This review comes after only the first 3 episodes. I was excited at the prospect of seeing the story of Catherine of Aragon, which usually is only a sideline to the story of Henry VIII and his six wives. Now, I'm aware that historical dramas cannot be totally factual in every way for good reason, but I find it disconcerting to twist what is known to be true in a massive way. In just 3 episodes I have witnessed countless discrepancies that are just too glaring to be ignored. Most egregious is portraying Henry, Arthur's much younger brother, as being the same age as he and Catherine. I think I understand their reasoning, but it cuts down my star rating (among other glaring mistakes) by quite a bit. I watch historical pieces for the history as much as the drama. And really, this story has plenty of real-life drama which doesn't need made up stuff to be interesting. Hopefully the rest of this series won't be as big a disappointment, since I intend to keep watching anyway.
211 Reviews
Phillipa Gregory's Continuing History of England Part 3
paul_bibby30 June 2019
Like the other Starz shows, The White Princess & The White Queen, this production is lavish and high in value. It is undoubtedly cleaner than the real 16th Century world but has the feeling of authenticity about it.
There are some horrendous historical liberties taken by the producers. Arthur & Catherine were 15 when they married. Arthur died before his 16th birthday. Henry was 10, going on 11, over the 6 months of Catherine's marriage. Given most of the series is about Henry & Catherine's relationship the producers saw fit to make Henry & Arthur a similar age, maybe 18 & 19, respectively. Fair enough, but it does ensure a divergence from the historical facts, which is a pity.
The other and maybe more relevant fact is why Catherine was chosen to be the wife of the English heir male. She was descended from the legitimate English Lancastrian line via her mother. She had a stronger claim to the English throne than Henry VII, who was descended from an illigitimate Lancastrian line. The male offspring of Catherine would legitimise the Tudor dynasty. For this reason Henry VII, his wife & his mother would be moving heaven & earth to keep Catherine in England. Indeed, she became a virtual prisoner of the English crown for 7 years before she married her brother in law, the young Henry.
Overall, the historical costume drama is enjoyable enough and given it's only 10 episodes makes it easy enough to watch.
There are some horrendous historical liberties taken by the producers. Arthur & Catherine were 15 when they married. Arthur died before his 16th birthday. Henry was 10, going on 11, over the 6 months of Catherine's marriage. Given most of the series is about Henry & Catherine's relationship the producers saw fit to make Henry & Arthur a similar age, maybe 18 & 19, respectively. Fair enough, but it does ensure a divergence from the historical facts, which is a pity.
The other and maybe more relevant fact is why Catherine was chosen to be the wife of the English heir male. She was descended from the legitimate English Lancastrian line via her mother. She had a stronger claim to the English throne than Henry VII, who was descended from an illigitimate Lancastrian line. The male offspring of Catherine would legitimise the Tudor dynasty. For this reason Henry VII, his wife & his mother would be moving heaven & earth to keep Catherine in England. Indeed, she became a virtual prisoner of the English crown for 7 years before she married her brother in law, the young Henry.
Overall, the historical costume drama is enjoyable enough and given it's only 10 episodes makes it easy enough to watch.
Quite enjoyable, but don't base your history paper on it.
erasmusbushman16 October 2020
Lavishly produced, very well acted and generally quite entertaining, but I did think the Spanish Princess drifted into soap opera a little too often. Massive liberties taken with history, but we should all know by now that any show "based on historical events" is just that - most of the people existed, some of the things happened, but most of it is pure fiction. Still, I often find these kinds of shows interesting because they lure me into checking the historical facts, which is educational. I was surprised to find, for instance, that Catherine actually did have a black woman as one of her retinue of 'ladies'.
Nothing wrong with nudidty, but the acting is just unwatchable
VoyagerMN198611 March 2020
I mean really people are complaining about the nudity, or about the fictionalization? The problem my friends is with the acting. All the main characters are portrayed not by mediocre actors, but very very bad actors.
It is completely unwatchable
History gone Hollywood (but why not?)
rse22 May 2019
If you know nothing about Spanish or English history of this era, this may be fun for you. But there are so many historical inconsistencies that to me it was sometimes annoying. Nice costumes though!
In spite of that said, the series is very watchable and easy to enjoy. The liberties taken with what is actually known of the story of Katherine of Aragon could possibly be justified or even possible. As the saying goes, history is written by the winners.
fine
SnoopyStyle2 December 2020
Spanish princess Catherine of Aragon (Charlotte Hope) marries Prince Arthur, heir to the English throne, although she is more connected to his brother Harry. Arthur dies and she marries Harry. She becomes the Queen of England and the first wife of King Henry VIII (Ruairi O'Connor).
This continues the soaping up of the historical royal family with sex and murder. It is now a well established subgenre since The Tudors. As always, one must check your historian hat at the door. This is melodrama for popular consumption and literary giants such as Shakespeare have done the same. Catherine can be a troublesome lead for a show. One can sometimes use the B word on her although she is always under the patriarchal system. It's a fine addition to these types of shows.
This continues the soaping up of the historical royal family with sex and murder. It is now a well established subgenre since The Tudors. As always, one must check your historian hat at the door. This is melodrama for popular consumption and literary giants such as Shakespeare have done the same. Catherine can be a troublesome lead for a show. One can sometimes use the B word on her although she is always under the patriarchal system. It's a fine addition to these types of shows.
Needs More Historical Accuracy
joewhalen724 October 2020
I have nothing against black actors and actresses, but using them in historical TV series where there were none in the actual events makes no sense. (That's about as logical as having a black actor play one of Hitler's SS.) Unfortunately, that's what this series does. What coming next, acceptance of gay or lesbian couples in an era when that would most likely have gotten such behavior not only condemned but resulted in execution?
Not accurate, but good
ethomen20 June 2019
There are so many historical inaccuracies in this, but it isn't badly done. It's on par with The White Queen and the White Princess, which also were loosely based on the true events. The show does state this at the end of every show.
Don't Expect Historical Accuracy From Starz
BeRightBack15 February 2020
Good but too woke
butterflygreen29 May 2021
This was a good drama to watch, interesting, great scenery, props, some good acting. It kept me entertained. I was a little saddened by the historical inaccuracies which seems so common in everything today. How easily we alter things to pander to the current woke trends. Henry was too unbelievable as a king, he seemed weak and unable to control the women in his life. It is good if you fancy loosing yourself in long skirts and fancifullness. But don't expect a true account of England's history. The series is based on a novel so you get what you expect.
More fiction than fact
msecour8 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoy historical dramas and am generally tolerant when warned that "some historical facts" have been altered for dramatic effect. HOWEVER, Prince Arthur was only 16 years old when he died 6 months after marrying Catherine. His younger brother (who would marry Catherine and become Henry VIII) was only 11 years old at this time. Portraying him as a randy young adult is a bit over the top. Production values were pretty good which is why I gave this four stars, but we won't be watching any more.
A great follow-up to The White Princess!
samdoan24 June 2019
When The White Princess ended, I just felt like I needed more and here we have an excellent follow-up to the amazing show.
Once again, the production in all three shows is absolutely astounding. I was so invested in the returning characters' storylines such as Margaret Beaufort, Lizzie Of York, Margaret Pole and Henry VII because it added much more depth to them. As for the new characters Catherine of Aragon was always a person I've been fascinated with ever since I watched The Tudors. Even if Charlotte Hope isn't a Spanish actress, she still delivers an amazing performance. My only gripe with the show is the love story between Lina and Oviedo. It just felt rather forced even if it did serve some great drama in later episodes.
What I love most about all three shows is the depiction of morally grey characters and it is so fascinating to watch because we are all so used to only "good and evil" characters. I cannot wait to see the continuation of Catherine's story in Season 2!
Once again, the production in all three shows is absolutely astounding. I was so invested in the returning characters' storylines such as Margaret Beaufort, Lizzie Of York, Margaret Pole and Henry VII because it added much more depth to them. As for the new characters Catherine of Aragon was always a person I've been fascinated with ever since I watched The Tudors. Even if Charlotte Hope isn't a Spanish actress, she still delivers an amazing performance. My only gripe with the show is the love story between Lina and Oviedo. It just felt rather forced even if it did serve some great drama in later episodes.
What I love most about all three shows is the depiction of morally grey characters and it is so fascinating to watch because we are all so used to only "good and evil" characters. I cannot wait to see the continuation of Catherine's story in Season 2!
Very entertaining
1930s_Time_Machine14 August 2022
Considering that she was not that interesting (To quote the famous slightly tongue-in-cheek 1933 film, The Private Life of Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon is of no particular interest), Starz have done a reasonable job at making an engaging story out of so little material.
This is a very watchable and exciting soap. Obviously it's not completely factual otherwise it would be very dull. The characters have been turned in 21st century people with relatable 21st century minds and feelings. If they were exactly as they were five hundred years ago, where nearly everything was attributed to God and where God was as present in their lives, stewarding all thoughts and actions and hopes, it would not make for particularly engrossing tv.
It's difficult sympathise with Henry's obsession with getting a son - this show gives it a go but doesn't quite manage it. To our 21st century minds he seems a heartless monster but in his mind, and many others, that's his job. God needs him to provide a son, a future king. It's only 25 years since the horrific civil war had ended and without a son to succeed him, Henry knows that his country will descend back into decades of mass slaughter. God had given him a task and he could not argue with God!
Charlotte Hope is excellent as the lead. Whether her feisty character, sexual allure or accent are accurate is anyone's guess but for this programme, it works perfectly.
Just for comparison with the other Philippa Gregory series: it's better than The White Princess but not as good as The White Queen...and obviously better The Other Boleyn Girl - I appreciate that history sometimes needs changing to make a more entertaining story (like with this) but that was just ridiculous.
This is a very watchable and exciting soap. Obviously it's not completely factual otherwise it would be very dull. The characters have been turned in 21st century people with relatable 21st century minds and feelings. If they were exactly as they were five hundred years ago, where nearly everything was attributed to God and where God was as present in their lives, stewarding all thoughts and actions and hopes, it would not make for particularly engrossing tv.
It's difficult sympathise with Henry's obsession with getting a son - this show gives it a go but doesn't quite manage it. To our 21st century minds he seems a heartless monster but in his mind, and many others, that's his job. God needs him to provide a son, a future king. It's only 25 years since the horrific civil war had ended and without a son to succeed him, Henry knows that his country will descend back into decades of mass slaughter. God had given him a task and he could not argue with God!
Charlotte Hope is excellent as the lead. Whether her feisty character, sexual allure or accent are accurate is anyone's guess but for this programme, it works perfectly.
Just for comparison with the other Philippa Gregory series: it's better than The White Princess but not as good as The White Queen...and obviously better The Other Boleyn Girl - I appreciate that history sometimes needs changing to make a more entertaining story (like with this) but that was just ridiculous.
It just keeps getting worse and worse
sftrojan7 July 2019
Historical timelines aside, from my history knowledge, the Tudor dynasty had enough drama without altering it to this ridiculous scale. I thought maybe the next episode would be better, but it continually goes from the trash bin to the garbage dump.
Not even good performances.
Watch at your own risk.
Will never match the previous two
Unknownian6 May 2019
I watched with an open mind, and hoping it would at least hold a candle to the previous two series: The White Queen, and The White Princess. It didn't. The characters were off beat from the preceding shows. When The White Princess followed the The White Queen, the director, and casting management really did a great job of finding actors that fit the roles of their predecessors. It was done so well, that I didn't even need to hear their name to know who everyone was in most cases.
This latest effort fails terribly in that department, as King Henry is a doofus, and his son is homely, I can't even look at him. The son of Henry should be attractive, as in the prior series the parents were extremely attractive. So, if the idea that the preordained Princess from Spain is semi attractive, and Prince Arthur is homely, is the opening premise for this show, and none of the characters seem to be the same character they were in the previous two series I liked, and the sets are a low budget version of its predecessors, then I will pass on this mess.
This latest effort fails terribly in that department, as King Henry is a doofus, and his son is homely, I can't even look at him. The son of Henry should be attractive, as in the prior series the parents were extremely attractive. So, if the idea that the preordained Princess from Spain is semi attractive, and Prince Arthur is homely, is the opening premise for this show, and none of the characters seem to be the same character they were in the previous two series I liked, and the sets are a low budget version of its predecessors, then I will pass on this mess.
Episode 1 - So far so good
pietclausen6 May 2019
Gregory no Mantel
gvgiordano23 May 2020
In the end it is the material you are working with and the skill of screenwriters that allow actors and directors to turn a story into a compelling screen piece. Unfortunately, whether it is the book or the screenwriting, this story has slipped in Starz's Tudor trilogy. Laura Carmichael and Harriet Walter give excellent performances and should receive their credit. Frankly, they carry the show. This third installment is more a romantic then historical fiction.
As others have pointed out Henry was 11 when Catherine came to court, not some love sick 16 year old. If you want the Catherine/Henry/Boleyn story, which I expect Season 2 to be, watch WolfHall for first rate historical fiction and acting.
As others have pointed out Henry was 11 when Catherine came to court, not some love sick 16 year old. If you want the Catherine/Henry/Boleyn story, which I expect Season 2 to be, watch WolfHall for first rate historical fiction and acting.
Very good series
dmsuxdfm10 May 2020
GOOD STORY AND CHARACTERS
asianaithylife6 May 2019
The Spanish Princess is based on actual history, depicting the relationship and origin of Catherine of Aragon and Henrry VIII. Honestly, I'd say this show was a great watch. Although there were some historical inaccuracies, overall the show did a great job in casting and moving the story along at a good pace so that viewers get the full experience and information about the time period.
Catherine is a really strong character and I admire that about her. I also really like the fact that this show goes on with the White Princess and the White Queen series. The costumes are stunning and The setting creates a good mood.
I'd say this show was great and really portrayed everything well. The struggles that the characters face kind of tie in with our time and really shows how the problems of the time have sort of survived for years and years. It's more relatable that way and I think that's what makes this show so intriguing.
Most things were good and I would definitely recommend to those who like a historical show that has tension, romance, greed, and political intrigue.
Catherine is a really strong character and I admire that about her. I also really like the fact that this show goes on with the White Princess and the White Queen series. The costumes are stunning and The setting creates a good mood.
I'd say this show was great and really portrayed everything well. The struggles that the characters face kind of tie in with our time and really shows how the problems of the time have sort of survived for years and years. It's more relatable that way and I think that's what makes this show so intriguing.
Most things were good and I would definitely recommend to those who like a historical show that has tension, romance, greed, and political intrigue.
Not historically accurate but entertaining.
rehana-s-kazi12 January 2021
Yes, there are several historical inaccuracies but makes for a good drama. The story is based on historical non-fiction so you can certainly look up the facts. I enjoy the characters. I like seeing Catherine's view point and her development as a character. She may be royalty but you can see her pain and struggle especially in the second season to provide an heir and try to live up to what everyone expects of her.
Not THAT bad but........yeah
fitzyboy7 October 2020
Can't argue with the negative reviews. However, after rewatching it for the third time and having left all expectations out the door I have come to enjoy it a lot more. Just don't expect anything from it and you won't be disappointed.
A poor end to what was otherwise an enthralling and Educatiing trilogy. Ruined by the current incessant need for historical revisionism.
ToneBalone606 December 2020
I thought this was the concluding story of the trilogy surrounding the war of the roses and the rise of the Tudours.
Unfortunately the pace of world events since the production of The White princess to this production has managed to leave its mark on the series.
Primarily we are bogged down by an unneccesary and distracting side story of a relationship between two fictional characters; a lady to the Princess and one of the Spanish Royal guards. I can only suppose this filling was needed because the writer couldn't find enough material on Catherine of Aragon or because the soap opera would be a bigger sales pull for book and TV.
Unfortunately as well as being widely inaccurate historically it is also delivered in a sloppy anachronistic manner where we are led to believe that the Spanish Court (Highly pious and strict Catholics) would behave like trollops and flirt & copulate with soldiers. Not to mention a practicing muslim who drinks alcohol in the Spanish Royal guard at the height of the Inquisition? Give me strength!
On top of this we have a slurry of xenophobic remarks about "silly little white English boys with red cheeks" They have clearly forgotten the long line of warrior Kings,Princes & Dukes that formed the backbone of the previous two productions and several centuries of English history.
Not a patch on the other two series and both boring and trite at best.
On top of this we have a slurry of xenophobic remarks about "silly little white English boys with red cheeks" They have clearly forgotten the long line of warrior Kings,Princes & Dukes that formed the backbone of the previous two productions and several centuries of English history.
Not a patch on the other two series and both boring and trite at best.
Nice, but..
athoynilima9 July 2020
I enjoyed the series. However, It was very awkward that you guys put SO MANY unnecessary naked scenes of physical relationships. Even in this 21st Century, directors wants to show naked actresses to attract viewers! This is so humiliating for Females, don't you think?
It's kept me entertained but I wouldn't be taking history notes.
ourelbi26 March 2023
I think we all know - and are told at the end of each episode - that liberties are taken to create a drama with this show. And, I get it. What sane person wants to watch what a couple of 15 year olds get up to on their wedding night? And then, watch a 16 year old girl "court" an 11 year old boy? No one. So, of course changes have to be made. But, I guess, maybe some stories should stay as documentaries, so the true story can be told - rather than weird re-tellings of a true story with made-ups thrown in everywhere and anywhere, eg. The Crown, and all the other Starz series depicting English royalty.
I've watched them all now and they're good for entertainment - if not quite annoying due to the incredibly far-fetched inaccuracies.
I've watched them all now and they're good for entertainment - if not quite annoying due to the incredibly far-fetched inaccuracies.
should have checked the reviews first
beraycayli-9922015 October 2019
If you know absolutely nothing of this era, this is your show. If you do, you must ignore the very obvious historical inconsistencies.
Honestly, why? They have the money. The history is very interesting on its own. I am so disappointed, Catherine of Aragon deserved better.
Honestly, why? They have the money. The history is very interesting on its own. I am so disappointed, Catherine of Aragon deserved better.
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