Academy Award and BAFTA winner Julianne Moore (Still Alice) and Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue) are positively throbbing with royal ambition in this scintillating drama about a mother and son rising (and riling) up the ranks of high society in 17th-century England.

Inspired by the non-fiction book The King’s Assassin by Benjamin Woolley, the seven-part series lifts the veil on the inner circle of King James I (Tony Curran, Mayflies) and the bold schemes concocted by minor nobles Mary and son George to usurp those within it.

With her finances dwindling and rumours about the legitimacy of her origins swirling, Mary Villiers (Moore) seems set on a path to ruin, or worse – social exclusion! But rather than wallow in self-pity, Mary devises a plan to reverse her fortunes and win the admiration of royal society. Quite contrary indeed!

She engineers an opportunity for her son George (Galitzine) to become a cupbearer at a royal feast, knowing his beauty will undoubtedly catch the king’s eye.

The plan works, and mother and son are accepted into the upper echelons of English nobility. But their admittance is just the beginning, as Mary intends to not only curry favour with high-ranking royals, but become one in all but name.

Yet with England on the brink of war with Spain and other members of the nobility playing games of their own, Mary must ensure George stays on target by any means necessary – be they political or via bloodshed.

It’s progressive, it’s provocative and it has a huge and impressive supporting cast including Niamh Algar (The Wonder), Nicola Walker (Unforgotten), Trine Dyrholm (A Royal Affair) and Sean Gilder (Sherwood). Don’t miss Mary & George on Tuesday 5 March at 9pm on Sky Showcase HD (CH 109).  

Before you bow down and tune in, we’ve scratched our crown-topped heads and ruffled our bejewelled collars to bestow upon you TV’s Top Ten Kings And Queens. Click on each portrait to learn more, including where to watch.

When is Mary & George on TV?

Mary & George begins on Tuesday 5 March at 9pm on Sky Showcase HD (CH 109). All seven episodes will also be available to watch in shiny ultra HD in On Demand from the same date.