War and Peace (2016)

Andrew Davies's sweeping BBC adaptation of Tolstoy's masterpiece, bringing Napoleon's Russia to vivid life for a new generation of viewers.

War and Peace - Series Information

  • Original Title: War and Peace
  • First Air Year: 2016
  • Last Air Year: 2016
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 6
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • First Air Date: January 3, 2016 (United States — NR), January 3, 2016 (Germany — 12), January 3, 2016 (France — 12), January 3, 2016 (India — U), January 3, 2016 (Brazil — 14), January 3, 2016 (Spain — 13), January 3, 2016 (South Korea — 15)
  • Networks: BBC One
  • Alternative Titles: Guerra & Paz (AR), Guerra & Paz (MX), Война и мир (RU)
  • Production Companies: BBC Worldwide, The Weinstein Company, Lookout Point, BBC Cymru Wales
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America

War and Peace - Plot

The love story of young Countess Natasha Rostova and Count Pierre Bezukhov is interwoven with the Great Patriotic War of 1812 against Napoleon's invading army.

War and Peace - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see the epic world of Tolstoy's Russia come to life:

Brought to life for a new generation.

Where to Watch War and Peace

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War and Peace - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Paul Dano
  • Lily James
  • James Norton
  • Gillian Anderson
  • Olivia Ross
  • Jessie Buckley
  • Aneurin Barnard
  • Greta Scacchi
  • Aisling Loftus
  • Tom Burke

Writers

  • Andrew Davies

Executive Producers

  • Harvey Weinstein
  • Bethan Jones
  • Andrew Davies
  • Robert Walak
  • Simon Vaughan

War and Peace - FAQs

Is War and Peace based on a true story?

War and Peace is based on Leo Tolstoy's landmark 1869 novel of the same name. While the story is fictional, it is set against the very real backdrop of Napoleon Bonaparte's 1812 invasion of Russia, and several historical figures — including Napoleon and General Kutuzov — appear as characters.

Where can you stream War and Peace (2016)?

War and Peace (2016) is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock Premium in the United States. It can also be rented or purchased on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads.

Who are the main actors in War and Peace?

The principal cast includes Paul Dano as Pierre Bezukhov, Lily James as Natasha Rostova, and James Norton as Andrei Bolkonsky. Supporting roles are filled by Gillian Anderson, Jessie Buckley, Aneurin Barnard, Tom Burke, Greta Scacchi, Tuppence Middleton, Brian Cox, and Jack Lowden.

How many episodes does War and Peace (2016) have?

The 2016 BBC adaptation of War and Peace consists of six episodes, presented as a single miniseries season. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes, making the complete series roughly four and a half hours — a remarkably compact retelling of Tolstoy's sprawling 1,200-page novel.

Who wrote the BBC War and Peace adaptation?

The six-part miniseries was written by Andrew Davies, one of Britain's most celebrated television screenwriters, known for his acclaimed adaptations of classic literature including Pride and Prejudice, House of Cards, and Middlemarch. Davies also served as an executive producer on the production.

How was War and Peace (2016) received by critics?

The series earned strong critical praise for its lavish production design, George Steel's sweeping cinematography, and the performances of Paul Dano and Lily James. Reviewers highlighted Andrew Davies's accessible screenplay and Martin Phipps's evocative score, with many calling it one of the finest British period dramas in years.

What is the content rating for War and Peace (2016)?

War and Peace (2016) carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains depictions of warfare, period-appropriate violence, mature romantic storylines, and themes of loss, making it best suited for teenage and adult audiences.

What are shows similar to War and Peace (2016)?

Viewers who enjoyed War and Peace (2016) may also appreciate The Tudors, a sweeping historical drama set in Tudor England, as well as Rebellion, SS-GB, and Dickensian. For more lavish BBC period adaptations, Downton Abbey and Poldark offer comparable production values and ensemble storytelling.

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