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The BBC Television Shakespeare

TV series

The BBC Television Shakespeare

6/ 10· 619781 season · 37 episodes
DramaComedy

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.

Created by
Cedric Messina

Seasons and episodes

1 season · 37 episodes

Ended
1

Season 1

37 episodesDecember 3, 1978
Open season page
  1. S1 E1

    Romeo & Juliet

    Dec 3, 1978168 min

    Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes a pair of star-cross'd lovers ta

  2. S1 E2

    King Richard the Second

    Dec 10, 1978157 min

    Richard II, who ascended the throne as a child, is a regal and stately monarch. He believes he is the rightful ruler of England, ordained by God, yet he is a weak and ineffective king - wasteful in his spending habits, unwise in his choice

  3. S1 E3

    As You Like It

    Dec 17, 1978150 min

    Orlando is forced to work like a servant for his brother Oliver, so he goes to win his fortune in a wrestling contest, where he meets a lady of the court, Rosalind (daughter of the deposed duke), who is companion to Celia, niece of the depo

  4. S1 E4

    Julius Caesar

    Feb 11, 1979161 min

    Marcus Brutus is Caesar's close friend and a Roman praetor. Brutus allows himself to be cajoled into joining a group of conspiring senators because of a growing suspicion — implanted by Caius Cassius — that Caesar intends to turn republican

  5. S1 E5

    Measure for Measure

    Feb 18, 1979145 min

    When the Duke of Vienna takes a mysterious leave of absence and leaves the strict Angelo in charge, things couldn't be worse for Claudio, who is sentenced to death for fornication. His sister, Isabella (a nun-in-training), however, is a ver

  6. S1 E6

    The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight

    Feb 25, 1979165 min

    Henry is a proud monarch who flies in the face of the church in seeking to divorce Queen Katherine and marry Anne Bullen. As Cardinal Wolsey, the powerful Lord Chancellor of England, attempts to bend Rome to the King's wishes, the court rev

Starring

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The BBC Television Shakespeare?
The BBC Television Shakespeare is not currently listed on a streaming service in the US. Use the country picker on the page to check other markets.
How many seasons of The BBC Television Shakespeare are there?
The BBC Television Shakespeare has 1 season and 37 episodes. Status: Ended.
Will there be a new season of The BBC Television Shakespeare?
The BBC Television Shakespeare has ended; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on April 27, 1985.
Who stars in The BBC Television Shakespeare?
The BBC Television Shakespeare stars Jon Finch, Michael Hordern, David Gwillim, Helen Mirren, John Gielgud.

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