Slings & Arrows

Watch Slings & Arrows

  • TV-MA
  • 2003
  • 3 Seasons
  • 8.8  (2,842)

Slings & Arrows is a Canadian television series that originally aired on The Movie Network from 2003 to 2006. Created by Susan Coyne, Bob Martin, and Mark McKinney, the show follows the lives of the members of a struggling Shakespearean theater company called the New Burbage Festival.

The series stars Paul Gross as Geoffrey Tennant, a talented but unstable actor who returns to the New Burbage Festival after a mental breakdown. Geoffrey is haunted by the ghost of his former mentor, Oliver Welles, played by Stephen Ouimette, who died tragically during a production of Hamlet. With the help of his friends and colleagues, including Ellen Fanshaw, played by Martha Burns, and Richard Smith-Jones, played by McKinney, Geoffrey must navigate the challenges of running a theater company while also dealing with his own personal demons.

Slings & Arrows is an irreverent and often hilarious look at the world of theater, as well as a poignant exploration of the creative process and the toll it can take on those who pursue it. The show's strong ensemble cast and sharp writing make it a standout in the world of television drama.

Throughout the series, the characters of the New Burbage Festival grapple with a variety of challenges, from artistic differences and financial woes to romantic entanglements and personal tragedies. They put on productions of Shakespearean classics like Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet, as well as more contemporary plays like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and The Tempest.

Along the way, the show offers insightful commentary on the nature of art and the role it plays in our lives. The characters often debate the meaning and relevance of Shakespeare's works, as well as their own place in the world of theater. At the same time, they must confront the limitations of their own talent and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry.

Despite its themes of darkness and struggle, Slings & Arrows is ultimately a show about hope and redemption. Through their dedication to their craft and their love for each other, the members of the New Burbage Festival are able to overcome their obstacles and find a way forward. The series is a testament to the transformative power of art, and a celebration of the human spirit.

With its sharp writing, strong performances, and insightful commentary, Slings & Arrows remains a beloved and highly-regarded piece of Canadian television. It has been praised for its wit, its heart, and its ability to capture the magic of live theater. For fans of drama, comedy, and all things Shakespearean, it is a must-see.

Slings & Arrows is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (18 episodes). The series first aired on November 3, 2003.

Slings & Arrows
Filter by Source

Do you have Hulu?
What are you waiting for?
Nice! Browse Hulu with Yidio.
Ad Info - This show may not be available on Hulu
Seasons
The Promised End
6. The Promised End
August 28, 2006
The forced cancellation of King Lear brings severe consequences to the actors and festival staff, especially Geoffrey and Anna. Refusing to surrender, however, Geoffrey reassembles the cast and crew for a single, illicit, underground performance of the play--for Charles, for themselves, and for their art.
All Blessed Secrets
5. All Blessed Secrets
August 21, 2006
Anna, the festival's efficient assistant manager, steps in to help Geoffrey with Charles. But King Lear loses its Regan as actress Ellen Fanshaw flees the festival for the promise of a big payday on TV.
Every Inch a King
4. Every Inch a King
August 14, 2006
The final rehearsal of King Lear turns into a full-on train wreck, as Charles fumbles dozens of lines. With East Hastings a smashing success, Richard--now known as "Big Dick" among his youthful admirers--proposes the heretofore unthinkable: moving the Shakespearean tragedy into the workshop stage and the musical into the main venue.
That Way Madness Lies
3. That Way Madness Lies
August 7, 2006
Charles's erratic behavior becomes more and more disruptive, prompting Geoffrey to consider replacing him. As tensions grow within the cast of Lear, personal and professional jealousies widen the rift between the Shakespearean actors and the eager young players in the musical.
Vex Not His Ghost
2. Vex Not His Ghost
July 31, 2006
Charles Kingman--the theatrical lion whom Geoffrey has recruited to play Lear--brings some secret demons of his own to the production and immediately alienates cast and crew alike. Meanwhile, the festival's general manager, Richard Smith-Jones, flexes his creative muscles.
Divided Kingdom
1. Divided Kingdom
July 24, 2006
With last season's Macbeth the toast of Broadway, Geoffrey is under pressure to deliver another hit. The play he has chosen is an even greater challenge: King Lear. Terrified to climb this Everest alone, he seeks out his ghostly mentor, Oliver Wells. But Oliver is nowhere to be seen. As for Ellen, Geoffrey's on again/off again lover, she is too busy taking Geoffrey's panic personally to be of any help. So Geoffrey turns to his boyhood hero Charles Kingsman, who he coaxes out of retirement to play King Lear. Elsewhere, Executive Director Richard Smith-Jones immerses himself in the Festival's feel-good junkie musical, East Hastings, directed by Darren Nichols. A battle rages between the musical and drama companies, with a threesome of young lovers, Paul, Sophie, and the beautiful but dimwitted Megan, caught in the middle.
Description
Where to Watch Slings & Arrows
Slings & Arrows is available for streaming on the The Movie Network website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Slings & Arrows on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    November 3, 2003
  • IMDB Rating
    8.8  (2,842)