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Season guide

The Tudors: Season 1

10 episodes Premiered Apr 1, 2007 Updated Jul 20, 2026

The first season of The Tudors introduces a dramatized portrait of the early reign of King Henry VIII of England. Created by Michael Hirst, the series follows the young, vibrant monarch, portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, as he confronts the political and personal pressures of his throne. Central to the season’s narrative is Henry’s desperation for a male heir, which leads him to distance himself from his wife, Que

Season overview

The first season of The Tudors introduces a dramatized portrait of the early reign of King Henry VIII of England. Created by Michael Hirst, the series follows the young, vibrant monarch, portrayed by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, as he confronts the political and personal pressures of his throne. Central to the season’s narrative is Henry’s desperation for a male heir, which leads him to distance himself from his wife, Queen Katherine of Aragon, and to pursue the charismatic Anne Boleyn. The storyline also examines the tension between the king and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, whose allegiance to the Catholic Church and the Pope creates a strain in their relationship. The series is described as a history‑based drama that depicts the king’s competitive and lust

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Episodes

S1·E1

In Cold Blood

Apr 1, 2007 · 56 min

Henry prepares for war with France but receives cautious counsel from the powerful Cardinal Wolsey, who urges a treaty; the king learns that his queen's lady-in-waiting Elizabeth B

S1·E2

Simply Henry

Apr 8, 2007 · 55 min

Henry contemplates an alliance with Holy Roman Emperor Charles V of Spain despite his "Field of Cloth of Gold" ceremony celebrating allegiance to France, and executes a rival; Eliz

S1·E3

Wolsey, Wolsey, Wolsey!

Apr 15, 2007 · 53 min

A visit from Charles V forces Henry to conceal his growing disaffection from Queen Katherine, who is the influential Spanish monarch's aunt - even as Henry comes face-to-face with

S1·E4

His Majesty, The King

Apr 22, 2007 · 57 min

As a reward for his denunciation of Martin Luther, the Pope christens Henry “Defender of the Faith,” but a brush with death causes the king to seek a solution to his lack of an hei

S1·E5

Arise, My Lord

Apr 29, 2007 · 54 min

Henry is shocked when he learns that his ally, Emperor Charles V of Spain, has released France's King Francis I from prison. He's equally surprised when Anne Boleyn turns him down

S1·E6

True Love

May 6, 2007 · 56 min

As King Henry gains in confidence, his displeasure with the way the Catholic church handles his request for an annulment of his marriage to Katherine of Aragon grows. As a result,

S1·E7

Message to the Emperor

May 13, 2007 · 55 min

England's population is suffering, both from a lack of food and from a lethal plague called 'The Sweats'. As a result, King Henry feels depressed and not his usual, confident self.

S1·E8

Truth and Justice

May 20, 2007 · 54 min

A papal envoy has come to discuss the annulment of the King's marriage to Katherine of Aragon, as requested by the King. The outcome of these discussions will determine Cardinal Wo

S1·E9

Look to God First

May 27, 2007 · 49 min

Cardinal Wolsey's fall is quick and pitiless. Stripped of office and authority, he is banished from the court and sent far from his much-beloved King. His unlikely successor is Sir

S1·E10

The Death of Wolsey

Jun 3, 2007 · 53 min

Cardinal Wolsey is down but not yet out. Although exiled, he tries to gather last-minute support from his old enemy, Queen Katherine. She hesitantly agrees to his plan, as she find