National Geographic has announced that new six-part documentary series, How The Tudors Lost Their Heads, will premiere on National Geographic in the UK and on Disney+ on September 6th. The series will also launch in the US at a later date.
The series is produced by History Hit and Little Dot Studios for National Geographic
The show is presented by historians Dan Snow MBE and Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. Across six episodes, Snow and Lipscomb re-examine the lives, power struggles and downfall of some of Tudor England’s most “controversial, notorious and misunderstood” figures. Drawing on forensic evidence, new historical research and rarely seen historical artefacts, the series revisits one of Britain’s bloodiest dynasties and the executions that shaped the Tudor age.
“Beginning moments before the executioner’s axe falls or the noose tightens, each episode freezes time before Snow and Lipscomb step back through history to unravel the chain of events that led to each death.”
Dan Snow said: “The Tudors have always fascinated us, not just because of their power and pageantry, but because life at court could be as dangerous as it was glamorous. In this series, Suzannah and I return to the evidence with fresh eyes to ask whether these extraordinary executions were inevitable tragedies, political necessities or something far more calculated. It’s history at its most human, dramatic and brutal.”
Suzannah Lipscomb said: “Making How the Tudors Lost Their Heads has been a wonderful experience. I have studied the Tudors for years, but this series offered me a chance to dig deep into the reasons behind these famous executions – the very human mistakes, vendettas, unwavering faith and dark politics – and has made me change my mind about some of the most remarkable characters of the period. Discovering new twists and forgotten evidence has been fascinating and has thrown the era into sharp, bloody focus.”
Travelling across Europe, Snow and Lipscomb investigate each story through letters, paintings, official records, archaeological discoveries, privileged access to historic buildings and archives, and newly examined forensic evidence.
Each episode explores a different Tudor figure, from Anne Boleyn and Mary, Queen of Scots to aristocratic pretender Perkin Warbeck, “revealing the ambition, betrayal, propaganda and political intrigue that ultimately sealed their fate.”
Matt Taylor, VP Content, Creative and Marketing for National Geographic EMEA said: “How The Tudors Lost Their Heads exemplifies National Geographic’s commitment to telling remarkable true stories through world-class filmmaking. We are excited to bring this series to audiences on National Geographic and Disney+, offering a compelling re-examination of the ambition, power struggles and personal tragedies that defined the Tudor age.”
Bill Locke, Head of Programming at History Hit, said: “By combining National Geographic’s unrivalled reputation for bringing history to life through intelligent storytelling, with History Hit’s ability to reach and engage global audiences with expert-led content, we’re delighted to be partnering once again, this time on a series that re-examines one of Britain’s most fascinating dynasties.”
Beyond the television series, History Hit and Little Dot Studios will extend audiences’ journey through the Tudor world across their extensive podcast and digital platforms, including Dan Snow’s History Hit, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb’s Not Just The Tudors and the Absolute History YouTube channel.
Jon Creamer
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