The White Queen

Set during the Wars of the Roses, The White Queen follows the women who shape and survive a brutal contest for England's crown. The story centers on Elizabeth Woodville, a widow of modest birth whose marriage into the Yorkist royal family upends court politics, and on rival figures like Margaret Beaufort and Jacquetta of Luxembourg, whose alliances, schemes, and loyalties determine their fates. Rather than focusing on battlefield triumphs, the series shows how marriages, motherhood, and reputation become weapons and shields. Political maneuvering, personal ambition, and the costs of power play out through intimate scenes and public confrontations, with each woman trying to secure security and legacy for herself and her children.

The show premiered in 2013, adapted from Philippa Gregory's historical novels and produced for television by a UK-US partnership that brought its period detail and ensemble cast to screens.

It attracted some award attention, particularly for its costume and production values, and received nominations across television craft categories in various ceremonies, reflecting the strength of its period design and technical work.

The series helped raise the profiles of several cast members, notably Rebecca Ferguson and Max Irons, who went on to bigger film and TV roles. Its visuals and wardrobes were often highlighted in press and fan conversations, and it contributed to a renewed appetite for female-centered retellings of English history on television.

Critical and audience response was mixed to positive, reflected in a 7.3 average from viewer ratings. Reviewers praised the performances and the look of the series, while some noted its brisk pacing and occasional historical liberties. Major themes include the intersection of gender and power, how social rank shapes opportunity, and the personal toll of political life, with the show favoring character-driven conflict over grand battle sequences.