Watch Shakespeare: The King's Man

Shakespeare: The King's Man is a historical documentary produced by the BBC in 2012. The show offers a detailed insight into the life and work of the most celebrated playwright in the world, William Shakespeare, particularly exploring his relationship with King James I.

The documentary comprises of three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of Shakespeare's life. The first part, "The Lost Years," delves into the seven-year period between 1585 to 1592, where no concrete information exists about the life of Shakespeare. Historians and experts analyze the possible scenarios that could have occurred during this phase, and how it could have influenced the later works of the master playwright.

Part two, "The King's Man," delves into Shakespeare's relationship with King James I and his court. The show highlights how Shakespeare became the favorite playwright of the king, and how the political climate of England during the early seventeenth century shaped his plays. The documentary also explores the curious relationship between James I and Shakespeare - one where the latter's plays were frequently performed at court, and where the playwright received royal patronage and favoritism. The program features interviews from several leading historians and actors, who offer their insights into the world inhabited by Shakespeare and James I.

The final part of the documentary, titled "The Wars of the Roses," analyzes how Shakespeare's plays captured the political and social turbulence of the period between 1455 and 1485, which was characterized by the conflict between two noble houses, York and Lancaster. Through scenes from various Shakespearean dramas, the show demonstrates how the playwright's works drew upon the themes of love, loyalty, treachery, and ambition that characterized the real-life events of the time. The documentary also stresses the impact that the Wars of the Roses had on Shakespeare's life and writing, making it possible for him to explore the moral dilemmas that dominated the landscape of England during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

The program features popular actors like Simon Russell Beale, Mark Rylance, Simon Callow, and John Sessions, who offer their take on Shakespeare's plays and the impact that they have had on society and culture in the past centuries. The show features the stunning reproductions of the interiors of historic buildings like Ham House, Somerset House, and The Palace of Westminster, which offers the viewer an authentic glimpse of the period.

The documentary is narrated by award-winning actor Derek Jacobi, who offers a nuanced understanding of Shakespeare's works and their significance in shaping the course of English literature and culture. The show's makers have gone to great lengths to showcase the beauty and drama of Shakespeare's works, using panoramic shots of historic locations and top-notch production quality to craft a compelling story.

Overall, Shakespeare: The King's Man is an excellent documentary that offers a vivid window into the life and works of the most celebrated playwright in history. Through its expert analysis, stunning visuals, and insightful commentary, the documentary successfully brings to life the world that Shakespeare inhabited, showcasing his impact on culture and society through centuries. The series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the literature or history of Shakespeare, or anyone who hopes to gain a deeper understanding of the social and political events that shaped the world that we live in today.

Shakespeare: The King's Man is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between January 1, 2012 and on BBC