Overview

• The eight-part drama about Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy premiered 24 August on BBC One, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.
• Viewers reported unclear dialogue and volatile volume levels, with many resorting to subtitles and some saying they stopped watching within minutes.
• Critics highlighted extremely dark cinematography that obscures action and noted a limited sense of scale compared with larger-screen epics.
• Audience complaints also targeted anachronistic dialogue and perceived historical liberties, even as some praised the cast and first episode.
• The production was filmed in Iceland with intensive stunt work, and James Norton serves as star and executive producer alongside Nikolaj Coster‑Waldau.