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The Best Episodes of The Tudors Season 1

Every episode of The Tudors Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Tudors Season 1!

Binge this in 9h 2m•Peaking at 8.1/10

The Tudors is a history-based drama series following the young, vibrant King Henry VIII, a competitive and lustful monarch who navigates the intrigues of the English court and the human heart with equal vigor and

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Tudors Season 1 Episode 10 - The Death of Wolsey
    8.1/10(1045 votes)

    S1:E10

    Cardinal Wolsey is down but not yet out. Although exiled, he tries to gather last-minute support from his old enemy, Queen Katherine. She hesitantly agrees to his plan, as she finds herself in a situation similar to that of the fallen Cardinal. But their plot is intercepted by the King's new advisors and Wolsey must pay the ultimate price.

    Director:Ciarán Donnelly
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  2. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 8 - Truth and Justice
    7.8/10(991 votes)

    S1:E8

    A papal envoy has come to discuss the annulment of the King's marriage to Katherine of Aragon, as requested by the King. The outcome of these discussions will determine Cardinal Wolsey's future career as well as the King's romance with Anne Boleyn. These discussions will also influence the nature of the relationship between England and Rome.

    Director:Alison Maclean
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  3. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 4 - His Majesty, The King
    7.7/10(1175 votes)

    S1:E4

    As a reward for his denunciation of Martin Luther, the Pope christens Henry “Defender of the Faith,” but a brush with death causes the king to seek a solution to his lack of an heir. Princess Margaret marries the decrepit King of Portugal reluctantly, but the union is short-lived; Henry's desire for Anne Boleyn intensifies when Anne goes home to her family estate.

    Director:Steve Shill
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  4. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 7 - Message to the Emperor
    7.7/10(1017 votes)

    S1:E7

    England's population is suffering, both from a lack of food and from a lethal plague called 'The Sweats'. As a result, King Henry feels depressed and not his usual, confident self. He starts having doubts about the future and his ability to rule the country. Fortunately for him, a change is coming up.

    Director:Alison Maclean
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  5. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 5 - Arise, My Lord
    7.6/10(1097 votes)

    S1:E5

    Henry is shocked when he learns that his ally, Emperor Charles V of Spain, has released France's King Francis I from prison. He's equally surprised when Anne Boleyn turns him down after offering to make her his sole mistress.

    Director:Brian Kirk
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  6. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 6 - True Love
    7.6/10(1037 votes)

    S1:E6

    As King Henry gains in confidence, his displeasure with the way the Catholic church handles his request for an annulment of his marriage to Katherine of Aragon grows. As a result, Cardinal Wolsey's position is weakening, leaving him vulnerable to his enemies.

    Director:Brian Kirk
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  7. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 9 - Look to God First
    7.6/10(953 votes)

    S1:E9

    Cardinal Wolsey's fall is quick and pitiless. Stripped of office and authority, he is banished from the court and sent far from his much-beloved King. His unlikely successor is Sir Thomas More, a man unlike the overbearing Wolsey in every way but one...his loyalty to Henry.

    Director:Ciarán Donnelly
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  8. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 2 - Simply Henry
    7.5/10(1359 votes)

    S1:E2

    Henry contemplates an alliance with Holy Roman Emperor Charles V of Spain despite his "Field of Cloth of Gold" ceremony celebrating allegiance to France, and executes a rival; Elizabeth gives birth to the king's illegitimate son.

    Director:Charles McDougall
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  9. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 3 - Wolsey, Wolsey, Wolsey!
    7.5/10(1246 votes)

    S1:E3

    A visit from Charles V forces Henry to conceal his growing disaffection from Queen Katherine, who is the influential Spanish monarch's aunt - even as Henry comes face-to-face with the seductive Anne Boleyn for the first time.

    Director:Steve Shill
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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  10. The Tudors Season 1 Episode 1 - In Cold Blood
    7.4/10(1731 votes)

    S1:E1

    Henry prepares for war with France but receives cautious counsel from the powerful Cardinal Wolsey, who urges a treaty; the king learns that his queen's lady-in-waiting Elizabeth Blount is pregnant with his child.

    Directors:Steve Shill, Charles McDougall
    Writer:Michael Hirst

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The Death of Wolsey" is the best rated episode of "The Tudors" season 1. It scored 8.1/10 based on 1045 votes. Directed by Ciarán Donnelly and written by Michael Hirst, it aired on 6/3/2007. This episode is rated 0.3 points higher than the second-best, "Truth and Justice".