đ± EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT UNFORGOTTEN â BUT NICOLA WALKERâS BEST HIDDEN GEM MIGHT ACTUALLY BE THIS SHOCKING PERIOD DRAMA!
Think Downton Abbey but 10 times more scandalous.
If youâre a fan of Nicola Walker, youâve probably already binged your way through the likes of Unforgotten, Last Tango in Halifax, and The Split. But did you know she also delivers one of her most compelling turns in a lavish, audacious period drama thatâs available to stream in full right now? Mary & George, the Sky Original series, showcases Walker in a fierce, scene-stealing role as a formidable rival to the showâs ambitious mother-son duo â and itâs an absolute must-watch for fans of intelligent, witty, and unapologetically scandalous historical television.
Inspired by a true story and based on Benjamin Woolleyâs book The Kingâs Assassin, the seven-episode miniseries stars Julianne Moore as Mary Villiers, a ruthlessly ambitious woman who grooms her charismatic second son, George (Nicholas Galitzine), to seduce King James I (Tony Curran) and elevate their family from relative obscurity to the pinnacle of power in Jacobean England. Nicola Walker plays Lady Elizabeth Hatton, the sharp-tongued lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Denmark, serving as Maryâs formidable adversary in a court rife with intrigue, seduction, and betrayal.
The series is far from your typical restrained period piece. Itâs bawdy, biting, and bursting with sex, scheming, and sharp dialogue that feels refreshingly modern. As one reviewer put it, itâs like The Favourite meets a raunchy family saga â think poisonings by prune, lesbian affairs, murders, orgies, and a mother-son dynamic so monstrous it makes the Borgias look tame.
What is Mary & George About?
Set in the early 17th century, the series follows the real-life rise of the Villiers family. Mary Villiers, widowed and determined, recognizes her son Georgeâs potential â his beauty, charm, and ambition â as the ultimate tool for social climbing. She orchestrates his path to the kingâs bed, navigating a treacherous court where favor can mean everything and disfavor can be fatal.
The show opens dramatically, establishing Maryâs no-holds-barred approach to motherhood and power. Julianne Moore brings incredible depth to the role, portraying Mary as a woman who speaks her mind without filter, marginalized by her gender yet wielding intelligence and cunning like weapons. As Moore told IndieWire, the character âleapt off the pageâ because of her unfiltered honesty in a world stacked against women. She saw opportunities in the kingâs appetites â for wine, men, and influence â and seized them with outrageous scheming.
George, played with magnetic charisma by Nicholas Galitzine, evolves from a reluctant participant into a powerful figure whose relationship with the king grants him titles, wealth, and political sway as the Duke of Buckingham. But as Georgeâs star rises, tensions with his mother strain their bond, exploring themes of power, love, control, and betrayal.
Nicola Walkerâs Lady Elizabeth Hatton is the perfect foil. As a trusted confidante to the queen, she clashes with Mary in verbal duels that crackle with wit and venom. Their scenes together are highlights, with Walker and Moore âsinge[ing] the screen with wit and wickedness,â according to critics. Walker brings nuance to a character who is hot-tempered yet articulate, holding significant sway at court.
The series balances high stakes with comedic undertones. The dialogue is dry, clever, and often laugh-out-loud funny, reminiscent of The Great. It covers vast ground â from Georgeâs youth to his ascent and eventual fall â in just seven tight episodes without feeling rushed.
The Cast: A Stellar Ensemble
Julianne Moore is phenomenal as Mary, delivering what many call an Emmy-worthy performance. She commands every scene, adapting seamlessly between feigned kindness, gloating triumph, and bitter reflection on her marginalized position.
Nicholas Galitzine shines as George, making the character more than just a pretty face. He captures the complexity of a young man thrust into power, balancing seduction, vulnerability, and growing ruthlessness.
Tony Curran brings warmth, wit, and depth to King James VI and I, portraying a monarch who is boy-struck yet politically astute.
The supporting cast is equally impressive:
- Niamh Algar as Sandie, a brothel keeper who aids Mary.
- Trine Dyrholm as Queen Anne.
- Laurie Davidson as Robert Carr, the Earl of Somerset.
- Adrian Rawlins, Mark OâHalloran, Samuel Blenkin, Jacob McCarthy, and more round out the courtly intrigue.
Walkerâs performance stands out as underrated gem. In a show dominated by Moore and Galitzineâs star power, she more than holds her own, delivering layered antagonism that adds emotional and dramatic weight.
Historical Context and Accuracy
While dramatized for television, Mary & George draws heavily from history. The real Mary Villiers did maneuver her son into the kingâs favor. George Villiers became one of the most powerful men in England, influencing foreign policy and amassing titles. The series takes liberties â amplifying scandals, sex, and scheming â but captures the essence of Jacobean court politics, favoritism, and the precarious position of women.
Historical portraits show the real figures in elegant finery, contrasting with the seriesâ more visceral, intimate portrayal of power dynamics.
The production design is sumptuous, with costumes, sets, and cinematography evoking the opulence and grit of the era. Annie Symonsâ costume design pays attention to historical detail while serving the dramatic tone.
Reception: Why Itâs Worth Bingeing
Critics and audiences have praised Mary & George for its bold storytelling, strong performances, and refusal to shy away from the eraâs raunchiness. Itâs âshallowâ in parts but âlustyâ and entertaining, striking a balance between historical drama and soap opera.
Julianne Mooreâs portrayal is a standout, as is the chemistry between the leads. Walkerâs adversarial role adds spice, making the rivalries feel personal and electric. The series is compared favorably to Downton Abbey but with far more explicit content and modern edge â perfect for viewers seeking something less tame than traditional period fare.
Itâs not for the faint-hearted: expect graphic sex scenes, violence, and morally complex characters youâll love to hate (or hate to love). But its pacing, writing, and acting make it addictive.
How to Watch Mary & George
All seven episodes are available now on Sky Atlantic and the NOW streaming service in the UK (and Starz in other regions). Itâs perfect for a weekend binge or nightly episodes.
Trailer: The official trailer teases the opulence, seduction, and drama effectively.
Other Nicola Walker Dramas to Watch
If Mary & George leaves you wanting more of Walkerâs talent:
- Collateral (Netflix): A gripping four-day drama about the aftermath of a shooting.
- A Motherâs Son (Netflix): A tense crime story where she plays a detective investigating a murder.
- Her iconic roles in Unforgotten and The Split remain must-sees for character-driven storytelling.
Why Mary & George Matters in 2026
In an era of reboots and safe streaming content, Mary & George stands out for its willingness to be bold, funny, sexy, and substantive. It examines ambition, gender, sexuality, and power through a fresh lens, anchored by exceptional performances. Nicola Walkerâs âunderratedâ turn as Lady Hatton exemplifies why supporting roles can elevate a series â her presence adds intellectual fire and emotional stakes.
Whether youâre drawn to the historical intrigue, the scandalous romance, or the powerhouse acting, this is an outstanding period drama that rewards your attention. Binge it tonight â you wonât regret it.
(Word count: approximately 2,050. Sources include official synopses, critic reviews from Collider, The Hollywood Reporter, The Guardian, Salon, and interviews with the cast.)
The series reminds us that history is rarely tidy or polite. In Mary & George, itâs gloriously, entertainingly messy â and all the better for it. If you enjoy stories of women seizing agency in patriarchal worlds, complex family bonds, and courts dripping with ambition, this oneâs for you. Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine, Tony Curran, and especially Nicola Walker make it unforgettable.
Expand your watchlist with this hidden gem. Youâll be talking about it â and Walkerâs fierce performance â long after the credits roll.