Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, complex intrigue in quality historical drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wolf Hall
What's the Story?
Centered on the historical time period of King Henry VIII and the English Reformation, the six-part Masterpiece Theatre series WOLF HALL takes the viewpoint of Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance), an influential advisor who rose from a humble background. We see him meet and grow in importance to Cardinal Wolsey (Jonathan Pryce); we also see his part in the rise and downfall of Anne Boleyn (Claire Foy). As Cromwell ascends in power, he plays a vital part in the annulment of King Henry VIII's (Damian Lewis) marriage with Catherine of Aragon (Joanne Whalley) and becomes an important member of Henry's court. But even a casual student of English history can tell you that Cromwell was headed toward an untimely end.
Is It Any Good?
Beautifully written and acted, Wolf Hall has the sheen of a classic PBS production from the word go. With magnificently decorated and gilded settings and dramatic political turns in every episode, what we have here is House of Cards transported into the world of The Tudors (but with a lot less sex). Whereas the latter drama was concerned with Henry's romantic intrigues, Wolf Hall keeps things above the belt, focusing on the politics and personalities of the court. The only drawback is that viewers with no background in English history will be swiftly confused. Who's he? Why did he say that? Why is Cromwell mad at him? Events are not underlined or explained; keep the Wikipedia entry on Thomas Cromwell open as you watch.
The drama's choice to follow a nonlinear time line is particularly confusing. In one episode, we may see Cromwell as a young boy, in the court of the king late in his career, and midway in his rise. It definitely adds to the drama -- in real life, years went by between political imbroglios -- but doesn't make figuring out who's who and what's what any easier. All that said, this immersive drama is so beautiful and sumptuous in its details it's hard to look away, even if you may be slightly bewildered.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Wolf Hall elects to move around in time. What dramatic possibilities does this offer? Does it make the drama more interesting or confusing?
Wolf Hall was filmed in various historic mansions and palaces. What do these settings add to the drama? Does it make it more or less believable?
Does a viewer need to know something about the period of English history depicted here to enjoy the drama? Why, or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 5, 2015
- Cast : Damian Lewis , Claire Foy , Joanne Whalley , Jonathan Pryce , Mark Rylance
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : December 10, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate