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Celebrity hosts guide viewers through William Shakespeare's plays in performance. Each episode serves as a primer for newcomers to Shakespeare while serving up enough historical and theatrical insights to enchant lifelong fans.
Seasons
Episode 1
Much Ado About Nothing with Helen Hunt
53m
Helen Hunt explores how “Much Ado About Nothing” became one of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies.
Episode 2
The Merchant of Venice with F. Murray Abraham
53m
F. Murray Abraham untangles the controversies surrounding “The Merchant of Venice,” addressing the ubiquitous anti-Semitism that characterized Europe in Shakespeare’s time.
Episode 3
Measure for Measure With Romola Garai
53m
Romola Garai explores “Measure for Measure,” one of Shakespeare's most provocative plays. It presents a surprisingly timely drama of sexual morality, hypocrisy and harassment.
Episode 4
Julius Caesar with Brian Cox
53m
Brian Cox looks at Shakespeare's most revered political play, “Julius Caesar,” to analyze what can be learned about freedom and tyranny today.
Episode 5
The Winter's Tale with Simon Russell Beale
53m
Simon Russell Beale uncovers the romance and betrayals of "The Winter's Tale" and shows that in this play Shakespeare offers something for which everyone longs: the ability to make amends for an irreversible mistake.
Episode 6Latest episode
Richard III with Antony Sher
53m
Antony Sher unveils the life of Shakespeare's "Richard III," comparing the historical king's reputation with the play's enduring portrait of ruthless ambition and vengeance.
