The Pillars Of The Earth

Watch The Pillars Of The Earth

  • TV-MA
  • 2010
  • 1 Season
  • 8.0  (33,552)

The Pillars of the Earth is an epic medieval drama set in the 12th century England, adapted from Ken Follett's best-selling novel of the same name. The show follows the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge and the political and religious struggles of the time, including the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud, which threatens the lives and fortunes of those involved in the building project.

Ian McShane plays Waleran Bigod, the power-hungry bishop of Kingsbridge, who manipulates the church and state to further his own interests, while Rufus Sewell portrays Tom Builder, the talented master builder who envisions and directs the cathedral's construction. Matthew Macfadyen plays Prior Philip, a compassionate and idealistic monk who strives to protect his community and uphold his religious values despite the corruption and violence around him. Eddie Redmayne portrays Jack Jackson, a gifted but impoverished stonemason who becomes embroiled in the power struggles of the town's elite and must fight for his survival and the woman he loves, Aliena (Hayley Atwell), the daughter of a disinherited earl.

The show also introduces a host of other characters, including the Earl of Shiring (Sam Claflin) and his ambitious wife (Sarah Parish), who scheme to regain their lost wealth and status; Ellen (Natalia Wörner), the mysterious and alluring wife of Tom Builder, who disappears under tragic circumstances; and Richard (David Oakes), the brave and chivalrous son of the Earl, who must choose between loyalty to his father and loyalty to his own conscience.

Throughout the series, the characters face numerous challenges and crises, from the threat of invaders and natural disasters to personal vendettas and romantic entanglements. The show paints a vivid and complex portrait of medieval life, including the feudal system, the role of the church, and the struggles of the common people to survive and thrive in a time of great upheaval and change.

Visually stunning and meticulously researched, the show brings the world of medieval England to life with impressive attention to detail, from the costumes and sets to the architecture and customs of the time. The themes and conflicts of the show are timeless and resonate with contemporary audiences, touching on issues of power, faith, love, and morality.

Overall, The Pillars of the Earth is a compelling and ambitious drama that offers a rich and rewarding viewing experience for fans of historical fiction and period dramas. With a talented cast and a gripping storyline, the show is a must-see for anyone interested in the medieval period and the human drama of those who lived during it.

The Pillars Of The Earth is a series that ran for 1 seasons (16 episodes) between July 23, 2010 and on Starz

The Pillars Of The Earth
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Seasons
The Work Of Angels
8. The Work Of Angels
August 27, 2010
Eight years have passed and Jack has become obsessed with the idea of building the cathedral which leaves him little time or energy for anything else. Aliena, in turn, remains fixated about recovering her family's right over the distant Earldom of Shiring which has made her marry Alfred, despite she hates the man. Waleran and Alfred plot a plan to get rid of Jack once and for all; it is carried out successfully until some evidence surfaces and ends up fixing all wrongs.
New Beginnings
7. New Beginnings
August 27, 2010
As a consequence of his journeys, Jack has figured out a way to fulfill Tom Builder's dream of building a cathedral filled with light. Aliena is able to find Jack by tracking the trail of his carvings. Waleran offers Philip a new position at the price of always doing his will. Regan and William can't stand the sight of a prosperous Kingsbridge and they plan to attack the town but they are counteracted by Richard, Jack and Philip.
Witchcraft
6. Witchcraft
August 20, 2010
When Richard returns from war he finds Aliena ruined and unable to support his knighthood. To make things worse, Aliena has to choose between her love for Jack and the promise to her father. Alfred offers his services as master builder to Prior Philip and as consequence, a disaster at Kingsbridge building site follows. Waleran takes advantage of it to remove Prior Philip from his position. Regan Hamleigh finds a way to force Waleran to speak to the King in behalf of her son's long-delayed Earldom.
Legacy
5. Legacy
August 13, 2010
Waleran and Regan engineer the prisoner exchange so that they remain on the winning side of the war. Tom wants...
Battlefield
4. Battlefield
August 6, 2010
When William applies to bear his father's title of Earl of Shiring, he finds out there's a mysterious knight who stands as a rival for the Earldom. King Stephen sends an assassin to kill Jack. Both King Stephen and Maud's leaders are being taken hostage during the battle that confronts them.
Redemption
3. Redemption
July 30, 2010
Aliena protests against her father's imprisonment and starts a fleece business with the hope to make enough money to help Richard become a knight. Prior Philip and William Hamleigh have a conflict of interests over access to stone in the Shiring quarry. Jack's artistic talents stand out as he begins to carve a statue to honor Kingsbridge's cathedral relic. Upon a visit to the cathedral worksite, King Stephen collapses in a fit of terror.
Master Builder
2. Master Builder
July 23, 2010
Fire destroys the Kingsbridge church which gives Tom, his son, and his stepson the opportunity to build a new cathedral.
Anarchy
1. Anarchy
July 23, 2010
The succession of England.
Ep 101 - Anarchy
101. Ep 101 - Anarchy
January 1, 2010
The succession of England's crown is in doubt and causes King Henry's daughter and nephew to compete for the throne. Church politics sees Philip elected the new prior, which leaves him indebted to Deacon Waleran.
Ep 102 - Master Builder
102. Ep 102 - Master Builder
January 1, 2010
Fire destroys Kingsbridge church, giving Tom, son Alfred and stepson Jack the chance to build a new cathedral. Ellen is accused of being a witch. William takes Aliena and Richard by surprise in a brutal attack.
Ep 103 - Redemption
103. Ep 103 - Redemption
January 1, 2010
Prior Philip and William find themselves in a standoff over access to the Shiring quarry. Jack's artistic talents take hold. Aliena starts a business to help earn money for Richard's chance to become a knight.
Ep 104 - Battlefield
104. Ep 104 - Battlefield
January 1, 2010
William wants his father's title as earl, but finds a mysterious knight is a rival for the title. King Stephen orders an assassin to kill Jack. Waleran tells Maud the man who betrayed Early Bartholomew is Philip.
Ep 105 - Legacy
105. Ep 105 - Legacy
January 1, 2010
Waleran and Regan engineer the prisoner exchange so that they remain on the winning side of the war. Tom wants Jack and Alfred to be friends, but their rivalry over their work lives and Aliena is too intense.
Ep 106 - Witchcraft
106. Ep 106 - Witchcraft
January 1, 2010
Richard returns from war to find no money to support his knighthood. Aliena has to choose between her love for Jack and her oath to her father. Waleran uses a disaster at Kingsbridge against Prior Philip.
Ep 107 - New Beginnings
107. Ep 107 - New Beginnings
January 1, 2010
As a result of his journeys, Jack has learned how to build a cathedral filled with light. Waleran offers Philip a new position. Kingsbridge becomes prosperous again, which infuriates William, who plans an attack.
Ep 108 - The Work Of Angels
108. Ep 108 - The Work Of Angels
January 1, 2010
Years later, Jack has become fixated with the cathedral, while Aliena's fixation with the earldom has married her to Alfred, who she hates. Waleran and Alfred develop a plot to get rid of Jack for good.
Description
Where to Watch The Pillars Of The Earth
The Pillars Of The Earth is available for streaming on the Starz website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Pillars Of The Earth on demand at Apple TV Channels and Vudu.
  • Premiere Date
    July 23, 2010
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (33,552)