As the nights draw in, a sumptuous and scandalous historical drama has arrived on Amazon Prime Video, offering the perfect winter binge for UK viewers. The 2015 series Versailles, which originally captivated a loyal audience on BBC Two, is now available to stream in its entirety.
A Court of Power, Passion, and Politics
The series plunges viewers into the year 1667, where a 28-year-old King Louis XIV, portrayed by George Blagden, finally takes sole command of France. He embarks on an audacious plan to build the palace of Versailles, transforming it from a humble hunting lodge into the dazzling epicentre of absolute power.
The show promises a world of power and betrayal, love, lust, and declarations of war, where courtiers vie ruthlessly for the monarch's favour. While many associate Versailles with Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution, this drama explores its earlier incarnation as a thriving, cut-throat social and political hub.
With its sprawling, sexy plotlines and standout cast, the series has broad appeal. It caters to history buffs (while taking creative liberties), period drama lovers, and the LGBTQ+ community, all delivered with a compelling gravitas.
Critical Acclaim and a Devoted Fanbase
Despite concluding in 2018, Versailles maintains a strong following. Its first season earned an impressive 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, it often flies under the radar compared to mammoth productions like Downton Abbey and Poldark, drawing more apt comparisons to the high-stakes drama of The Tudors and The Borgias.
Critics have heaped praise on the production. The Los Angeles Times dubbed it ‘the best show you probably never watched’, while The Guardian celebrated it as a ‘trashy, extravagant romp’. Fans echo this sentiment, with one Rotten Tomatoes user, Neal G, declaring it ‘perhaps the best “costume drama” of all time’.
Another fan praised the show's execution: ‘It is stunningly shot, costumed, written and performed. George Blagden plays Louis XIV with a subdued strength, will and cunning.’
The Demands of Bringing History to Life
The actors committed deeply to their roles. Alexander Vlahos, who played the King's brother, Monsieur Philippe d’Orléans, revealed in a 2016 interview with the Evening Standard that it was ‘probably the most physically and emotionally demanding role I’ve ever had.’
He spoke of the challenge of portraying such a complex character without overshadowing the ensemble, stating, ‘I gave him my all and kept pushing what I could do with him, and no-one ever told me stop.’
For those seeking a visually stunning, emotionally charged, and addictive historical saga, Versailles offers a binge-worthy escape into the brutal glory of the Sun King's court. All three seasons are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.
