Knightfall

Knightfall follows the hidden life of the Knights Templar, a militant monastic order that operates in the shadow of kings and popes. The story centers on Landry de Lauzon, a battle-hardened Templar whose faith and leadership are tested as enemies gather around the order. We see the contrast between prayer and steel, with claustrophobic chapter houses, bloody battlefields and cutthroat court politics shaping every decision. The series leans into moral ambiguity, showing how loyalty, ambition and religious duty collide when the men sworn to protect sacred treasures face schemes that threaten their very existence.

Premiering in 2017, Knightfall was created by Don Handfield and Richard Rayner for the History channel. Its production aimed for authentic period detail, with elaborate costume work, staged combat and cinematic scope to evoke medieval Europe on a television budget.

Critics were mixed, often applauding the show for its production values and the visceral fight sequences while calling out pacing issues and uneven character development. Viewers who stuck with it tended to respond well to the central performances and the way the series frames themes of faith under pressure, institutional corruption, personal honor and the cost of power.

Though it wasn’t a major ratings phenomenon, Knightfall renewed casual interest in the myths and mysteries surrounding the Templars, prompting online discussions, fan theories and historical debates. Its visual approach to knightly life and grisly combat left an impression on genre fans, and some later medieval dramas borrowed similar staging and tonal elements.

The series didn’t collect major industry awards, but it found a steady audience on streaming platforms and home media. Tom Cullen’s turn as Landry was singled out by many viewers, and the show developed a dedicated fanbase that kept conversations about its historical inspirations and dramatic choices alive after the original broadcast.