Watch Shakespeare's Tomb

Shakespeare's Tomb is a fascinating documentary produced by PBS that delves into the mystery surrounding the final resting place of William Shakespeare. The show is hosted by actor and Shakespearean scholar David Tennant, who takes viewers on a journey through history as he explores the various theories about where the famous playwright's remains might lie.

The opening scenes of the show offer a glimpse of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was baptized and buried. The church's current head, Reverend Patrick Taylor, greets Tennant and invites him to explore the church and its surroundings. From there, the show takes viewers on a journey that spans several centuries and continents, as Tennant interviews historians, archaeologists, and other experts to piece together the story of Shakespeare's tomb.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the show is the fact that Shakespeare's tomb has never been opened or examined in any significant way. As a result, there are many questions about what lies beneath the plain slab of stone that marks his grave. Some of the theories that Tennant explores include the idea that Shakespeare's skull was stolen from his tomb by thieves or grave robbers, or that the playwright was buried in a different location altogether.

Throughout the show, Tennant also discusses the importance of Shakespeare's legacy and the enduring fascination that people have with his work. He visits a variety of locations that are connected to the playwright, including his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Globe Theatre in London, and a variety of museums and archives that house important Shakespearean artifacts.

Along the way, Tennant meets with a number of experts who provide insights into what we know about Shakespeare's life and works. He talks to actors who have performed in Shakespearean plays, as well as directors who have adapted his work for modern audiences. He also visits the British Library to examine original manuscripts and folios, and talks to scholars about what we can learn from these precious artifacts.

One of the most interesting parts of the show is when Tennant gets to explore the various theories about Shakespeare's identity and personal life. For example, he talks to biographer James Shapiro about the possibility that Shakespeare was a Catholic and the implications that this might have had for his writing. He also visits the site of the Rose Theatre in London, where some of Shakespeare's plays were first performed, and learns about the rivalry between Shakespeare and his fellow playwright Christopher Marlowe.

Overall, Shakespeare's Tomb is an engaging and informative documentary that sheds new light on the life and legacy of one of the world's most famous writers. Through a mixture of interviews, historical reenactments, and on-location visits, the show offers a unique perspective on the enduring mystery of Shakespeare's final resting place. Whether you're a fan of Shakespeare or simply interested in history and culture, this is a must-see program that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the man who gave us some of the greatest works of literature in the English language.

Shakespeare's Tomb is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (1 episodes). The series first aired on April 19, 2016.