Series synopsis
The Pillars of the Earth is an American drama television series that premiered on STARZ on July 23, 2010. It ended on August 27, 2010. It was created by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan. It stars Robert Bathurst, Donald Sutherland, Matthew Macfadyen and Rufus Sewell.
A sweeping epic of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty, a sensuous, spirited story set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles in 12th Century England.
Premise
A sweeping epic of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty, a sensuous, spirited story set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles in 12th Century England.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Robert Bathurst as Percy Hamleigh
- Donald Sutherland as Earl Bartholomew
- Matthew Macfadyen as Prior Phillip
- Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder
- Ian McShane as Waleran Bigod
- Eddie Redmayne as Jack Jackson
- Natalia Wörner as Ellen
- Hayley Atwell as Aliena
Supporting cast
- David Oakes as William Hamleigh
- Tony Curran as King Stephen
- Alison Pill as Maud
- Sarah Parish as Regan Hamleigh
- Liam Garrigan as Alfred Builder
- Götz Otto as Walter
- Sam Claflin as Richard
- Jody Halse
- Anatole Taubman as Remigius
- Skye Bennett as Young Martha
- John Pielmeier as Cuthbert
- Matt Devere
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 8 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 8 | July 23, 2010 | August 27, 2010 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Anarchy The succession to the crown of England is in doubt and causes King Henry’s daughter and nephew to compete for the throne. The Hamleigh family’s hope for an advantageous marriage for their son William falls apart. Tom Builder and his family search for work and encounter Ellen and her mysterious son Jack. Church politics see Philip, a monk, elected the new prior, which leaves him indebted to Deacon Waleran. |
July 23, 2010 |
| 2 |
Master Builder A fire destroys Kingsbridge church, giving Tom, son Alfred and stepson Jack the chance to build a new cathedral. Prior Philip learns the power of politics when he gets caught between Bishop Waleran and the Hamleighs’ quest for Shiring Castle. Kingsbridge is rocked by the accusation of Ellen being a witch. William takes Aliena and Richard by surprise in a brutal attack. Aliena makes a promise to her father. |
July 23, 2010 |
| 3 |
Redemption Aliena protests her father’s imprisonment. Prior Philip and William find themselves in a standoff over access to stone in the Shiring quarry. Jack’s artistic talents take hold as he begins to carve a statue to honor the cathedral relic. King Stephen visits the cathedral work-site, but collapses in a fit of terror. Aliena starts a fleece business to help earn money for Richard’s chance to become a knight. |
July 30, 2010 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | STARZ |
|---|---|
| First aired | July 23, 2010 |
| Last aired | August 27, 2010 |
| Status | Ended |
| Schedule | Friday at 22:00:00 |