DramaHistory2012–2016BBC Two

The Best Episodes of The Hollow Crown

Every episode of The Hollow Crown ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Hollow Crown!

Best episode
S1E1 Richard II
8.11,957 votes
Worst episode
S2E1 Henry VI (1)
7.7699 votes
Top season
Season 1
7.9avg
Binge time
14h 31m
7 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons2

All12

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Hollow Crown Season 1 Episode 1 - Richard II
    8.1/10(1957 votes)

    S1:E1

    King Richard is called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray. Richard calls for a duel but then halts it just before swords clash. Both men are banished from the realm. Richard visits John of Gaunt, Bolingbroke's father, who, in the throes of death, reprimands the king. After seizing Gaunt's money and land, Richard leaves for wars against the rebels in Ireland. Bolingbroke returns to claim back his inheritance. Supported by his allies, Northumberland and the Duke of York, Bolingbroke takes Richard prisoner and lays claim to the throne.

    Director:Rupert Goold
    Writers:Ben Power, Rupert Goold

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  2. The Hollow Crown Season 1 Episode 4 - Henry V
    8.1/10(1587 votes)

    S1:E4

    Henry V has settled onto the throne and has the makings of a fine king when the French ambassador brings a challenge from the Dauphin. Inspired by his courtiers Exeter and York, Henry swears that he will, with all force, answer this challenge. The chorus tells of England's preparations for war and Henry's army sails for France. After Exeter's diplomacy is rebuffed by the French king, Henry lays a heavy siege and captures Harfleur. The French now take Henry's claims seriously and challenge the English army to battle at Agincourt.

    Director:Thea Sharrock
    Writers:Ben Power, Thea Sharrock

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  3. The Hollow Crown Season 2 Episode 2 - Henry VI (2)
    8.1/10(644 votes)

    S2:E2

    Plantagenet and the Yorkists ride to London to claim the throne.

    Director:Dominic Cooke
    Writer:Ben Power

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  4. The Hollow Crown Season 1 Episode 3 - Henry IV (2)
    7.7/10(28 votes)

    S1:E3

    In the aftermath of the Battle of Shrewsbury, Northumberland learns of the death of his son. The Lord Chief Justice attempts on behalf of the increasingly frail King to separate Falstaff from Prince Hal. The rebels continue to plot insurrection. Falstaff is sent to recruit soldiers and takes his leave of his mistress, Doll Tearsheet. The rebel forces are overcome. This brings comfort to the dying king, who is finally reconciled to his son. Falstaff rushes to Hal's coronation with expectations of high office.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Hollow Crown Season 2 Episode 3 - Richard III
    7.7/10(28 votes)

    S2:E3

    Evil Richard plots his path to rule and layers that path with bodies of friend and foe alike.

    Director:Dominic Cooke
    Writer:Ben Power

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  6. The Hollow Crown Season 1 Episode 2 - Henry IV (1)
    7.7/10(34 votes)

    S1:E2

    The heir to the throne, Prince Hal, defies his father, King Henry, by spending his time at Mistress Quickly's tavern in the company of the dissolute Falstaff and his companions. The King is threatened by a rebellion led by Hal's rival, Hotspur, his father Northumberland and his uncle Worcester. In the face of this danger to the state, Prince Hal joins his father to defeat the rebels at the Battle of Shrewsbury and kill Hotspur in single combat.

    Director:Richard Eyre
    Writer:Richard Eyre

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Hollow Crown

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  7. The Hollow Crown Season 2 Episode 1 - Henry VI (1)
    7.7/10(699 votes)

    S2:E1

    Against the backdrop of wars in France, the English nobility quarrel.

    Director:Dominic Cooke
    Writers:Ben Power, Dominic Cooke

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Best Episodes Summary

"Richard II" is the best rated episode of The Hollow Crown. It scored 8.1/10 from 1,957 votes. Directed by Rupert Goold and written by Ben Power, Rupert Goold, it aired on June 30, 2012.

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