TV series
GLENDA JACKSON IS ELIZABETH
This historical mini-series documents the reign of Elizabeth I with each episode focusing on one dramatic period in the lengthy reign of the Virgin Queen, including her ascension to the throne, her various marital intrigues, her problems with her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, and the threatened invasion of the Spanish Armada.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Elizabeth R is available to stream on Britbox and Britbox (Via Amazon Prime) in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
This historical mini-series documents the reign of Elizabeth I with each episode focusing on one dramatic period in the lengthy reign of the Virgin Queen, including her ascension to the throne, her various marital intrigues, her problems with her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, and the threatened invasion of the Spanish Armada.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
A young Elizabeth lives in dangerous times, leading the Protestant rebellion against her Catholic half-sister Mary, and challenging her claim to the throne.
Directed by Claude WhathamWritten by John HaleGuest stars Rosalie Crutchley, Julian Holloway, Ian Barritt, Rachel Kempson, Stanley Lebor, Bernard Hepton, Ronald Hines, Peter Jeffrey
Episode 2
The unmarried young Queen is encouraged to find a suitable husband so that she can produce an heir, but she finds that very few suitors interest her.
Directed by Herbert WiseWritten by Rosemary Anne SissonGuest stars Vivian Pickles, Angela Thorne, Rachel Kempson, Leonard Sachs, Robert Hardy, Anthony Ainley, Ronald Hines, Esmond Knight
Episode 3
Elizabeth meets an interesting suitor, the Duke of Anjou, much to the Puritans' disapproval. Now Elizabeth must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.
Directed by Richard MartinWritten by Julian MitchellGuest stars Margaretta Scott, James Laurenson, Angela Thorne, Michael Williams, Robert Hardy, Jill Balcon, Ronald Hines, Bernard Horsfall
Episode 4
Queen Elizabeth finds her position increasingly threatened by Mary, Queen of Scots and her loyal supporters. Will Elizabeth have to execute Mary in order to remain Queen?
Directed by Roderick GrahamWritten by Hugh WhitemoreGuest stars Brian Wilde, Vivian Pickles, Bernard Holley, Hamilton Dyce, David Collings, David Nettheim, John Graham, David Garfield
Episode 5
With the threat of war against Spain suddenly imminent, Elizabeth must place her faith in the strength of the Navy, led by Sir Francis Drake.
Directed by Donald McWhinnieWritten by John PrebbleGuest stars David Parfitt, Robert Hardy, John Woodvine, Robin Ellis, Ronald Hines, Michael Culver, Peter Jeffrey, Gordon Gostelow
Episode 6
An elderly Queen Elizabeth instructs the Earl of Essex to quell the threat of an Irish uprising, but will she have to deal with a rebellion of her own?
Directed by Roderick GrahamWritten by Ian RodgerGuest stars Clifford Rose, Angela Thorne, Derek Martin, Robin Ellis, Patrick O'Connell, Ronald Hines, John Nettleton, Peter Egan
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Glenda JacksonQueen Elizabeth I
Clifford RoseEgerton
Brian WildeRichard Topcliffe
Margaretta ScottCatherine de Medici
Rosalie CrutchleyCatherine Parr
Vivian PicklesMary Stuart, Queen of Scots
David ParfittPhilip's Son
James LaurensonSimier
BBC TwoUnited Kingdom
MasterpieceUnited States
BBCUnited Kingdom
