Mystic Britain

Watch Mystic Britain

  • TV-PG
  • 2019
  • 2 Seasons
  • 8.5  (126)

Mystic Britain, a fascinating television series from the Smithsonian Channel, brings viewers on a journey through the mysterious and mystical history of Britain. The show, which premiered in 2019, is hosted by Clive Anderson, Mary-Ann Ochota, and Miranda Aldhouse-Green, each bringing their unique background and expertise to the table. Together, they explore ancient legends and stories that have been passed down through generations, uncovering fascinating insights into the beliefs, customs, and practices of Britain's earliest inhabitants.

The show takes a deep dive into the history of Britain's mystical and supernatural origins, exploring everything from prehistoric beliefs to ancient Celtic rituals. The hosts travel all across the country, visiting historical sites, and speaking with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to reveal the truth behind some of Britain's most enduring legends.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is how it brings to life the rich tapestry of beliefs and rituals that have shaped Britain's culture for centuries. From pagan myths to Christian traditions, Mystic Britain provides a window into the complex blend of folklore and superstition that has long fascinated people around the world.

Another standout feature of the show is the high production value and stunning visuals. The cinematography is simply breathtaking, capturing the beauty and allure of Britain's most ancient and mystical sites. Whether exploring the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands or the eerie ruins of Avebury, the show transports viewers to a different time and place, where ancient myths and legends come to life.

Throughout the series, the hosts tackle a range of fascinating topics, from the origins of the Stonehenge to the Apple Isle, an ancient seat of power that was once believed to be a gateway to the Otherworld. They also delve into the mysteries of druidism, exploring the rituals and customs that defined this ancient Celtic religion.

What sets Mystic Britain apart from other history shows is the way it interweaves storytelling with rigorous research and analysis. The hosts do a fantastic job of balancing entertainment with education, combining engrossing storytelling with insightful commentary that unravels the historical significance of the myths and legends they explore. The result is a show that is both entertaining and informative, providing viewers with a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and political forces that have shaped Britain's mystical legacy.

Overall, Mystic Britain is a must-watch for anyone interested in the ancient and supernatural history of the British Isles. With its captivating storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and insightful commentary, the series offers a fascinating glimpse into a world that has long captured the imaginations of people around the world. Fans of mythology, history, and archaeology will all find plenty to love about this engaging and well-crafted show.

Mystic Britain is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (21 episodes). The series first aired on April 30, 2019.

Mystic Britain
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Seasons
Gods and Monsters
10. Gods and Monsters
August 4, 2020
Throughout Season 2 of Mystic Britain, hosts Clive Anderson and Mary-Ann Ochota have traveled the U.K. to explore their ancient ancestors' mystical lives, beliefs, and practices. In the season finale, we present a chronological timeline of their findings, from the 34,000-year-old Red Lady of Paviland to the spectacular Uffington White Horse, and from Boudica, the angry warrior queen to King Arthur himself. It's a wild tour of sand bodies, blood-thirsty leeches, sacred rabbits, and ancestral Norse spirits, and you're invited to join the ride.
The Sand Bodies of Sutton Hoo
9. The Sand Bodies of Sutton Hoo
August 9, 2020
Clive Anderson and Mary-Ann Ochota are on the hunt for the truth behind the mystery of Sutton Hoo-an Anglo-Saxon, royal burial ground littered with dozens of mutilated and contorted human figures known as sand bodies. They want to know who these people were and how their flesh and bone transformed into nothing more that stains in the sand. Their quest will take them to 6th century Britain-a time of religious upheaval, gruesome executions, and mystical killer cake (really!)-and to the site of an undiscovered Christian gateway to hell.
Leeches, Plagues, and Potions
8. Leeches, Plagues, and Potions
August 2, 2020
They drilled holes into skulls for head trauma, plucked pigeons to transfer the bubonic plague from person to bird, and battled bacteria with a combo of copper and cow dung. Welcome to the Middle Ages and the world of Tudor medicine, which was more dark art than science. Clive and Mary-Ann explore this time of desperate cures for desperate conditions and find out how an accident changed both Henry VIII and medicine forever. Their journey will take them through a macabre list of treatments, including bloodletting, urine diagnostics, and more.
Legend of the Warrior Queen
7. Legend of the Warrior Queen
July 26, 2020
On London's Westminster Bridge is an impressive monument to one of the most iconic women in British history: Boudica. The story of the queen of the Iceni tribe-who took the fight to the mighty Roman Army in 60 AD-is well known in British folklore, but what is the truth behind the legend? Follow Clive and Mary-Ann as they visit replica Iron Age villages, ride chariots, and consult with a giant rabbit to better understand who this fierce warrior was, how she raised such a massive army, and what happened during her epic last stand again Rome.
The Quest for King Arthur
6. The Quest for King Arthur
July 19, 2020
A brave, chivalrous ruler. A magical sword. A mythical castled city. And a round table of noble knights. The story of King Arthur is both an epic tale and a puzzling mystery. What, if any, truth lies behind the legend? Hosts Clive Anderson and Mary-Ann Ochota are on the trail to find out. They examine a 12th-century work that greatly contributed to the myth, written during a time of civil war, when Briton needed a hero. They also cast spells, wield magical swords, and encounter a real Merlin, to see if there is any truth to the legend.
Mystery of the Red Lady
5. Mystery of the Red Lady
July 12, 2020
Clive Anderson and Mary-Ann Ochota visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the woods of Bristol, and a remote Welsh cave to investigate the strangest set of human bones every discovered in Britain: The Red Lady. Dating back 34,000 years and stained red, these remains have baffled historians and archaeologists ever since they were discovered in 1823. Who was she? How did she end up in a cave? And why are her bones red? Using the latest forensic technology, we unearth evidence of woolly mammoths, magic wands, ancient weapons, and even zombies.
Isle of Druids
4. Isle of Druids
July 5, 2020
Clive Anderson and Mary-Ann Ochota pay a visit to Anglesey, an island on the northwest coast of Wales that, 2,000 years ago, was dripping with druids. We know that these ancient Britons were annihilated by the Roman Army in 60 A.D., but we know very little about who the druids actually were. Were they harmless, harp-playing hippies or sinister practitioners of dark magic and human sacrifice? To find out, our hosts immerse themselves in the culture, playing their sacred horn, creating a wicker man, and even encountering an actual druid.
The Monster of Maeshowe
3. The Monster of Maeshowe
June 28, 2020
The Maeshowe runes in Northern Scotland have been a great mystery for many millennia. To the Neolithic people, the ancient monument was a burial chamber. To the Vikings, it was the home of vast treasures. And to Victorians, it was the lair of Hogboon, a powerful ancestral Norse spirit. Join Clive and Mary-Ann as they travel through 5,000 years of myth and history to uncover the true story of Maeshowe. It's a journey that will bring them into a world of legendary monsters, Christmas zombies, and sounds that drove hardened warriors insane.
Mystery of the White Horse
2. Mystery of the White Horse
June 21, 2020
Of all the ways Britain's ancestors have left their mark on the land, none are as impressive or as baffling as the giant carvings cut into the chalklands of Southern England. Chief among them is a White Horse, a 360-foot, mysterious piece of land art steeped in legend, folklore, and magic. Join Clive and Mary-Ann as they translate the subtleties of ancient texts, party with local pagans, and explore the horse's mystical power to pull generations and communities together, all in an attempt to discover who built this incredible creature and why.
Lost Tribe of Scotland
1. Lost Tribe of Scotland
June 14, 2020
Clive Anderson and Mary-Ann Ochota are on a hunt for the Picts, a medieval tribe from Scotland that terrified the Romans and ruled most of northern Scotland for centuries before vanishing from history. Our hosts are on a mission to discover who these formidable people were, what happened to them, and where this lost tribe eventually went. Finding the answers will lead them into a strange world of myth and magic, involving Viking-battling giants, crazed warriors, and the Loch Ness Monster-Nessie-herself!
Description
Where to Watch Mystic Britain
Mystic Britain is available for streaming on the Smithsonian Channel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Mystic Britain on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    April 30, 2019
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (126)