The BBC Television Shakespeare (1978)
The BBC's landmark attempt to bring all 37 Shakespeare plays to television, broadcast across seven series from 1978 to 1985.
The BBC Television Shakespeare - Series Information
- Original Title: The BBC Television Shakespeare
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 1985
- Created by: Cedric Messina
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 37
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: BBC Television Shakespeare (UK)
The BBC Television Shakespeare - Plot
The BBC Television Shakespeare is a series of British television adaptations of the plays of William Shakespeare, created by Cedric Messina and produced by BBC Television. It was transmitted in the UK from 3 December 1978 to 27 April 1985 and spanned seven series. Development of the series began in 1975 when Messina saw that Glamis Castle would make a perfect location for an adaptation of Shakespeare's play As You Like It. On returning to London, he envisioned an entire series devoted exclusively to the dramatic works of Shakespeare. After encountering numerous problems trying to produce the series, Messina eventually pitched the idea to the BBC's departmental heads and the series was greenlighted. The series as a whole received generally negative reviews from critics.
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The BBC Television Shakespeare - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Cedric Messina
The BBC Television Shakespeare - FAQs
What inspired the creation of The BBC Television Shakespeare?
Producer Cedric Messina was visiting Glamis Castle when he realised it would make a perfect backdrop for As You Like It. That moment sparked a grander ambition: a complete television cycle of every Shakespeare play. He pitched the concept to BBC executives in the mid-1970s, and the series was greenlit after considerable development work.
Does The BBC Television Shakespeare cover every Shakespeare play?
Yes — the series set out to adapt all 37 plays in the Shakespeare canon, and it achieved that goal across seven series broadcast between 1978 and 1985. It remains one of the most ambitious television undertakings in British broadcasting history, covering tragedies, comedies, and histories alike.
Where can you watch The BBC Television Shakespeare?
Streaming availability for The BBC Television Shakespeare varies by region. Many of the individual productions have been released on DVD and Blu-ray. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, as digital availability can differ significantly between markets.
How was The BBC Television Shakespeare received by critics?
Critical reception was largely negative throughout the series' run. Reviewers frequently cited overly cautious, studio-bound productions that failed to translate the energy of live theatre to the screen. Some individual entries earned praise, but the consensus held that the project prioritised completeness over creative ambition.
Who created The BBC Television Shakespeare?
The series was conceived and created by Cedric Messina, a veteran BBC television producer. Messina developed the project from 1975 onwards, navigating significant institutional hurdles before securing the BBC's commitment to adapt the complete works of Shakespeare across a multi-year broadcast run.
How many episodes does The BBC Television Shakespeare have?
The series comprises 37 episodes — one for each play in the Shakespeare canon. Broadcast across seven series from December 1978 to April 1985, the productions range from the major tragedies such as Hamlet and King Lear to lesser-staged comedies and histories rarely seen on screen.
Is The BBC Television Shakespeare based on original works?
Every episode is a direct adaptation of a Shakespeare play, making the entire series derivative of one of the most celebrated bodies of dramatic literature in the English language. No original screenplays were commissioned; the project's stated mission was faithful television rendition of the existing texts.
What are some similar anthology series to watch?
Fans of literary or theatrical anthology television might enjoy Great Performances (1971), a long-running PBS series with a similar prestige-drama mandate, or Slings & Arrows (2003), a witty Canadian drama set inside a Shakespeare festival. Faerie Tale Theatre (1982) and Tales of the Unexpected (1979) offer further classic anthology viewing.
More About The BBC Television Shakespeare
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.