King and Conqueror is a historical drama that explores the final years of Anglo-Saxon England through the intertwined stories of Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy. Produced by BBC and distributed internationally via streaming, the series aims to dramatise the lead-up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Rather than romanticising either side, it offers a dual narrative that gives weight to both Harold’s troubled kingship and William’s calculated ambition.
The show benefits from strong historical production values, complex characters, and a focused narrative arc. However, it occasionally struggles with pacing and uneven character development outside its central figures.
Main Cast
- James Norton as Harold Godwinson
Norton brings a brooding intensity to Harold, portraying a ruler torn between duty and self-preservation. - Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William of Normandy
Coster-Waldau delivers a cold, calculated William, with moments of charisma that hint at the man’s political genius. - Sophie Cookson as Edith Swan-neck
She adds emotional gravity to Harold’s story, grounding it in personal sacrifice and cultural legacy. - Anton Lesser as Edward the Confessor
A reserved yet pivotal role, Lesser’s Edward provides the quiet instability that sets the entire conflict in motion. - Alex Lanipekun as Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester
Lanipekun offers a balanced moral compass, navigating between politics and spiritual authority.
The ensemble is rounded out with notable performances from British and European actors, including Ewan Mitchell, Marie Dompnier, and Tom Taylor.
Production and Direction
Shot across England and France, King and Conqueror uses real locations where possible, including Dover, Bayeux, and parts of Normandy. Costuming is careful but not indulgent, aiming for realism rather than spectacle. The series leans into the earthy, muted aesthetics typical of post-The Last Kingdom and Vikings productions, but distinguishes itself through tighter, more political storytelling.
Direction is consistent throughout the series, with Tim Fywell and Eva Husson alternating episodes. Dialogue is sharp but not anachronistic, avoiding modern idioms while keeping scenes digestible for contemporary audiences.
Where to Watch
In the UK, King and Conqueror is available on BBC iPlayer, with episodes airing weekly on BBC One.
Internationally, distribution is handled by Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes releasing a few days after UK broadcast.
Episode Guide
| Episode | Title | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | “The Confessor’s Heir” | As Edward the Confessor weakens, Harold is forced into uneasy alliances. |
| 2 | “Oaths and Ambitions” | Harold makes a fateful journey to Normandy, while William eyes the English throne. |
| 3 | “God’s Anointed” | Tensions rise in Wessex as Harold’s brother Tostig returns from exile. |
| 4 | “Storm Across the Channel” | William receives papal backing and assembles his invasion fleet. |
| 5 | “North Wind” | The Norwegians land in the north. Harold must march his army from the south. |
| 6 | “Bridge of the Dead” | Stamford Bridge becomes the bloodiest battleground of Harold’s reign. |
| 7 | “The Waiting Shore” | William’s fleet arrives. Spies and skirmishes escalate on the southern coast. |
| 8 | “The Field of Kings” | Hastings. The fate of England is sealed on a cold October morning. |
Verdict
King and Conqueror is an intelligent and well-crafted period drama that avoids nationalist narratives and instead focuses on power, identity, and the volatility of succession. It does not reinvent the genre but offers a tightly executed take on one of Britain’s most pivotal moments.
It is not without its flaws. Certain characters, particularly within William’s court, are underwritten. Some episodes feel like setup more than story. But when it focuses on Harold and William directly, the show hits its stride.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
This series will appeal to fans of The Last Kingdom, Domina, and Wolf Hall, as well as those seeking a more balanced depiction of 1066 than what has typically been seen in British media. While not perfect, King and Conqueror succeeds in showing how history is shaped not just by battles, but by fragile men forced into impossible decisions.
