Overview
- Viewers criticized the BBC One series for using contemporary phrases they say feel out of place in its 11th‑century setting, with some calling it an “expensive flop.”
- James Norton, who plays Harold and serves as an executive producer, defended the approach by saying writers must interpret gaps in conflicting historical accounts to create drama.
- The Independent issued a two-star review and noted the show’s “almost unwatchably dark” look, while The Telegraph and The Guardian published similarly negative assessments.
- The production was shot entirely in Iceland, combining studio-built sets near Reykjavík with natural locations such as Heiðmörk Nature Reserve and a Hvalfjörður farm used for large battle scenes.
- HELLO! reported the battle shoot involved more than 180 extras and at least 50 horses, and filming ran from March to July 2024, with weekly broadcasts on BBC One and all episodes on iPlayer.