King & Conqueror
Updated: 5/24/2026, 7:26:58 PM Wikipedia source
King & Conqueror is a 2025 historical drama miniseries created by Michael Robert Johnson that premiered on 24 August 2025 on BBC One. It stars James Norton as Harold Godwinson and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William, Duke of Normandy, and depicts a fictionalised version of events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England. The series has received praise for its acting performances and criticism for pacing and historical inaccuracies.
Infobox
Genre
Historical drama
Created by
Michael Robert Johnson
Written by
Michael Robert Johnson David Mar Stefansson Sam Hoare Rachel Kilfeather
Directed by
Baltasar Kormákur Bálint Szentgyörgyi Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Erik Leijonborg
Starring
James Norton Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Emily Beecham Clémence Poésy Geoff Bell Clare Holman Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson Elliot Cowan Luther Ford Bo Bragason Bjarne Henriksen Jean-Marc Barr Léo Legrand Juliet Stevenson Eddie Marsan Oliver Masucci
Music by
Högni Egilsson
Countries of origin
United Kingdom United States
Original language
English
No. of series
1
No. of episodes
8
Executive producers
Kitty Kaletsky James Norton Robert Taylor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Michael Robert Johnson Lindsey Martin Dave Clarke Richard Halliwell Ed Clarke Magnús Viðar Sigurðsson Baltasar Kormákur
Producer
Robert Jones
Editor
Sigurður Eyþórsson
Production companies
BBC Studios CBS Studios Rabbit Track Pictures The Development Partnership RVK Studios Shepherd Content
Network
BBC One (UK) Amazon Prime Video (US)
Release
24 August (2025-08-24) – 5 October 2025 (2025-10-05)
Tables
· Episodes
1
1
No.
1
Title
"Invitation"
Directed by
Baltasar Kormákur
Written by
Michael Robert Johnson
Original release date
24 August 2025 (2025-08-24)
UK viewers
(millions)
3
In 11th-century England, after a decade of civil war, peace has been achieved between the earldoms of Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria. In Normandy, William is at war with Guy of Brionne. Despite the reservations of King Henry, William leaves to attend the coronation of his cousin Edward in England. Harold Godwinson finds evidence that the Mercians
In 11th-century England, after a decade of civil war, peace has been achieved between the earldoms of Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria. In Normandy, William is at war with Guy of Brionne. Despite the reservations of King Henry, William leaves to attend the coronation of his cousin Edward in England. Harold Godwinson finds evidence that the Mercians
No.
In 11th-century England, after a decade of civil war, peace has been achieved between the earldoms of Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria. In Normandy, William is at war with Guy of Brionne. Despite the reservations of King Henry, William leaves to attend the coronation of his cousin Edward in England. Harold Godwinson finds evidence that the Mercians
2
2
No.
2
Title
"The Sins of the Father"
Directed by
Bálint Szentgyörgyi
Written by
Michael Robert Johnson
Original release date
25 August 2025 (2025-08-25)
UK viewers
(millions)
2
Harold's mother Gytha learns that Edith is pregnant but implores her to keep it a secret to not burden Harold. Godwin and his sons are summoned before Edward, who declares them guilty of breaking the peace. Threatened with exile, Godwin agrees to give up his land and titles, and Emma informs him that her actions were to avenge the death of Aethel,
Harold's mother Gytha learns that Edith is pregnant but implores her to keep it a secret to not burden Harold. Godwin and his sons are summoned before Edward, who declares them guilty of breaking the peace. Threatened with exile, Godwin agrees to give up his land and titles, and Emma informs him that her actions were to avenge the death of Aethel,
No.
Harold's mother Gytha learns that Edith is pregnant but implores her to keep it a secret to not burden Harold. Godwin and his sons are summoned before Edward, who declares them guilty of breaking the peace. Threatened with exile, Godwin agrees to give up his land and titles, and Emma informs him that her actions were to avenge the death of Aethel,
3
3
No.
3
Title
"Brothers"
Directed by
Bálint Szentgyörgyi
Written by
Michael Robert Johnson & David Mar Stefansson
Original release date
31 August 2025 (2025-08-31)
UK viewers
(millions)
2
Having settled in Flanders, Harold plans to return to England and rescue Edith. Godwin approves of Harold's plan but forces his youngest son, Tostig, to remain in Flanders while his eldest, Sweyn, takes command. Matilda learns from her cousin Judith that Baldwin has been in contact with Henry. Godwin and Baldwin later agree to allow Tostig and Judi
Having settled in Flanders, Harold plans to return to England and rescue Edith. Godwin approves of Harold's plan but forces his youngest son, Tostig, to remain in Flanders while his eldest, Sweyn, takes command. Matilda learns from her cousin Judith that Baldwin has been in contact with Henry. Godwin and Baldwin later agree to allow Tostig and Judi
No.
Having settled in Flanders, Harold plans to return to England and rescue Edith. Godwin approves of Harold's plan but forces his youngest son, Tostig, to remain in Flanders while his eldest, Sweyn, takes command. Matilda learns from her cousin Judith that Baldwin has been in contact with Henry. Godwin and Baldwin later agree to allow Tostig and Judi
4
4
No.
4
Title
"So Be It"
Directed by
Bálint Szentgyörgyi
Written by
Sam Hoare
Original release date
7 September 2025 (2025-09-07)
UK viewers
(millions)
2
The earls of England invade London, but Harold spares Edward so he can father an heir. Harold then frees Edith and meets his newborn daughter. During Tostig and Judith's wedding, Harold ignores Godwin's wishes and makes Tostig the Earl of Northumbria following news of Siward's death, inciting further resentment from Sweyn, who was promised the titl
The earls of England invade London, but Harold spares Edward so he can father an heir. Harold then frees Edith and meets his newborn daughter. During Tostig and Judith's wedding, Harold ignores Godwin's wishes and makes Tostig the Earl of Northumbria following news of Siward's death, inciting further resentment from Sweyn, who was promised the titl
No.
The earls of England invade London, but Harold spares Edward so he can father an heir. Harold then frees Edith and meets his newborn daughter. During Tostig and Judith's wedding, Harold ignores Godwin's wishes and makes Tostig the Earl of Northumbria following news of Siward's death, inciting further resentment from Sweyn, who was promised the titl
5
5
No.
5
Title
"The Beast in the Mirror"
Directed by
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Written by
Michael Robert Johnson
Original release date
14 September 2025 (2025-09-14)
UK viewers
(millions)
TBA
Harold sends his ally Thane Thomas to apprehend Sweyn, who had fled to France. Harold and Edith head to Normandy to inform William of his appointment as Edward's successor but are captured by the Baron of Brittany's men. William frees them, and Harold rescues William's injured advisor Fitzosbern. Harold proposes that he and William share control of
Harold sends his ally Thane Thomas to apprehend Sweyn, who had fled to France. Harold and Edith head to Normandy to inform William of his appointment as Edward's successor but are captured by the Baron of Brittany's men. William frees them, and Harold rescues William's injured advisor Fitzosbern. Harold proposes that he and William share control of
No.
Harold sends his ally Thane Thomas to apprehend Sweyn, who had fled to France. Harold and Edith head to Normandy to inform William of his appointment as Edward's successor but are captured by the Baron of Brittany's men. William frees them, and Harold rescues William's injured advisor Fitzosbern. Harold proposes that he and William share control of
6
6
No.
6
Title
"Damage"
Directed by
Erik Leijonborg
Written by
Rachel Kilfeather
Original release date
21 September 2025 (2025-09-21)
UK viewers
(millions)
TBA
Harold visits a bedridden Edward, who declares with his dying words that England will soon be set ablaze. Harold and Gunhild falsely claim that Edward renounced William as his successor and named Harold in his place. They plan to make the king's death public after securing Morcar and Tostig's support. Fearing that Harold will have manipulated Edwar
Harold visits a bedridden Edward, who declares with his dying words that England will soon be set ablaze. Harold and Gunhild falsely claim that Edward renounced William as his successor and named Harold in his place. They plan to make the king's death public after securing Morcar and Tostig's support. Fearing that Harold will have manipulated Edwar
No.
Harold visits a bedridden Edward, who declares with his dying words that England will soon be set ablaze. Harold and Gunhild falsely claim that Edward renounced William as his successor and named Harold in his place. They plan to make the king's death public after securing Morcar and Tostig's support. Fearing that Harold will have manipulated Edwar
7
7
No.
7
Title
"Cost of War"
Directed by
Erik Leijonborg
Written by
David Mar Stefansson
Original release date
28 September 2025 (2025-09-28)
UK viewers
(millions)
TBA
Harold leads his army north toward York to face Hardrada's Viking forces. He encounters a defeated Morcar, who warns him that Tostig is advising Hardrada. Edith plans to flee England with her children, believing that Harold cannot survive invasions from both the north and the south. Harold's men ambush Hardrada's Vikings at Stamford Bridge. In the
Harold leads his army north toward York to face Hardrada's Viking forces. He encounters a defeated Morcar, who warns him that Tostig is advising Hardrada. Edith plans to flee England with her children, believing that Harold cannot survive invasions from both the north and the south. Harold's men ambush Hardrada's Vikings at Stamford Bridge. In the
No.
Harold leads his army north toward York to face Hardrada's Viking forces. He encounters a defeated Morcar, who warns him that Tostig is advising Hardrada. Edith plans to flee England with her children, believing that Harold cannot survive invasions from both the north and the south. Harold's men ambush Hardrada's Vikings at Stamford Bridge. In the
8
8
No.
8
Title
"The Hand of God"
Directed by
Erik Leijonborg
Written by
Michael Robert Johnson
Original release date
5 October 2025 (2025-10-05)
UK viewers
(millions)
TBA
William arrives on the shores of England and burns down several villages to draw out Harold. Baldwin warns Matilda that, should William die, he is prepared to seize Normandy. Harold returns to London, where Edith refuses to continue supporting him, and Gytha berates him for failing to protect Tostig. Harold heads to face William, who sends Odo to g
William arrives on the shores of England and burns down several villages to draw out Harold. Baldwin warns Matilda that, should William die, he is prepared to seize Normandy. Harold returns to London, where Edith refuses to continue supporting him, and Gytha berates him for failing to protect Tostig. Harold heads to face William, who sends Odo to g
No.
William arrives on the shores of England and burns down several villages to draw out Harold. Baldwin warns Matilda that, should William die, he is prepared to seize Normandy. Harold returns to London, where Edith refuses to continue supporting him, and Gytha berates him for failing to protect Tostig. Harold heads to face William, who sends Odo to g
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | UK viewers (millions) | |
| 1 | "Invitation" | Baltasar Kormákur | Michael Robert Johnson | 24 August 2025 (2025-08-24) | 3 | |
| In 11th-century England, after a decade of civil war, peace has been achieved between the earldoms of Wessex, Mercia, and Northumbria. In Normandy, William is at war with Guy of Brionne. Despite the reservations of King Henry, William leaves to attend the coronation of his cousin Edward in England. Harold Godwinson finds evidence that the Mercians | ||||||
| 2 | "The Sins of the Father" | Bálint Szentgyörgyi | Michael Robert Johnson | 25 August 2025 (2025-08-25) | 2 | |
| Harold's mother Gytha learns that Edith is pregnant but implores her to keep it a secret to not burden Harold. Godwin and his sons are summoned before Edward, who declares them guilty of breaking the peace. Threatened with exile, Godwin agrees to give up his land and titles, and Emma informs him that her actions were to avenge the death of Aethel, | ||||||
| 3 | "Brothers" | Bálint Szentgyörgyi | Michael Robert Johnson & David Mar Stefansson | 31 August 2025 (2025-08-31) | 2 | |
| Having settled in Flanders, Harold plans to return to England and rescue Edith. Godwin approves of Harold's plan but forces his youngest son, Tostig, to remain in Flanders while his eldest, Sweyn, takes command. Matilda learns from her cousin Judith that Baldwin has been in contact with Henry. Godwin and Baldwin later agree to allow Tostig and Judi | ||||||
| 4 | "So Be It" | Bálint Szentgyörgyi | Sam Hoare | 7 September 2025 (2025-09-07) | 2 | |
| The earls of England invade London, but Harold spares Edward so he can father an heir. Harold then frees Edith and meets his newborn daughter. During Tostig and Judith's wedding, Harold ignores Godwin's wishes and makes Tostig the Earl of Northumbria following news of Siward's death, inciting further resentment from Sweyn, who was promised the titl | ||||||
| 5 | "The Beast in the Mirror" | Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | Michael Robert Johnson | 14 September 2025 (2025-09-14) | TBA | |
| Harold sends his ally Thane Thomas to apprehend Sweyn, who had fled to France. Harold and Edith head to Normandy to inform William of his appointment as Edward's successor but are captured by the Baron of Brittany's men. William frees them, and Harold rescues William's injured advisor Fitzosbern. Harold proposes that he and William share control of | ||||||
| 6 | "Damage" | Erik Leijonborg | Rachel Kilfeather | 21 September 2025 (2025-09-21) | TBA | |
| Harold visits a bedridden Edward, who declares with his dying words that England will soon be set ablaze. Harold and Gunhild falsely claim that Edward renounced William as his successor and named Harold in his place. They plan to make the king's death public after securing Morcar and Tostig's support. Fearing that Harold will have manipulated Edwar | ||||||
| 7 | "Cost of War" | Erik Leijonborg | David Mar Stefansson | 28 September 2025 (2025-09-28) | TBA | |
| Harold leads his army north toward York to face Hardrada's Viking forces. He encounters a defeated Morcar, who warns him that Tostig is advising Hardrada. Edith plans to flee England with her children, believing that Harold cannot survive invasions from both the north and the south. Harold's men ambush Hardrada's Vikings at Stamford Bridge. In the | ||||||
| 8 | "The Hand of God" | Erik Leijonborg | Michael Robert Johnson | 5 October 2025 (2025-10-05) | TBA | |
| William arrives on the shores of England and burns down several villages to draw out Harold. Baldwin warns Matilda that, should William die, he is prepared to seize Normandy. Harold returns to London, where Edith refuses to continue supporting him, and Gytha berates him for failing to protect Tostig. Harold heads to face William, who sends Odo to g | ||||||
References
- Deadline Hollywoodhttps://deadline.com/2023/11/james-norton-nikolaj-coster-waldau-cast-cbs-studios-series-king-and-conqueror-1235639955/
- The Hollywood Reporterhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/nikolaj-coster-waldau-king-and-conqueror-james-norton-1235680774/
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2024/tv/global/king-amp-conqueror-james-norton-nikolaj-coster-waldau-rabbit-track-1236230785/
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2024/tv/global/clemence-poesy-emily-beecham-king-and-conqueror-1235930352/
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2024/tv/global/king-conqueror-cast-the-crown-luther-ford-game-of-thrones-joseph-mawle-1235944408/
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2024/tv/global/ingvar-sigurdsson-joseph-mawle-king-and-conqueror-1236072080/
- The Hollywood Reporterhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/elander-moore-indy-lewis-jason-forbes-king-conqueror-bbc-cbs-1235948567/
- Colliderhttps://collider.com/king-and-conqueror-filming-update/
- SBS What's Onhttps://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/article/epic-drama-king-conqueror-everything-you-need-to-know/zois5l915
- BBC Media Centrehttps://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2023/king-and-conqueror-james-norton-nikolaj-coster-waldau
- BBC Media Centrehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/king-and-conqueror-further-casting/
- Screen Global Productionhttps://www.kftv.com/news/2023/12/01/king-and-conqueror-filming-in-iceland
- Iceland Reviewhttps://www.icelandreview.com/news/baltasars-new-series-recreates-battle-of-hastings-in-iceland/
- Time Out United Kingdomhttps://www.timeout.com/uk/news/king-conqueror-filming-locations-cast-and-trailer-for-bbc-historic-drama-082425
- Digital Spyhttps://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a61597421/james-norton-new-bbc-period-drama-cast/
- King and Conquerorhttps://deadline.com/2025/08/james-norton-broke-collarbone-king-and-conqueror-1236490568/
- King & Conquerorhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/king-conqueror-release-date-confirmed
- King & Conquerorhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/king-conqueror-trailer-released-james-norton-and-nikolaj-coster-waldau
- King & Conquerorhttps://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/king-conqueror-series-check-out-what-we-know-about-cast-plot-episode-count-production-team-and-filming/articleshow/108246254.cms
- Deadline Hollywoodhttps://deadline.com/2025/08/king-and-conqueror-james-norton-deals-prime-video-hbo-max-1236477604/