Watch Secrets of the Six Wives

In 2017, PBS aired a fascinating documentary series titled Secrets of the Six Wives. This three-part series delved deeper into the stories of King Henry VIII of England and his six wives, providing a fresh and modern perspective on one of the most iconic periods of British history.

Narrated by actor and presenter Lucy Worsley, Secrets of the Six Wives offered a captivating blend of drama, history, and expert analysis. Each episode focused on a different wife, illuminating their unique experiences and the political and social context of their marriages to Henry VIII.

The first episode explored the life of Catherine of Aragon, the Spanish princess who was Henry's first wife. Viewers learned about Catherine's upbringing, her marriage to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and her eventual union to Henry VIII. The episode also explored the religious conflicts that arose in England during Catherine's reign, including Henry's desire to divorce her and marry Anne Boleyn, which ultimately led to the creation of the Church of England.

The second episode focused on Anne Boleyn, who is perhaps the most well-known of Henry's wives. Viewers learned about Anne's early life in the English court, her eventual marriage to Henry, and the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth. The episode also explored the political intrigue and religious tensions that surrounded Anne's reign, which culminated in her trial and execution on charges of adultery, incest, and treason.

The third and final episode focused on Jane Seymour, Henry's third wife, who is often overshadowed by the drama and tragedy of the other wives. Viewers learned about Jane's upbringing, her marriage to Henry, and her role in bringing about the birth of the future King Edward VI. The episode also explored the challenges and pressures facing Jane as she tried to balance her duty as queen with her own desires and ambitions.

Throughout the series, Secrets of the Six Wives featured insightful commentary from historians and experts, who provided context and analysis for the events and personalities of the period. Viewers were also treated to dramatic reenactments, which brought the stories of Catherine, Anne, and Jane to life on screen.

One of the strengths of the series was its focus on the lives of the six wives themselves, rather than simply using them as foils for Henry VIII. Each episode provided a deep dive into the personal and political worlds of these women, and even viewers familiar with the basic outlines of their stories were likely to learn something new.

Overall, Secrets of the Six Wives was a compelling and informative series that shed new light on one of the most fascinating and tumultuous periods of British history. Whether you are a longtime fan of the Tudor era or simply curious about the lives of these six extraordinary women, this series is well worth watching.

Secrets of the Six Wives is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between January 22, 2017 and on PBS