MOVIE NEWS – Drawing on cutting-edge forensic evidence, new research and surviving artefacts, the series returns to one of Britain’s bloodiest dynasties and the executions that defined the Tudor era. The six-part documentary series How the Tudors Lost Their Heads premieres on the National Geographic channel on September 6.

How did Anne Boleyn, Mary, Queen of Scots, Perkin Warbeck and their contemporaries live and lose their lives? Where does the truth end and legend begin when it comes to the circumstances of their executions? Did these iconic historical figures bring about their own downfall, or were they victims of ruthless power struggles? A forensic re-examination of six notorious Tudor-era executions also casts the human stories of one of history’s most controversial periods in a new light. Each episode begins immediately before the moment of execution, as the headsman’s axe is poised to fall or the rope is about to tighten. The story then freezes, and historians Dan Snow and Professor Suzannah Lipscomb step back in time to uncover the chain of events.

Travelling across Europe, Snow and Lipscomb investigate letters, paintings, official records, archaeological discoveries, buildings and archives. Each episode focuses on one Tudor-era historical figure, including Anne Boleyn, Mary Stuart and the pretender Perkin Warbeck. The series exposes the web of ambition, betrayal, propaganda and political intrigue that ultimately sealed each of their fates.

“The Tudors have always fascinated us—not only because of their power and splendour, but because court life could be every bit as dangerous as it was luxurious. In this series, Suzannah and I take a fresh look at the evidence and ask whether these extraordinary executions were inevitable tragedies, political necessities or something far more deliberately engineered. This is history at its most human, dramatic and brutal,” Snow said.

Lipscomb said: “Making How the Tudors Lost Their Heads was a wonderful experience. I have studied the Tudors for years, but this series gave me the opportunity to dig deeper into very human flaws, vendettas, unshakeable faith and dark political manoeuvring. Along the way, I changed my mind about several of the period’s most remarkable figures. It was fascinating to discover new twists and forgotten evidence that brought this era into sharp focus.”

Matt Taylor, Vice President of Content, Creative and Marketing for National Geographic EMEA, said that How the Tudors Lost Their Heads “perfectly reflects National Geographic’s commitment to telling extraordinary true stories through world-class filmmaking. We are delighted to bring the series to National Geographic audiences, offering a compelling new perspective on the ambitions, power struggles and personal tragedies that defined the Tudor age.”

The series was produced by History Hit and Little Dot Studios for National Geographic.

“By combining National Geographic’s unrivalled reputation for bringing history to life with History Hit’s ability to reach and engage a global audience through expert-led content, we are delighted to be working together again. This time, on a series that re-examines the story of one of Britain’s most fascinating dynasties,” added Bill Locke, Director of Programming at History Hit.

Episodes

Mary, Queen of Scots – premiere: September 6, 2026 at 9 p.m. on National Geographic

For centuries, Mary, Queen of Scots has been portrayed as impulsive and self-destructive—but is that judgement accurate and supported by the evidence? Historians gradually reveal the picture of a courageous ruler who did not shrink from confrontation or the attacks directed at her, and who skilfully navigated a complex political landscape until the very end.

Perkin Warbeck – premiere: September 6, 2026 at 10 p.m. on National Geographic

In 1491, a young man claimed nothing less than that he was the Duke of York and heir to the English throne. Backed by several powerful figures across Europe, he posed a genuine threat to Henry VII. Who was Perkin Warbeck really: England’s rightful ruler or one of history’s most convincing impostors?

Anne Boleyn – premiere: September 13, 2026 at 9 p.m. on National Geographic

Anne Boleyn was executed for adultery and treason, and many accused her of destroying Henry VIII’s first marriage and plunging the country into religious upheaval. Yet after examining contemporary documents, historians Suzannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow uncover a very different personality: a wise woman of great intellectual and moral stature who helped transform England and deserves respect rather than condemnation from posterity.

The Earl of Essex: The Fall of a Favourite – premiere: September 20, 2026 at 9 p.m. on National Geographic

Robert Devereux, the charismatic and handsome Earl of Essex, may have stood too close to Elizabeth I. To the queen he was a true man and a war hero who supported her struggle against the Spanish Armada, yet twelve years later he was executed for rebellion. How did Robert Devereux become Elizabeth’s confidant, and why did he fall from favour so suddenly?

John Dudley: The Cursed Duke – premiere: September 27, 2026 at 9 p.m. on National Geographic

Known as the “cursed duke,” John Dudley masterfully navigated the political networks of the Tudor court, and his talent quickly made him Edward VI’s principal supporter. But when he tried to place his own stepdaughter, Lady Jane Grey, on the throne, a succession crisis erupted—one that first raised Dudley to the heights of power and then brought about his complete destruction.

Margaret Pole: The Last Plantagenet – premiere: October 4, 2026 at 9 p.m. on National Geographic

Born of royal blood, Margaret Pole lost her rank and fortune as a child, yet over time she fought her way into a position of power almost without precedent for a woman in Tudor England. That ascent may have proved fatal, as she became caught in the conflict between the Catholic Church and an increasingly paranoid king.

Source: Noguchi