Parents' Guide to

Wolf Hall

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Violence, complex intrigue in quality historical drama.

TV PBS Drama 2015
Wolf Hall Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 16+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Jubileee
Jubileee Adult
May 22, 2021
age 18+

Did you catch that in episode 3?

I thought it was mostly good, but just a heads up for parents thinking to watch this with their children or letting there kids watch it, there was a part in episode three when a women was at a window for a very brief moment, and she looked as if she was completely topless. It was very quick so it’s hard to tell, but it looked that way to me. Was taken back a bit cause while reading through different reviews before watching this I didn’t see anyone mention it.
Mommyoffour
Mommyoffour Adult
June 17, 2019
age 18+

Beware

Good show but husband and I were both surprised at a scene (just about one second long) that had a nude woman in a window. Sneaky sneaky, just wanted other moms to be aware.
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (1):

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 ...

  • Why does Wolf Hall elect 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

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