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Season 1 – Versailles

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Versailles Nov 2015 History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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77% Tomatometer 13 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
It's 1667 and 28-year-old King Louis XIV has finally taken over sole command of France. When he commissions Versailles, Europe's most beautiful palace, the nobles seek entry into the lavish residence, which they do not realize is meant to imprison and control them. Among the ruler's prime targets is his younger brother, Monsieur. There's also romance in King Louis' life, as his queen, Marie Theresa, tries to tame his wandering eyes and win his heart back from his mistress, the English king's sister. Love, power, betrayal and war are all part of daily life in Versailles.
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Versailles — Season 1

Versailles — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Versailles is decadent escapism with its flouting of obscene wealth, frilly pageantry, and juicy court intrigue -- effectively papering over the series' stiff performances.

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Critics Reviews

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Gabriel Tate The Times (UK) 03/24/2020
2/5
Versailles was neither smart enough to be serious nor dumb enough to be silly, and left a cast of unknowns flailing. Go to Full Review
Deborah Ross Daily Mail (UK) 08/31/2017
4/5
This is entertainment in the tradition of The Tudors except that it is well performed... Go to Full Review
Keith Uhlich The Hollywood Reporter 10/03/2016
The men especially, appear lost or out of place, declaiming thick exposition and venomous threats in Brit-accented English, all while wearing poorly tailored frills and laughable long wigs that suggest they're trying to unleash their inner Fabio. Go to Full Review
Natalia Marcos El Pais (Spain) 03/24/2020
Only the end invites us to continue to discover the immediate future of events that, if treated well, can lead to a great television story. We will have to wait. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Mark Sanderson The Arts Desk 03/24/2020
3/5
Versailles is a seductive series of meaningful/meaningless glances. Go to Full Review
Pat Stacey The Herald (Ireland) 10/17/2017
The performances range from hammy to insipidly limp, and a lot of the dialogue is risible. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Sharayah L 06/22/2024 for the most part, I really enjoyed the series in its entirety and thought the main cast did a good job of portraying their characters. the only thing I would comment on, is that they tried to take off on a lot of different angles and some just weren't very exciting and felt drawn out. but its likeable and watchable and has all the exciting elements that keep you watching until the end. I really liked how they tried to keep true to the history, for example they showed how people of color would have been treated via that times societies standards, and again quickly also showed them as in a kings position as to not offend anyone but it still was believable and was a smart way to handle that situation plus it explained part of the plot in an unique way that made sense. I think they did a good job with the show, and glad it was left at three seasons instead of drawing it out, and at an hour an episode still gives you just enough. I love shows like this, based on older time periods and they stylized it perfectly with a great environment and attention to detail especially the clothing reminiscent of that time. See more Neal G 05/05/2023 This is perhaps the best "costume drama" of all time. I loved the depiction of Louis as both visionary and beset with fraternal jealousy. Ubelievably interesting intrigue and strategy, that was way more sophisticated than the standard depiction of historical leaders. The portrayal of the espionage and the spy master somehow was able to mix cruelty with warmth. The depiction of Phillippe was taken out of the realm of cliche and into the realm of man with mixed intentions, noble and petty. Louis himself was characterized with sophistication and depth in a way no other period drama has ever acocmplished. The scenery at various chateaux in France was amazing, costuming phenomenal, filming staggering. The dance scenes were mostly interesting and seem to come from very old dances, perhaps from the time period. Compare this to the more recent Antoinette, Bridgerton, and Sanditon; all silly and trite with little depth, and you know why this is a very incredible costume drama. The Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth (TV Series) is a great production that deserves similar accolades. See more 08/15/2022 Probably my favorite show of all-time. Court intrigue, decadence, conversion. Like a historical Game of Thrones. They need to bring it back! #SaveVersailles See more 08/05/2022 The story started a little slow as it tried to catch viewers up on the history and background of Versailles. It got much better around episode 3 and 4, when we started learning about the characters. There are 3 characters I fell in love with and hoped would succeed, and the next two seasons did not fail in telling their stories. I really, unexpectedly, loved this show. See more 09/22/2021 I really believe this show is sadly underrated. It is stunningly shot, costumed, written and performed. George Blagden plays Louis XIV with a subdued strength, will and cunning that is often underestimated by his enemies and friends alike. The supporting cast also contributes stellar performances, with Alexander Valhos as the King's second-fiddle little brother the Duke of Orleans, Evan Williams as the grandiose and slavishly trendy Chevalier, and Tygh Runyan as the ruthless chief of security and "detective" Fabien particularly standing out. The show also portrays the struggle of women at the time, and how limited their life choices truly were. Intrigue, sex, beauty and gossip were the only means they had to achieve any sort of success in the halls of Versailles, and the actors cast all bring the dichotomy of desperation vs skill to life. Noemie Schmidt is a virtual mouse-that-roared as Henrietta, wife to the Duke of Orleans while simultaneously mistress to the King and sister to Charles II of England. While outwardly quiet and meek, she has an inner fire and intellect that rivaled any of Louis's pompous advisors. Anna Brewster as Anthenais de Monstepan, yet another of Louis famous mistresses, is captivating as a social animal who has clawed her way to the position of "Queen of Versailles". Lizzie Bouchre is a character who had broken the "mirrored" ceiling of Versailles as it were-- a woman who dares to be a doctor in a time when her passion for scientific method could easily have her burned as a witch, but yet she perseveres. And then there is Jessica Clark as The Princess Palatine, the Duke's second wife and participant in a purely political marriage. Originally from now modern-day Germany, she is a breath of fresh air and comedic relief as the down-to-earth, funny huntswoman who compassionately accepts her husband's attraction to men and earns Louis's friendship and ear in political matters. Needless to say, I absolutely adore this show and am still brokenhearted that it didn't find its audience. For those seeking a Masterpiece Theater type of historical drama, this isn't for you. It is quite sexual and violent-- but then again, so was Versailles. But for those who ate The Tudors and The Borgias for breakfast, this will not disappoint. See more 01/26/2021 Loved it. The series was incredible drama by itself, but it made my husband and I read about the history to find out what was fact and fiction. The costumes, settings and actors were magnificent. See more Read all reviews
Versailles — Season 1

My Rating

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Nov 16, 2015 Welcome to Versailles At age 28, Louis XIV leaves Paris for Versailles to build a magnificent palace. Details Episode 2 Aired Nov 16, 2015 I Am the State Louis lauches the Grande Enquete to check the legitimacy of the nobles' titles; Louis' sibling rivalry with Philippe takes a nasty turn. Details Episode 3 Aired Nov 23, 2015 Mirror for Princes Louis welcomes the African Prince Annaba. Details Episode 4 Aired Nov 23, 2015 The Road Louise de Valliere is out shined at court by the Marchioness of Montespan. Details Episode 5 Aired Nov 30, 2015 Bow to Your King The king invites noble families to Versailles to celebrate the peace treaty. Details Episode 6 Aired Nov 30, 2015 Invalides The soldiers at Versailles revolt; the Duke of Cassel heads to the palace. Details Episode 7 Aired Dec 7, 2015 Revelations With Louis laid low by a major fever, those conspiring against him grow in strength and confidence while Philippe is caught in the middle, as are medic Masson and his daughter Claudine. Details Episode 8 Aired Dec 7, 2015 Diplomacy Chevalier receives a visit to ensure that he will not name his fellow conspirators. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 14, 2015 Etiquette The traitor strikes in the palace prison, Henriette has a rocky reunion with her brother, Charles II of England, while Béatrice risks a rendezvous with Marchal. Diplomacy and duplicity dominate the drama's penultimate episode. Details Episode 10 Aired Dec 14, 2015 Bring the Garden Here Henriette's health deteriorates; the poisoning theory is confirmed; he Palace is locked down; Claudine gives her all to save her patient. Details
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Season Info

Director
Jalil Lespert, Christoph Schrewe, Thomas Vincent
Network
CANALPL
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Nov 16, 2015