A sumptuous and scandalous period drama has found a new home on Amazon Prime Video just in time for the festive season, offering viewers the perfect escape during the long winter nights. The series 'Versailles', which originally aired on BBC Two starting in 2015, has captivated a dedicated fanbase and is now available for streaming.
A Reign of Power, Passion, and Intrigue
The drama plunges viewers into the opulent and treacherous world of the French court in 1667. A 28-year-old King Louis XIV, portrayed by George Blagden, is finally in sole command of his kingdom. The show, which also stars Alexander Vlahos, weaves a tale of absolute power, betrayal, love, lust, and declarations of war, as courtiers endlessly vie for the monarch's favour.
It has been praised for its broad appeal, attracting history enthusiasts and the LGBTQ+ community alike with its inclusive and often steamy narratives. The Los Angeles Times notably dubbed it 'the best show you probably never watched', with critic Lorraine Ali recounting how she was instantly hooked after discovering its first season.
Critical Acclaim and Lavish Production
Despite concluding in 2018 after three series, Versailles maintains a passionate following. Fans on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes have heaped praise on the production, with one calling it 'perhaps the best costume drama of all time' and another comparing its court intrigue to a 'historical Game of Thrones'.
The show was a major financial undertaking, with an estimated production cost of £21 million. This budget is evident in its stunning cinematography, elaborate costumes, and grand sets. However, its notoriety also stemmed from its explicit content. The second season featured approximately 30 X-rated scenes across ten episodes, leading many to label it the raunchiest series ever broadcast by the BBC.
Why Did Versailles End?
The drama was ultimately axed after its third series. A source speaking to The Sun suggested that while the BBC's initial acquisition from French network Canal Plus was a bold move, the frequent nudity and explicit material may have contributed to declining viewership. Ratings reportedly fell to around one million viewers in the UK, with a similar trend observed in France.
The narrative conclusion also played a part, with the third series seeing Louis XIV achieve his goal of absolute power, providing a natural endpoint. As one fan passionately pleaded online: 'They need to bring it back! #SaveVersailles.'
For those yet to experience its brutal glory, the entire saga of power, betrayal, and regal romps is now waiting to be binge-watched on Amazon Prime Video.
