The White Queen (2013)
A lavish BBC historical drama following the fierce women who fought, loved, and schemed for England's crown during the Wars of the Roses.
The White Queen - Series Information
- Original Title: The White Queen
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 16, 2013 (United States - TV-MA), June 16, 2013 (Canada - 14+), June 16, 2013 (United Kingdom - 15), June 16, 2013 (Germany - 16), June 16, 2013 (France - 18), June 16, 2013 (Australia - MA 15+), June 16, 2013 (Brazil - 16), June 16, 2013 (Mexico - AA), June 16, 2013 (Spain - 18), June 16, 2013 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: 白皇后 (CN), מלכה לבנה (IL), Biała Królowa (PL)
- Production Companies: Playground Entertainment, Company Pictures, BBC Drama Productions
- Production Countries: Belgium, United Kingdom, France, United States of America
The White Queen - Plot
Set against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, the series is the story of the women caught up in the protracted conflict for the throne of England.
The White Queen - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and step into the treacherous world of 15th-century England:
Where to Watch The White Queen
Looking for where to watch The White Queen?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The White Queen - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Rebecca Ferguson
- Max Irons
- Amanda Hale
- Janet McTeer
- James Frain
- Tom McKay
- Faye Marsay
- Juliet Aubrey
- Aneurin Barnard
- Caroline Goodall
Writers
- Emma Frost
- Malcolm Campbell
- Nicole Taylor
- Lisa McGee
Executive Producers
- Polly Hill
- Colin Callender
- Philippa Gregory
- Eurydice Gysel
- John Griffin
The White Queen - FAQs
Is The White Queen based on a true story?
The White Queen is rooted in real history. It adapts Philippa Gregory's bestselling novels, which draw on documented events from the Wars of the Roses in 15th-century England. While the core figures — Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville — were real, Gregory weaves fictional drama and mysticism into their stories.
Who plays Elizabeth Woodville in The White Queen?
Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson plays Elizabeth Woodville, the commoner who secretly marries King Edward IV and becomes Queen of England. The role was a major breakthrough for Ferguson, earning her widespread critical praise and launching her into international stardom ahead of films like Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation.
Where can you stream The White Queen?
The White Queen is available to stream on Starz, Philo, and Spectrum On Demand. You can also watch it through the Starz Amazon Channel, Starz Apple TV Channel, or Starz Roku Premium Channel. Prefer to own it? Episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Is The White Queen worth watching?
For fans of lavish historical drama, absolutely. The White Queen delivers sumptuous period detail, complex female characters, and a gripping portrait of political survival. Rebecca Ferguson's commanding performance as Elizabeth Woodville anchors the series, and the shifting alliances of the Wars of the Roses keep the tension alive across all ten episodes.
What are the Wars of the Roses in The White Queen?
The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars fought in 15th-century England between the Houses of York and Lancaster for control of the English throne. The White Queen dramatizes this conflict through the eyes of the women at its center, including queens, countesses, and political survivors who wielded remarkable influence behind the scenes.
How many episodes does The White Queen have?
The White Queen ran for a single season of ten episodes, originally airing on BBC One in 2013. Structured as a miniseries, it tells a complete, self-contained story — making it an ideal binge watch for viewers who prefer a definitive beginning, middle, and end without an open-ended commitment.
Did The White Queen win any awards?
The White Queen earned several nominations across major awards circuits. It received BAFTA nominations and Golden Globe recognition, with particular praise directed at Rebecca Ferguson's lead performance and the series' production design. The show's costume and set design were especially celebrated for their historical authenticity and visual richness.
What shows are similar to The White Queen?
If The White Queen captivated you, try The White Princess (2017), which continues the story into the next generation, or Wolf Hall (2015) for another prestige BBC Tudor drama. The Tudors, Reign, and The Spanish Princess also offer compelling royal intrigue, while The Crown brings the same female-driven political drama into the modern era.
More About The White Queen
Explore further details about The White Queen on these authoritative resources: