Masterpiece: Elizabeth I - The Virgin Queen

When the unpopular “Bloody Mary” dies in 1558 and Bess becomes queen -- Elizabeth I. Her constantly scheming courtiers' top priority is to get her married to a suitable crowned head, but she demurs.

Elizabeth's later reign is marked by ruthless choices and hard-won victories. Plots, betrayals and foreign threats force her to sacrifice personal ties for survival. As relations rise and fall, ambition turns dangerous, leaving the queen isolated yet unyielding in power.