Deadline reports that former showrunners of the iconic TV series Grey’s Anatomy are collaborating on an ambitious new period drama for ITV. The series, titled Majesty, offers a fresh reimagining of the early life of Elizabeth I, set within the tumultuous court of King Henry VIII.
Deadline reports the new drama comes from Joan Rater (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice), Tony Phelan (Grey’s Anatomy, Council of Dads) and William Harper (Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Doctor), who are among the most successful American television writers to make a mark on British television. They are teaming up with acclaimed director James Strong (Mr. Bates vs the Post Office, Broadchurch) to bring Majesty to life. The project is produced by Strong’s Studiocanal-backed indie company, Strong Film & Television, and will be distributed by Studiocanal.
Majesty will offer a creative and imaginative take on Elizabeth I’s early years, reinterpreting her time at the court of Henry VIII through a lens of conspiracy theories rather than strict historical accounts. Elizabeth, who became Queen a decade after Henry’s death, would go on to rule England for nearly fifty years, inspiring countless portrayals in film and television. Her life has been depicted by notable actresses, including Helen Mirren (Elizabeth I, Prime Suspect) and Cate Blanchett (Mrs. America, Documentary Now).
The drama is described as an emotional, humorous and modern alternate history take that centers on three outsiders hiding a secret that could change the course of England’s future.
Rater, Phelan and Harper are no strangers to creating impactful television, having collaborated on over 50 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and co-created Fire Country, which is currently in its third season along with a spin-off titled Sheriff Country. The trio also worked together on the limited series A Small Light for National Geographic/Disney+.
Majesty marks a significant step for the American writers in their venture into British television, tapping into the rich history and culture of the UK. James Strong, who directed the successful ITV drama Mr. Bates, is especially excited about Majesty, describing the scripts as a “director’s dream.” Strong, who directed the successful ITV drama Mr. Bates, is especially excited about Majesty, describing the script as a “director’s dream.” He also praised the opportunity to reimagine English history in a visually stunning period piece. The drama will be the first project from his new production company, which he co-founded with Matt Tombs (Holby City, The Bill).
Filming for Majesty is set to begin next year, with casting still to be confirmed. Polly Hill (Wolf Hall, The White Queen), ITV’s Drama Commissioner, will oversee the project. Hill praised Majesty as awith casting still to be confirmed. Polly Hill ( “perfect example of the diverse drama ITV aims to deliver, striving to produce the best and most ambitious mainstream drama for UK audiences.”
The show follows the success of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, the BBC’s hit Tudor series, which has attracted an impressive 3 million viewers per episode. Starring Damian Lewis (Homeland, Billions) and Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies, Ready Player One), Wolf Hall has been lauded for its portrayal of Thomas Cromwell’s life after the execution of Anne Boleyn. The series also airs in the U.S. on PBS Masterpiece.