The Tudors on Showtime Story of King Henry VIII

Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Legendary Monarch of English Renaissance Era

May 22, 2009

Showtime's The Tudors is a lavishly filmed historic drama of the story of English monarch King Henry VIII who changed religion and married six wives during his reign.

The Tudors on Showtime Cable Television has concluded their third season, but the series has been renewed for their fourth and final season according to a press stated from Showtime. The Tudors is the lavishly filmed period drama of the era of English King Henry VIII (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), known as the Renaissance.

King Henry VIII and Renaissance Historically Significant

King Henry VIII and the Renaissance are historically significant, largely because of the sweeping changes in religion while he was the monarch of England. It was when King Henry wanted to divorce his first wife Katherine of Aragon, so he could marry Anne Boleyn that the king pulled away from the Catholic Church because they would not grant an annulment to his wife of 21 years.

The Tudors has so far covered the stories of four of King Henry VIII’s wives. As season three concluded, the king was at Oatlands with Katherine Howard, who would become wife number five.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers portrays King Henry VIII in The Tudors, which makes the king look better that he actually was. The king was reportedly a handsome prince in his younger days, but a leg injury caused him to cut back on athletics and he had a fondness for food to the point of being gluttonous. The king was obese and probably not nearly as attractive as actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

The king indulged in his own appetites and desires. He had a cruel streak and often turned on his wives and advisers. In the season three finale he coldly annulled his marriage to Anne of Cleves and started a relationship with Catherine Howard.

Lord Cromwell, who had been his close advisor, was the person who arranged King Henry’s marriage to Anne of Cleves (Joss Stone), so the king was displeased with Thomas Cromwell (James Frain). Cromwell had enemies among the king’s advisors and they took their opportunity to get rid of him by accusing him of treason, which resulted in his execution by beheading.

King Henry VIII was married six times. When the series returns for the fourth season he will be with his fifth wife, Catherine Howard. For a historical perspective following are the six wives of King Henry VIII

Six Wives of King Henry VIII

Catherine of Aragon was married to King Henry VIII from 1509 to 1533, when the marriage was annulled. Catherine of Aragon and King Henry had a daughter, Mary.

Anne Boleyn was married to King Henry VIII from 1533 until 1536, when she was accused of treason and beheaded. Anne Boleyn had promised the king a son but succeeded only in bearing a girl, Elizabeth.

Jane Seymour was married to King Henry VIII from 1536 and died after childbirth in 537. Jane Seymour bore the king his much desired male heir, Edward, and was considered his ideal wife.

Anne of Cleves and King Henry VIII were married in 1540 and the marriage was annulled the same year. The marriage was never consummated, as the king found her unattractive. They became good friends and she as treated as an honorary sister.

Catherine Howard and King Henry VIII were wed in 1540. Howard was executed by beheading in 1542 for treason, (adultery).

Catherine Parr and King Henry VIII married in 1543. The marriage lasted until 1547, when the king died.

Cast of The Tudors Season Three

The Tudors airs on Showtime on Sunday nights. Episodes are also available on On Demand Cable.

The copyright of the article The Tudors on Showtime Story of King Henry VIII in Prime Time Dramas is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish The Tudors on Showtime Story of King Henry VIII in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.