design and cinematography, which capture the look and feel of 1960s and 1970s Britain with great authenticity. From the retro fashion to the vintage cars and architecture, every detail is perfectly crafted to immerse the viewer in the era.

Overall, A Very English Scandal is a gripping, darkly comic, and thought-provoking true-crime drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of Hugh Grant or Ben Whishaw or just enjoy a good political thriller, this series is definitely worth your time.