Watch The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family

The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family is a documentary series that explores the lives of the Boleyn family, one of the most fascinating and controversial families in English history. The series consists of three episodes, each focusing on a different member of the Boleyn family, and features a mix of historical experts, dramatizations, and archival footage.

The first episode focuses on Anne Boleyn, one of the most famous and controversial women in English history. Anne was the second wife of King Henry VIII, and her brief reign as queen ended with her execution on charges of adultery, treason, and incest. The episode explores Anne's upbringing, her relationship with Henry, and the circumstances surrounding her downfall.

The second episode focuses on Anne's father, Thomas Boleyn, and his rise to power in the court of Henry VIII. Thomas was a diplomat and courtier who played a key role in securing his daughter's marriage to the king. The episode explores Thomas's complicated family history, his role in Anne's downfall, and his own eventual fall from grace.

The third and final episode focuses on Mary Boleyn, Anne's lesser-known sister, who was also involved with Henry VIII. Mary was one of Henry's mistresses before Anne's marriage to the king, and she later married William Carey, another prominent courtier. The episode explores Mary's life before and after her relationship with Henry, and the impact that her family's scandals had on her own reputation.

Throughout the series, historians and experts offer insights into the political and social context of the Boleyns' lives, and shed light on the ways in which the family's scandals were shaped by gender, power, and politics. Dramatizations bring key moments from the Boleyns' lives to life, from Anne's trial and execution to Thomas's tense meetings with Henry VIII.

The series is hosted by Shelley Conn, an actress known for her roles in shows like Strike Back and Liar. Conn provides a warm and engaging guide to the Boleyns' world, and helps to contextualize the family's story for modern audiences. Other experts and commentators include Lauren Mackay, a historian and author who specializes in the Tudor period, and Susan Doran, a professor of early modern history at the University of Oxford.

Overall, The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family is a gripping and informative series that sheds light on one of the most intriguing families in English history. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the world of Tudor England, this series is sure to captivate and entertain.

The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between August 28, 2022 and on PBS Documentaries