The Shardlake novels, written by C.J. Sansom, have officially received the TV adaptation treatment with a brand-new series finally on screens.
Drenched in mystery, suspense and deception, the new four-part drama, based on the first novel in Sansom’s series, is a classic whodunnit adventure.
Set in 16th-century England during the dissolution of the monasteries, Shardlake features an all-star cast list to bring the series to life.
Below, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the TV series, including where to watch it in Australia.
What Is Shardlake About?
The series follows its titular character Shardlake as his sheltered life as a lawyer is turned upside down when Cromwell instructs him to investigate the murder of a commissioner at a monastery in the remote town of Scarnsea.
“The commissioner was gathering evidence to close the monastery and it is now imperative for Cromwell’s own political survival that Shardlake both solves the murder and closes the monastery. He leaves Shardlake in no doubt that failure is not an option,” reads the synopsis.
Shardlake is then forced to team up with Jack Barak – at the request of Cromwell – to head to Scarnsea, where the duo are met with hostility, suspicion and paranoia by the monks who fear for their future and will seemingly stop at nothing to preserve their order.
Who Is Cast In Shardlake?
Arthur Hughes plays Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer with an acute sense of justice and one of the few honest men in a world beset with scheming and plots.
Shardlake works for Thomas Cromwell, played by Sean Bean the dangerous and all-powerful right-hand man to Henry VIII. Anthony Boyle plays the cocky Jack Barak, who leaves Shardlake unsure of whether he is an assistant or Cromwell’s spy.
The series also stars Babou Ceesay as Abbot Fabian, Paul Kaye as Brother Jerome, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Alice Fewterer, Peter Firth as Norfolk, Matthew Steer as Goodhap and Brian Vernel as Brother Mortimus
Joining them are Irfan Shamji as Brother Guy, David Pearse as Brother Edwig, Miles Barrow as Brother Gabriel, Mike Noble as Bugge and Kimberley Nixon as Joan.
When Will The Shardlake Series Be Released?
The thrilling Tudor murder mystery series is available to watch from May 1 on Disney+ with all episodes – so buck up and prepare to tune in.
Where Can I Watch Shardlake In Australia?
Shardlake is exclusive to Disney+ in Australia, so if you don’t have an account, you can subscribe here with plans starting from $13.99/mth.
Where To Read The Shardlake Books
To grab a copy before tuning in the to series – or just to see how it all compares – shop the entire Shardlake series at the below retailers:
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