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Sunday night’s BBC One slot saw James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau go head-to-head in the bloodied period epic King and Conqueror.
Focusing on the years leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the drama sees Harold of Wessex (Norton) and William of Normandy (Coster-Waldau) cross paths as the country crowns Edward the Confessor (Eddie Marsan) as king.
The eventful 11th-century coronation, orchestrated by England’s most powerful earldoms, is the setting for Harold and William to start an alliance. The history buffs in the room will, of course, know this did not last long.
After all, it was Edward’s death without an heir in 1066 that set the scene for the battle for the crown between Harold and William.
But it looks like the history buffs have been left least impressed with the sweeping BBC drama, with many complaining about the historical inaccuracies as the first episode aired.
BBC viewers pointed out the ways in which the eight-parter lets the Bayeux Tapestry history take a backseat to the drama.
For one thing, almost none of the historical figures who die in King and Conqueror do so how, when or where they are said to in the historical record, according to History Extra. We won’t get into the specifics, for fear of spoilers.
Aside from the historical inaccuracies, BBC viewers also took issue with the dialogue, which was seen as overly modern in some instances.
What have the cast said about the show’s accuracy?
James Norton said the creatives did ‘so much’ work on researching the period and he felt it came through in the scripts.
‘I remember being constantly surprised reading scripts and saying “Is this real? This seems completely mad,” and invariably, [lead writer Michael Robert Johnson] would be like, “No, that is exactly what happened”,’ he said.
He did go on to admit certain creative choices, adding: ‘There were obviously artistic licenses that we had to take, particularly in terms of the timeline, because you often have to condense chapters with historical dramas like this.’
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau also said he did his own research ahead of taking on the role, but noted there is very little written about the period.
‘I was just trying to read up, finding books about this specific time. I have this miniature version of the Bayeux Tapestry, which is quite extraordinary because it’s so detailed about how this thing happened and so much of it is actually in our story,’ Coster-Waldau said.
Taking to X as the episode aired in BBC One’s 9pm slot, @argvee bemoaned: ‘King & Conqueror has just debuted. Finally, a series covering the most pivotal moment in English history. I spent an hour shouting at the TV. What a lost opportunity…’
@ShonaPWriter added: ‘Where to even start. What a wasted opportunity. Edward the Confessor battering his mother to death with his own crown, give me strength. The real history was gripping enough without making up lots of complete nonsense. Epic fail.’
Meanwhile, @Christi74222782 wrote: ‘Was looking forward to King And Conqueror but what a disappointment. What is this trend of using modern language and phrases that would never have been heard in the times portrayed. The BBC used to be the best at this kind of drama. Not anymore.’
‘The actual true tale is more dramatic and intriguing than this factual incorrect nonsense im watching #KingAndConqueror,’ wrote @therealsduffey in their verdict.
However, not everyone has been a critic! The show has raced up the BBC’s top 10 ranking to the third slot. A number of fans have also shared their comparatively positive reception.
@Olivia33x wrote: ‘Wow King And Conqueror amazing first episode,’ as @rekh01 added: ‘Impressed with King & Conqueror so far!’
‘They’ve done an amazing job making this look like 1066,’ added @AdamSamue1.
King and Conqueror is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and continues on BBC One.
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