The series is a must-watch for fans of period dramas like The Crown, The Tudors and Wolf Hall and audiences have been left utterly captivated by the historical show08:28, 15 Jul 2026If riveting historical dramas centred on court politics are your thing, then we've got the perfect recommendation for your next binge-watching spree. Reminiscent of acclaimed political period dramas such as Wolf Hall, The Tudors, Versailles and The Crown, this little-known series has gripped viewers from the first frame.‌The three-part British period drama has audiences thoroughly captivated with its electrifying storylines, outstanding performances and memorable characters - and it's based on harrowing real-life events.‌Developed for Channel 5 and first broadcast in June 2021, Anne Boleyn is a psychological thriller period drama rooted in true event's from Britain's history and it has completely enthralled viewers worldwide. Penned by Eve Hedderwick and helmed by director Lynsey Miller, the mini-series features renowned historian Dan Jones as executive producer.‌The 'riveting' limited series covers the final five months in the life of Anne Boleyn, Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 and one of the most talked-about figures in British history, who was ultimately executed for treason in 1536, reports the Express.The series' official plot states: "The final months of Boleyn's life, her struggle with Tudor England's patriarchal society, her desire to secure a future for her daughter, Elizabeth, and the brutal reality of her failure to provide Henry with a male heir."‌Anne Boleyn features the formidable Jodie Turner-Smith in the title role, and her casting has proved deeply divisive amongst viewers. While many have applauded her remarkable performance and commanding screen presence, a proportion of the audience has expressed frustration over what they perceive as the 'rewriting of history' in her portrayal of the former Queen of England.Turner-Smith is joined by Mark Stanley, Paapa Essiedu, Barry Ward, Amanda Burton, Lola Petticrew, Thalissa Teixeira, and Isabella Laughland, who complete an impressive ensemble.‌Principal photography for Anne Boleyn spanned six weeks across Yorkshire, with the period drama shot at various historic venues including Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale, Ripley Castle in Ripley, St Michael's Church in Emley, Bolton Castle in Wensleydale, Oakwell Hall in Birstall, and Harewood House in Harewood.The series has garnered considerable acclaim, with one review saying: “I think this was one of the best versions [of Anne Boleyn] I have seen. Jodie Turner Smith was amazing. Perfect casting. As a woman I really felt the emotions and the insight into what it must have felt like to be a woman in that era with that power.”While one fan of the series added: "Wonderful! The Boleyn family was cast out from society, vilified, and persecuted for being who they were. What better way to convey this in a modern movie than the casting of the family with black actors? The performances are outstanding. The earthiness and the sense of how cold and how dangerous it must have been to live in a cold castle with people who hate you is palpable.‌"I thought this series was wonderful in the way that at last we saw a fresh, lively and naturalistic interpretation of a period of history that has so often been trotted out as either dull, dry academic boredom or salacious Carry On nonsense."Another viewer posted on IMDB: “This is a wonderful period piece. I gave it 10 stars because it deserves a higher rating than it has, no doubt. There was something about this portrayal of Anne Boleyn's story that felt so relatable in this current day. The series had my attention and sucked me in until the very end. Jodie Turner-Smith is a legend. Pure talent."Article continues belowOne critic lauded the series and wrote: "There has been much to admire in both its revisionist, feminist aspirations and muted restraint of its realisation, while Ward, Teixeira and Turner-Smith held the attention throughout."While another reviewer heaped praise on Turner-Smith: "Turner-Smith fully immerses herself in the role, highlighting Anne's flaws (like her mercurial, quick temper) alongside her wit and intelligence."All three episodes of Anne Boleyn are available to buy on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.