Watch Philippa Gregory's The Real White Queen and her Rivals

Philippa Gregory's The Real White Queen and her Rivals is a documentary series which was aired on BBC2. The series comprises of three episodes, each of which is of an hour-long duration. The show takes the viewers on a journey through the lives of the women who played essential roles in shaping the history of England during the War of the Roses.

The series is based on the bestselling novel 'The White Queen' by Philippa Gregory. It delves into the intricate and complex life of Elizabeth Woodville, the wife of King Edward IV, and her rivals, Anne Neville, Margaret Beaufort and Elizabeth of York. The show explores their relationships, the challenges they faced, and how they navigated the tumultuous political landscape of the time.

The first episode sets the stage with a comprehensive introduction to the War of the Roses, the two warring factions, the Yorks, and the Lancasters. The audience is introduced to Elizabeth Woodville, who rises to become the queen of England after a chance encounter with King Edward in the woods. The episode explores the controversies surrounding Elizabeth's marriage and her influence on the King and politics.

The second episode focuses on Anne Neville, the daughter of Warwick the Kingmaker. The episode delves into Anne's life and the events that led to her marriage to Richard III, Elizabeth's brother-in-law. The episode also explores Anne's relationship with her sister Isabel Neville, the events that led to her husband's untimely death, and her subsequent marriage to Richard III.

The third and final episode explores the life of Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth's rival and mother of King Henry VII. The episode delves into Margaret's role in the War of the Roses and her marriage to Edmund Tudor. The episode also explores Margaret's relationship with her son, Henry Tudor, and how she played an active role in his rise to the throne.

What sets this show apart from the others is the fact that it not only explores the lives of women who have played a significant part in shaping history but also challenges the traditional narrative of history. The show tackles the commonly held beliefs about these women and showcases them as complex characters in their own right, each with their motivations, challenges, and triumphs.

The series is well-researched, featuring interviews with historians, journalists, and writers, who offer their insights on the various characters and events. The show also heavily relies on dramatizations that bring to life the characters and situations of the time. The viewer is transported to the 15th century, as the cast fully embodies the roles they play.

The direction and production of the show are laudable, with a focus on period accuracy and authenticity. The sets, costumes, and props are all period-specific, which adds to the overall viewing experience of the show.

Overall, Philippa Gregory's The Real White Queen and her Rivals is an engaging and informative series that not only touches on a significant period in English history but also reclaims the narratives of the women who played a vital role in it. The show is an essential watch for history enthusiasts and fans of Philippa Gregory's work alike.

Philippa Gregory's The Real White Queen and her Rivals is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between June 1, 2013 and on BBC2