Watch Beowulf

Beowulf is an epic fantasy drama television series based on an Old English poem of the same name. The show was produced by ITV Studios and first aired on ITV in the UK on January 3, 2016. The ten-episode series follows the titular character, Beowulf (Kieran Bew), a legendary warrior who returns to a mythical land of Shieldlands to seek his fortune and win back the favor of the townspeople.

At the beginning of the series, we find Beowulf returning to Shieldlands after a long exile to attend the funeral of his adopted father, Hrothgar (William Hurt), the ruler of the land. He soon discovers that the town is plagued by a series of mysterious attacks by a monstrous creature known as Grendel. Beowulf takes it upon himself to find and defeat the monster, and in doing so, he gains the trust of the townspeople, including Hrothgar's grieving wife, Rheda (Joanne Whalley).

The series is set in a fictional world inspired by medieval Scandinavia, and the show's creators have developed an intriguing mythology around the land of Shieldlands. The series has a dark and gritty tone, and it explores themes of honor, loyalty, revenge, and political intrigue that will keep viewers engaged throughout its run.

Kieran Bew delivers a captivating performance as Beowulf, a complex character with a troubled past and an uncertain future. His physical prowess is matched by his quick wit and his deep sense of empathy, and he quickly becomes a fan favorite as the show progresses. Joanne Whalley also shines as Rheda, a powerful and ambitious woman who must balance her grief with her duties as the new ruler of Shieldlands.

The supporting cast is also noteworthy, with Ed Speleers giving a standout performance as Slean, Rheda's ambitious son who is torn between his loyalty to his mother and his desire for power. William Hurt also delivers a solid performance as Hrothgar, Beowulf's mentor and father figure who is haunted by a dark secret from his past.

The show's production values are impressive, with stunning locations, intricate costumes, and impressive special effects that bring the mythical creatures to life. The series is filmed in Ireland and features breathtaking landscapes and epic battle scenes that will satisfy even the most discerning fantasy fan.

One of the standout features of the show is its ability to balance its action-packed sequences with compelling character development and intricate storytelling. The show's writers have taken a classic tale and updated it for modern audiences, making it both accessible and engaging. The series also manages to avoid the common pitfalls of many fantasy series, eschewing gratuitous violence and sex in favor of a more nuanced and thoughtful approach.

Overall, Beowulf is an impressive and engaging fantasy series that is well worth watching. It delivers a compelling story, excellent performances, and impressive production values that will appeal to fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Whether you're looking for action, drama, or an intriguing mythology, Beowulf has something for everyone.

Beowulf is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on January 22, 2016.