Watch Queens: The Virgin and the Martyr

Queens: The Virgin and the Martyr is an eye-opening and informative documentary series presented by the esteemed MagellanTV network. The show explores the stories of two powerful Queens in European history who were also two of the most polarizing figures of their time: Mary, Queen of Scots and her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England.

The series is divided into two episodes, each showcasing the life and times of one of the Queens. The first episode follows the journey of Mary, Queen of Scots, the last queen of Scotland of the House of Stuart. Mary was a Catholic queen who struggled to maintain her position as ruler of Scotland amid political and religious upheavals. Her story is a fascinating one marked by triumphs and tragedies, including a long imprisonment at the hands of her cousin and rival Elizabeth I.

The series paints a vivid picture of Mary's life, from her early days as a queen to her eventual tragic demise. The show explores Mary's relationships with the men in her life, including her three husbands, and the turbulent political climate that led to her downfall. The episodes also cover the circumstances leading up to Mary's execution, including the famous Babington Plot, which ultimately sealed Mary's fate.

The second episode focuses on the other powerful Queen of the era, Elizabeth I, Queen of England. Elizabeth was one of the most famous queens in history, known for her iconic costumes, her fiery speeches, and her victory over the Spanish Armada. But her life was much more complex than the simple image of a victorious Queen who presided over England's golden era.

Queen Elizabeth I had to overcome many obstacles in her life, including her gender, her royal status, and her religious affiliation. She famously declared herself as the "Virgin Queen" and devoted her life to her country, refusing to marry and produce an heir. The documentary explores Elizabeth's early life, her rise to power, and her relationships with the men in her life, including her close friend and advisor Robert Dudley.

The show also provides insight into the political and religious turbulence of the times, exploring Elizabeth's efforts to establish a stable and powerful English state. The series reveals how Elizabeth faced numerous threats to her life and her reign, including assassination attempts and rebellions, and how she ultimately proved herself as one of England's greatest monarchs.

Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Queens: The Virgin and the Martyr is its ability to bring the two Queens to life, painting a vivid picture of their lives and times. Through expert commentary and detailed historical analysis, the show delves deep into the politics, religion, and culture of the era, revealing how Mary and Elizabeth navigated their way through this turbulent period to become two of the most enduring figures in European history.

Overall, Queens: The Virgin and the Martyr is a must-watch series for anyone interested in history, politics, or the stories of powerful women who defied the odds to claim their rightful place in history. Combining stunning visuals with expert analysis, this series is a compelling portrait of two queens who changed the face of European history forever.

Queens: The Virgin and the Martyr is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between September 14, 2017 and on MagellanTV; Magellan TV