8.0
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The BBC Television Shakespeare fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Spectacle4
- Violence3
Heart
Nostalgic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia8
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
Humor
Plenty of sharp wit
- Wit & Wordplay9
- Dark Humor4
- Situational Comedy3
World
History, family, and politics
- Dialogue Centrality10
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout dialogue, performances, and characters
- Dialogue Quality10
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The BBC Television Shakespeare is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay9Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, family, and politics
Its world is built around history, family, and politics.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Fantasy5Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Class & Capitalism5Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout dialogue, performances, and characters
The dialogue, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality10Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference10Allusions to other works.
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality10Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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| Episode 1 | Episode 1 not rated | Episode 1 not rated | ||
| Episode 2 | Episode 2 not rated | |||
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| Episode 5 | Episode 5 not rated | |||
| Episode 6 |
About
The BBC Television Shakespeare is a series of British television adaptations of the plays of William Shakespeare, created by Cedric Messina and produced by BBC Television. It was transmitted in the UK from 3 December 1978 to 27 April 1985 and spanned seven series. Development of the series began in 1975 when Messina saw that Glamis Castle would make a perfect location for an adaptation of Shakespeare's play As You Like It. On returning to London, he envisioned an entire series devoted exclusively to the dramatic works of Shakespeare. After encountering numerous problems trying to produce the series, Messina eventually pitched the idea to the BBC’s departmental heads and the series was greenlighted. The series as a whole received generally negative reviews from critics.
Definitive Shakespeare AdaptationTheatrical RealismLiterary HeritageDialogue-Driven DramaEducational MilestoneClassic British TVCharacter Study FocusHistorical Epic
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The BBC Television Shakespeare
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The BBC Television Shakespeare worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The BBC Television Shakespeare rated?
ViolenceSexual content
Content advisories: violence and sexual content.
How many seasons does The BBC Television Shakespeare have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 37 episodes.
When did The BBC Television Shakespeare air?
S1
It ran from 1978 to 1985 and has ended.
What language is The BBC Television Shakespeare in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The BBC Television Shakespeare?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The BBC Television Shakespeare in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.