Night Manager star leads 'sensational' BBC period drama hailed as a 'masterclass'

More than a decade has passed since one BBC period drama first graced our screens, and devotees remain full of praise for it to this day.

The Hollow Crown comprises adaptations of William Shakespeare's history plays, with the opening series centring on the Henriad tetralogy of Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, and Henry V.

It features a remarkable ensemble cast, with Ben Whishaw portraying King Richard II, Jeremy Irons assuming the role of King Henry IV, and The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston playing Prince Hal / King Henry V.

Meanwhile, Julie Walters stars as Mistress Quickly, Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery appears as Kate Percy, and David Suchet takes on the Duke of York.

A synopsis for the opening series states: "The Hollow Crown is a tale of family, politics and power. The films tell the rise and fall of three Kings and how their destiny shaped our history."

"Richard II is a vain, self-indulgent man who rules with little regard for his people's welfare. He is ultimately overthrown by his cousin Bolingbroke, who ascends the throne as Henry IV.

"Henry IV's reign is marred by his own guilt over Richard's death, civil war, and the fear that his son Hal is a total wastrel. When Hal comes to the throne as Henry V, he is left to bury the ghosts of his father's past whilst fighting his own demons."

In 2016, enthusiasts were delighted when a second series arrived titled The Wars of the Roses, which adapted Henry VI Parts 1 and 2, and Richard III, reports Wales Online.

The second instalment featured an impressive cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Judi Dench, Hugh Bonneville and Adrian Dunbar.

Since its release, the period drama has been met with widespread acclaim, with countless viewers clamouring for yet another series.

One viewer enthused: "Sensational! The Henry IV, Part 1 with Tom Hiddleston as Hal and Simon Russell Beale as Falstaff is particularly wonderful and joyfully alive."

Another wrote: "They are all very good, but Richard II is the best I've ever seen. Absolutely brilliant." A third added: "Not only a masterclass in acting but in directing and screenplay making, Shakespeare not only understood but exciting as well."

One viewer enthused: "Sensational! The Henry IV, Part 1 with Tom Hiddleston as Hal and Simon Russell Beale as Falstaff is particularly wonderful and joyfully alive."

Another wrote: "They are all very good, but Richard II is the best I've ever seen. Absolutely brilliant." A third added: "Not only a masterclass in acting but in directing and screenplay making, Shakespeare not only understood but exciting as well."

One commenter remarked: "Arguably one of the very best screen adaptations of Shakespeare ever produced. They have pulled off what many have tried and failed to do: make good cinema out of the plays."

While another enthusiastic viewer declared: "Bravo! I'm about 10 years late to this series, but just completed my binge watch and loved every minute of it!"

Episodes of The Hollow Crown are now available to watch on Prime Video