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The Best Episodes of The Hollow Crown

Every episode of The Hollow Crown ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Hollow Crown!

A series of British television films featuring William Shakespeare's History Plays.
Genres:DramaHistory
Network:BBC Two

Best Episodes Summary

"Richard III" is the best rated episode of "The Hollow Crown". It scored 8.5/10 based on 692 votes. Directed by Dominic Cooke and written by Ben Power, it aired on 5/21/2016. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Henry V".

  • Richard III
    8.5/10692 votes
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    #1 - Richard III

    Season 2 Episode 3 - Aired 5/21/2016

    Evil Richard plots his path to rule and layers that path with bodies of friend and foe alike.

    Director: Dominic Cooke

    Writer: Ben Power

  • Henry V
    8.2/101,288 votes
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    #2 - Henry V

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 7/21/2012

    Henry V has settled onto the throne and has the makings of a fine king when the French ambassador brings a challenge from the Dauphin. Inspired by his courtiers Exeter and York, Henry swears that he will, with all force, answer this challenge. The chorus tells of England's preparations for war and Henry's army sails for France. After Exeter's diplomacy is rebuffed by the French king, Henry lays a heavy siege and captures Harfleur. The French now take Henry's claims seriously and challenge the English army to battle at Agincourt.

    Director: Thea Sharrock

    Writer: Ben Power, Thea Sharrock

  • Richard II
    8.1/101,864 votes
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    #3 - Richard II

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 6/30/2012

    King Richard is called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. Richard calls for a duel but then halts it just before swords clash. Both men are banished from the realm. Richard visits John of Gaunt, Bolingbroke's father, who, in the throes of death, reprimands the king. After seizing Gaunt's money and land, Richard leaves for wars against the rebels in Ireland. Bolingbroke returns to claim back his inheritance. Supported by his allies, Northumberland and the Duke of York, Bolingbroke takes Richard prisoner and lays claim to the throne.

    Director: Rupert Goold

    Writer: Ben Power, Rupert Goold

  • Henry IV (1)
    8.1/101,534 votes
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    #4 - Henry IV (1)

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 7/7/2012

    The heir to the throne, Prince Hal, defies his father, King Henry, by spending his time at Mistress Quickly's tavern in the company of the dissolute Falstaff and his companions. The King is threatened by a rebellion led by Hal's rival, Hotspur, his father Northumberland and his uncle Worcester. In the face of this danger to the state, Prince Hal joins his father to defeat the rebels at the Battle of Shrewsbury and kill Hotspur in single combat.

    Director: Richard Eyre

    Writer: Richard Eyre

  • Henry VI (2)
    8.1/10598 votes
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    #5 - Henry VI (2)

    Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 5/14/2016

    Plantagenet and the Yorkists ride to London to claim the throne.

    Director: Dominic Cooke

    Writer: Ben Power

  • Henry IV (2)
    7.9/101,154 votes
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    #6 - Henry IV (2)

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 7/14/2012

    In the aftermath of the Battle of Shrewsbury, Northumberland learns of the death of his son. The Lord Chief Justice attempts on behalf of the increasingly frail King to separate Falstaff from Prince Hal. The rebels continue to plot insurrection. Falstaff is sent to recruit soldiers and takes his leave of his mistress, Doll Tearsheet. The rebel forces are overcome. This brings comfort to the dying king, who is finally reconciled to his son. Falstaff rushes to Hal's coronation with expectations of high office.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Henry VI (1)
    7.7/10653 votes
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    #7 - Henry VI (1)

    Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 5/7/2016

    Against the backdrop of wars in France, the English nobility quarrel.

    Director: Dominic Cooke

    Writer: Ben Power, Dominic Cooke