Elizabeth I

Synopsis

Elizabeth I is a two-part 2005 British historical drama television miniseries directed by Tom Hooper, written by Nigel Williams, and starring Helen Mirren as Elizabeth I of England. The miniseries covers approximately the last 24 years of her nearly 45-year reign. Part 1 focuses on the final years of her relationship with the Earl of Leicester, played by Jeremy Irons. Part 2 focuses on her subsequent relationship with the Earl of Essex, played by Hugh Dancy. The series originally was broadcast in the United Kingdom in two two-hour segments on Channel 4. It later aired on HBO in the United States, CBC and TMN in Canada, ATV in Hong Kong, ABC in Australia, and TVNZ Television One in New Zealand. The series went on to win Emmy, Peabody, and Golden Globe Awards. The same year, Helen Mirren starred as Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen, with which she dominated the award season.

First Air Date: 2005-09-29

Last Air Date: 2005-10-06

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 2

Networks: Channel 4

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Douglas Reith as Judge
Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth I
Jeremy Irons as Earl of Leicester
Hugh Dancy as Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex
Ben Pullen as Sir Walter Raleigh
Simon Woods as Gifford
Charlotte Asprey as Frances Walsingham
Diana Kent as Lady Essex
Geoffrey Streatfeild as Sir Anthony Babington
Martin Savage as Stubbs

Seasons

Season 1 (2005)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Part 1 (2005-09-29)

Focuses on the relationship between Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester, her admirer and trusted advisor. They agree they cannot marry because of strategy and politics, but Leicester remains on intimate terms with her and her advisor. He feels threatened by the Queen's interest in the Duke of Anjou as a suitor and does what he can to disrupt the courtship. The Queen also has to deal with threats posed by Mary Queen of Scots, culminating in the latter's execution after involvement in plots against Elizabeth, as well as war with Spain. There is victory over the Armada and Spanish threat, but Elizabeth's joy at this is overshadowed by the death of Leicester.
Ep. 2: Part 2 (2005-10-06)

Deals with the final part of Elizabeth's reign and her relationship with the young and ambitious Earl of Essex. Her obvious affection for him causes concern to Walsingham, Cecil and Burghley, and as Essex becomes increasingly demanding, disobedient and ambitious, Elizabeth ultimately has to deal with him as a potential threat to her throne and position.