The Hollow Crown poster

TV series

The Hollow Crown

20122 seasons7.4 / 10

A series of British television films featuring William Shakespeare's History Plays.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

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Synopsis

A series of British television films featuring William Shakespeare's History Plays.

Season 1 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

Richard II

2h 28m7.6 / 10

King Richard is called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. Richard calls for a duel but then halts it just before swords clash. Both men are banished from the realm. Richard visits John of Gaunt, Bolingbroke's father, who, in the throes of death, reprimands the king. After seizing Gaunt's money and land, Richard leaves for wars against the rebels in Ireland. Bolingbroke returns to claim back his inheritance. Supported by his allies, Northumberland and the Duke of York, Bolingbroke takes Richard prisoner and lays claim to the throne.

Episode credits

Directed by Rupert GooldWritten by Ben Power, Rupert GooldGuest stars Patrick Stewart, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, David Suchet, David Morrissey, Tom Hughes, James Purefoy, Lindsay Duncan

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Episode 2

Henry IV (1)

1h 55m7.9 / 10

The heir to the throne, Prince Hal, defies his father, King Henry, by spending his time at Mistress Quickly's tavern in the company of the dissolute Falstaff and his companions. The King is threatened by a rebellion led by Hal's rival, Hotspur, his father Northumberland and his uncle Worcester. In the face of this danger to the state, Prince Hal joins his father to defeat the rebels at the Battle of Shrewsbury and kill Hotspur in single combat.

Episode credits

Directed by Richard EyreWritten by Richard EyreGuest stars Jeremy Irons, Simon Russell Beale, Tom Hiddleston, Joe Armstrong, Julie Walters, David Dawson, Michelle Dockery, Tom Georgeson

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Episode 3

Henry IV (2)

1h 55m8.4 / 10

In the aftermath of the Battle of Shrewsbury, Northumberland learns of the death of his son. The Lord Chief Justice attempts on behalf of the increasingly frail King to separate Falstaff from Prince Hal. The rebels continue to plot insurrection. Falstaff is sent to recruit soldiers and takes his leave of his mistress, Doll Tearsheet. The rebel forces are overcome. This brings comfort to the dying king, who is finally reconciled to his son. Falstaff rushes to Hal's coronation with expectations of high office.

Episode credits

Guest stars Jeremy Irons, Simon Russell Beale, Tom Hiddleston, Julie Walters, David Dawson, Michelle Dockery, Tom Georgeson, James Laurenson

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Episode 4

Henry V

2h 12m8.4 / 10

Henry V has settled onto the throne and has the makings of a fine king when the French ambassador brings a challenge from the Dauphin. Inspired by his courtiers Exeter and York, Henry swears that he will, with all force, answer this challenge. The chorus tells of England's preparations for war and Henry's army sails for France. After Exeter's diplomacy is rebuffed by the French king, Henry lays a heavy siege and captures Harfleur. The French now take Henry's claims seriously and challenge the English army to battle at Agincourt.

Episode credits

Directed by Thea SharrockWritten by Ben Power, Thea SharrockGuest stars Geraldine Chaplin, Patrick Stewart, Simon Russell Beale, John Hurt, Paterson Joseph, Anton Lesser, Lambert Wilson, Edward Akrout

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Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026

More about The Hollow Crown

Cast

Patrick StewartJohn of Gaunt
Barney HarrisNed
Samuel ValentineGrey
Al WeaverRivers
Jeremy IronsHenry IV
Simon Russell BealeFalstaff
Anton LesserExeter
Tom SturridgeHenry VI

Credits

Written by
Ben Power, Richard Eyre, Rupert Goold, Thea Sharrock, Dominic Cooke

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
7
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • BBC TwoUnited Kingdom
  • NBCUniversalUnited States
  • Neal Street ProductionsUnited Kingdom
  • ThirteenUnited States

Themes

period drama