Season 3
As we start the third season, Henry is 27 years into his reign. He is at the height of his political power, but he's beset by difficulties – both personal and professional.
On the political front, the ever-vulnerable Tudor dynasty comes under threat from within. In the north of England, a make-shift army of "Pilgrims of Grace" rise in revolt at the severity of the Reformation.
In suppressing the revolution, Henry displays all his complexity as a ruler - willing to listen but fearless to ruthlessly extinguish dissent.
This period also sees the rise and dramatic fall of Sir Thomas Cromwell (James Frain), Architect of the Reformation.
As if such preoccupations weren't enough, he has grown increasingly weary of his tumultuous personal life, but finds some solace and newfound happiness with third wife Jane Seymour (Annabelle Wallis, who replaces Anita Briem in the role).
A woman with inner beauty and noble character whom he clearly loves and who has a moderating effect on his excesses; she clearly changes him for the better.
But, while her influence is welcomed by her new husband, her Catholic background causes disquiet and discomfort to Cromwell.
Cromwell is Henry's most senior courtier and the ruthless driving force behind the English Reformation that aims to confiscate the moral authority and worldly goods of the Catholic Church.
The pitiless destruction of the monasteries and confiscation of their assets stirs the indignation of the English peasants, among them Robert Aske (Gerard McSorley), an attorney from the city of York in the northern part of the country.
Michael Hirst is the series creator, writer and executive producer. Ben Silverman of Reveille and Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title also executive produce. The series was produced by TM Productions and co-financed by Showtime and Peace Arch Entertainment Group, Inc.