Series synopsis
King & Conqueror is a British drama action & adventure television series that premiered on BBC One on August 24, 2025. It ended on October 5, 2025. It was created by Michael Robert Johnson. It stars James Norton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Emily Beecham and Clémence Poésy.
The story of a clash that defined the future of a country and a continent for a thousand years. Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. These two former allies with no design on the British throne found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown.
Premise
The story of a clash that defined the future of a country and a continent for a thousand years. Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. These two former allies with no design on the British throne found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- James Norton as Harold Godwinson
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William of Normandy
- Emily Beecham as Edith Swanneck
- Clémence Poésy as Matilda of Normandy
- Jason Forbes as Thane Thomas
Guest cast
- Léo Legrand as Odo of Bayeux
- Indy Lewis as Margaret
- Geoff Bell as Godwin
- Clare Holman as Gytha
- Ingvar E. Sigurðsson as Fitzosbern
- Elliot Cowan as Sweyn
- Luther Ford as Tostig
- Bo Bragason as Queen Gunhild
- Bjarne Henriksen as Earl Siward
- Jean-Marc Barr as King Henry of France
- Juliet Stevenson as Emma
- Eddie Marsan as King Edward
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 8 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 8 | August 24, 2025 | October 5, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Invitation Harold of Wessex warns his father, Earl Godwin, of a rival's treachery – but he is ignored. |
August 24, 2025 |
| 2 |
The Sins of the Father Threatened by those in power in France and England, William and Harold each face grave danger, their families in peril. Refuge in Flanders offers hope for new mother Matilda, while vengeful Lady Emma hounds the Godwins. |
August 25, 2025 |
| 3 |
Brothers Harold risks returning to Wessex for his wife, while William plots against Henry in France as home truths compromise family ties. |
August 31, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | August 24, 2025 |
| Last aired | October 5, 2025 |
| Status | ended |