Watch Ivanhoe

Ivanhoe is a historical drama miniseries set in medieval England during the reign of King Richard the Lionheart. The show is an adaptation of Sir Walter Scott's novel of the same name and follows the adventures of the eponymous hero, Ivanhoe, as he seeks to rescue his beloved Lady Rowena, confront his treacherous brother Prince John, and restore Richard's rightful place on the throne.

The show boasts an impressive cast, with Steven Waddington in the titular role of Ivanhoe, a noble knight who has been disinherited by his father for supporting Richard in the Crusades. Ciaran Hinds plays Richard, the charismatic and valiant king who has been captured and held for ransom in Austria. Other notable cast members include Victoria Smurfit as Rebecca, a Jewish healer whose life is in danger due to the increasing anti-Semitic sentiment in England, and Christopher Lee as Lucas de Beaumanoir, the fanatical Templar Grand Master who seeks to destroy Ivanhoe and all who stand in his way.

The first episode sets the stage for the conflict to come as Ivanhoe returns home to England to find that not only has he been disowned by his father, but his love for Lady Rowena is being threatened by the scheme of Prince John and his advisors. While trying to win back his father's favor and rekindle his romance with Rowena, Ivanhoe becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest to rescue Richard from his Austrian captors.

As the series progresses, the plot thickens as various factions plot against each other, alliances shift, and battles are fought. Ivanhoe must deal with not only the challenges of warfare, but also the personal challenges of loyalty, faith, and love. The show touches on themes such as religious conflict, honor, and class struggle, making it not only an entertaining adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of medieval society.

The production values of Ivanhoe are impressive, with stunning costumes, sets, and locations that transport the viewer to the period. The battle scenes, in particular, are realistic and visceral, capturing the brutality and chaos of medieval warfare. The score by Trevor Jones is also noteworthy, adding an epic and emotional element to the story.

One of the standout performances in the show comes from Ciaran Hinds as Richard the Lionheart. Hinds brings a magnetic presence to the role, portraying Richard as both a warrior and a philosopher, a charismatic leader and a vulnerable human being. Steven Waddington is also a compelling presence as Ivanhoe, giving the character a mix of resilience, honor, and sensitivity.

Overall, Ivanhoe is a thrilling and engaging historical drama that fans of medieval fiction and adventure will enjoy. It manages to balance action, romance, and political intrigue with strong character development and moral complexity. This BBC adaptation remains a classic of its genre and a must-watch for fans of historical epics.

Ivanhoe is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (51 episodes). The series first aired on January 12, 1997.