The BBC is bringing one of the most pivotal moments in history to the screen with its upcoming drama King and Conqueror.
The series takes viewers into the power struggle that ended Anglo-Saxon rule and changed England forever.
Here’s everything we know so far, including the cast, release date, and what to expect when it airs.
What is King and Conqueror about?
The new BBC drama will follow William the Conqueror’s rise to power after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Set in 11th-century England, it follows Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king, as he confronts an escalating threat from a Norman invasion. While the ending is no secret, the series is expected to close with Harold’s fall at Hastings.
This eight-part production explores a rivalry that changed history a thousand years ago. The Battle of Hastings reshaped Britain and Europe, but the roots of that clash run much deeper than a single day in 1066. The story spans decades of alliances and feuds, tracing two dynasties locked in a power struggle across England, Normandy, and the Channel.
Neither Harold nor William originally aimed for the English throne. Circumstances and ambition drove both men into a conflict that would decide the future of a kingdom. Only one would claim the crown.
The Norman triumph at Hastings marked a turning point for England. It brought a new ruling dynasty, fused the French language with Anglo-Saxon to form the base of modern English, and left an enduring mark on the population. Some genealogists estimate that around a quarter of people in England today are descended from William the Conqueror. His legacy still towers in stone: castles built under his command, including Windsor Castle, stand as reminders of that seismic change.
Early images from the series promise a dark and visceral take on medieval life. Audiences can expect brutal battle scenes, mud and blood, and the weight of chain mail on weary soldiers. There will be thundering horses tearing across the English countryside and richly detailed costumes that bring the era to life.
The Cast and Creative Team
James Norton takes on the role of Harold Godwinson, bringing the story of England’s last Anglo-Saxon king to life. Opposite him, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau portrays William of Normandy, a figure whose ambition redrew the map of power in Europe.
Emily Beecham appears as Edith Swan-neck, Harold’s partner, while Clémence Poésy plays Matilda of Flanders, William’s formidable wife. Eddie Marsan steps into the role of Edward the Confessor, the king whose death without an heir sparked the succession crisis.
The series was created by Michael Robert Johnson and is produced by BBC Studios in collaboration with CBS Studios, Rabbit Track Pictures, and other partners. Filming took place in Iceland to capture the stark landscapes that echo the harsh realities of the 11th century.
How Many Episodes Will There Be?
The first season of King and Conqueror consists of eight episodes. Each one digs deeper into the web of family loyalties, betrayals, and shifting power that led to the Norman invasion.
When Will It Air?
The series is set to premiere on August 24, 2025, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer for UK audiences. Distribution beyond the UK will be handled by Paramount Global, with details expected closer to release.
What Can We Expect From the Tone and Style?
This is not a polished fairy-tale version of the Middle Ages. From what has been shared so far, the production embraces the mud, the blood, and the brutal reality of war. Early stills suggest heavy chain mail, worn leather, and faces marked by exhaustion and resolve. Expect scenes of soldiers charging across sodden fields, the clash of steel, and a visual palette that feels raw rather than romantic.
The Battle of Hastings: A Preview of the Climax
While the series covers years of political tension, its climax is inevitable. The Battle of Hastings looms over the narrative as the decisive moment that ended Anglo-Saxon rule. Harold’s army, already weakened after marching north to fight at Stamford Bridge, faced William’s well-prepared forces. The outcome altered England’s future and sealed Harold’s fate.
Why This Series Could Be a Standout
King and Conqueror promises more than court intrigue and battlefield spectacle. It is about two leaders shaped by loyalty, ambition, and necessity. Both were products of their time, and both gambled everything for the same prize. The story of 1066 has been told before, but rarely with the scale and realism that this production aims for.
Trailer and First Look
Final Thoughts
For anyone fascinated by medieval history, power struggles, or the origins of modern England, this TV Series is one to watch. The events of 1066 shaped language, law, and the social order for centuries to come. King and Conqueror brings that turning point to life in a way that feels immediate and visceral.
Kylie Lang is a nationally syndicated travel journalist with bylines on the Associated Press Wire & more, a medieval history writer, and the founder and lead author of Tales of the Middle Ages (talesofthemiddleages.com). She holds a BA (Honours) in History from the University of Kent and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers.
