What is The Winter King about?

The Winter King is a British television series that delves into the realm of historical fiction by offering a gritty, realistic retelling of the Arthurian legends. Set against the backdrop of a Post-Roman Dark Age Britain, the narrative unfolds during a time of political upheaval and external threat from Saxon invaders. The protagonist, Arthur Pendragon, played by Iain De Caestecker, is an illegitimate son of the late King Uther who has been banished from the kingdom. Returning to Britain, Arthur finds himself in the midst of chaos, with the realm's stability hanging by a thread. In his quest to restore peace and protect the throne, now occupied by a child-king, Arthur seeks the support of his closest and most capable confidantes. Among them is Derfel Cadarn, a former Saxon warrior turned disciple, played by Stuart Campbell, and Nimue, a mysterious pagan priestess, portrayed by Ellie James. These characters, along with others, form a complex web of relationships that guide Arthur's journey towards leadership and his attempt to unite a fractured nation. The Winter King, while fictional, is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of British mythology and showcases the grim reality of the era it depicts, a stark contrast to the often glamorized versions of King Arthur's tale. Premiering on MGM+ in the United States and ITVX in the United Kingdom, the series brings Bernard Cornwell's acclaimed trilogy, The Warlord Chronicles, to the small screen with a blend of historical accuracy, epic storytelling, and intricate character development.

The first episode of The Winter King aired on December 21, 2023 and the most recent episode to air was on December 27, 2023.