The Tudors

The Reformation begins as Henry declares himself head of the Church of England, banishes Katherine from the court, and blackmails a cook into assassinating a high-ranking Catholic bishop.

Henry continues undermining the Catholic Church's influence in England, while Anne resolves to consummate her relationship with the king, even as Charles Brandon begins planting doubts about her virtue.

Henry secretly marries Anne Boleyn and appoints his Lutheran chaplain head of the Church, but the newlyweds are disappointed when their first child is a girl, whom they name Elizabeth.

Henry asks the entire country to swear an oath, and jails Sir Thomas More for refusing to take it; Anne becomes pregnant again and schemes to control Henry's mistresses.

Anne's miscarriage and her sister's impetuous marriage threaten the Boleyn family's power at court, while a reluctant Henry orders the execution of his old friend, advisor and mentor Sir Thomas More.

The power of Thomas Cromwell widens as he investigates Catholic corruption, while the Pope denounces Sir Thomas More's execution, and the king of France refuses to recognize Elizabeth's legitimacy.

Cromwell confiscates Catholic property, enriching Henry; Katherine dies in pious poverty and obscurity, leaving Anne, newly pregnant, a firmer grip on power, even as a new lady in waiting catches Henry's eye.

After another miscarriage, Anne is quickly replaced by Jane Seymour in the king's affections; Henry attempts to renew his alliance with the king of Spain, who makes an intriguing proposal.

Anne Boleyn's fall is swift, as Henry accepts charges of adultery against her, sentences her alleged lovers to death, and grants royal favors to the family of his new love, Jane Seymour.

Henry proposes marriage to Jane Seymour and removes baby Elizabeth from the line of succession, even as Anne awaits her execution in the Tower of London.