The Tudors is a British historical fiction television drama series created by Michael Hirst and produced by Peace Arch Entertainment for Showtime in association with Reveille Eire (Ireland), Working Title Films (United Kingdom) and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, loosely based upon the early reign of English monarch Henry VIII.
Bypassing the typical costume drama for a more scandalous take on the times, The Tudors focuses on the rarely dramatised, tumultuous early years of King Henry VIII's nearly 40-year, omnipotent reign (1509-1547) of England.
In addition to dalliances with famous female consorts Catherine of Aragon and the infamous Anne Boleyn, the series delves into Henry's most notable political relationships, including those with philosopher Sir Thomas More and Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, head of the Catholic Church of England during its break with Rome.
At the age of nineteen, young Henry VIII succeeds to the throne. Affairs of the state carry little interest for the young monarch, and official matters are left to the powerful Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, while England's ruler tends to his own desires.
For those in Henry VIII's inner circle, including Cardinal Wolsey, second wife Anne Boleyn, Catholic martyr Sir Thomas More and the Duke of Norfolk, staying in the favour of a self-serving King is an arduous and dubious task.
Michael Hirst is the series creator, writer and executive producer. Ben Silverman of Reveille and Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title also executive produce. The series was produced by TM Productions and co-financed by Showtime and Peace Arch Entertainment Group, Inc.