The Tudors - TV Dramas

The Tudors is drama on Showtime that is based on the life of King Henry VIII of England. The show debuted on the cable network in 2007 and stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers and the monarch.

The first season of The Tudors (named after King Henry's dynasty) focuses on King Henry's reign during which there was international conflicts and his effectiveness as the leader was called into question. The first season also saw the introduction of Anne Boleyn.

While the series tries to follow the real life events of King Henry VIII, the show does differ many aspects. Character names, relationships, timing and appearances of certain characters and events are changed for dramatic effects. However, the major historical happenings are closer to truth. For example, on the show King Henry is a lot younger during certain much of the major events of his life. In reality, he was in his 40s when he married Boleyn, but on the show he appears to be in his late 20s/early 30s.

The cast includes:

Jonathan Rhys Meyers (King Henry VIII)
Henry Cavill (Charles Brandon)
Natalie Dormer (Anne Boleyn)
Nick Dunning (Thomas Boleyn)
Maria Doyle Kennedy (Queen Catherine of Aragon)
James Frain (Thomas Cromwell)
Padraic Delaney (George Boleyn)