TV series
England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the King dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years and marry Anne Boleyn. The Pope and most of Europe oppose him. Into this impasse steps Thomas Cromwell: a wholly original man, a charmer, and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people, and implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph?
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 2, 2026
You can also rent or buy it from Google Play, Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the King dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of twenty years and marry Anne Boleyn. The Pope and most of Europe oppose him. Into this impasse steps Thomas Cromwell: a wholly original man, a charmer, and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people, and implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph?
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Lacking a male heir, the King is desperate to annul his marriage to Katherine of Aragon.
Guest stars Jonathan Pryce, Harry Lloyd, Kate Phillips, Anton Lesser, Joanne Whalley, Mark Gatiss, Luke Roberts, Emilia Jones
Episode 2
As Cardinal Wolsey retreats north, he urges Cromwell to get close to Anne Boleyn.
Directed by Peter KosminskyGuest stars Jonathan Pryce, Harry Lloyd, Kate Phillips, Anton Lesser, Mark Gatiss, Luke Roberts, Tom Holland, Will Keen
Episode 3
Cromwell has Parliament acknowledge Henry as head of the Church of England.
Directed by Peter KosminskyGuest stars Jonathan Pryce, Harry Lloyd, Kate Phillips, Anton Lesser, Joanne Whalley, Mark Gatiss, Ed Speleers, Luke Roberts
Episode 4
Aware that her power in court rests on producing a male heir, Anne becomes paranoid.
Directed by Peter KosminskyGuest stars Kate Phillips, Anton Lesser, Ed Speleers, Tom Holland, Will Keen, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Louise Kimber, Richard Durden
Episode 5
The Act of Supremacy has declared Henry supreme head of the church of England.
Directed by Peter KosminskyGuest stars Jonathan Pryce, Kate Phillips, Joanne Whalley, Mark Gatiss, Ed Speleers, Luke Roberts, Tom Holland, Will Keen
Episode 6
After uncovering treasonable offences, Cromwell exacts the ultimate revenge.
Directed by Peter KosminskyGuest stars Ed Speleers, Luke Roberts, Tom Holland, Will Keen, Richard Dillane, Sarah Crowden, James Larkin, Nigel Cooke
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
Mark RylanceThomas Cromwell
Damian LewisHenry VIII
Claire FoyAnne Boleyn
Thomas Brodie-SangsterRafe Sadler
Joss PorterRichard Cromwell
Jonathan PryceCardinal Wolsey
Bernard HillDuke of Norfolk
Charlie RoweGregory Cromwell
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
BBC TwoUnited Kingdom
Company PicturesUnited Kingdom
Playground EntertainmentUnited States
