Mary & George is the new period drama that not only brings sensuality and chaos to the screen but also reunites two top-tier stars: Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue) and Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights).

The first season consists of a total of seven episodes, all of which were released together and can be found available in the Starz catalog in the United States and on Sky TV in the United Kingdom.

The series is a creation of D.C. Moore, but the episodes were directed by Oliver Hermanus, Alex Winckler and Florian Cossen. Here, check if the story was based on real events or what it is inspired by…

Is Mary & George based on a true story?

Nicholas Galitzine and Julianne Moore joined forces to bring to life Mary & George, the dramatic period series that is not only based on real events but is also inspired by a book written by Benjamin Woolley.

Julianne Moore, Sean Gilder, Tom Victor, Alice Grant, Niamh Algar, Nicholas Galitzine, Jacob McCarthy and Amelia Gething in Mary & George.

This refers to The King’s Assassin: The Fatal Affair of George Villiers and James I, which was published in 2017. The seven episodes gradually unfold this intriguing story filled with a lot of seduction and social ascent.

Set in aristocratic England, the plot follows Mary Villiers and her second son, George. Many events are based on real events, such as George’s ascent, but there are others that are a bit more fictional.

According to AMC News and a snippet from the writings of the author and broadcaster, “For a decade, Villiers was at the king’s side: at court, on official occasions, and in bed, until James’s death in March 1625”.

Cindy McCreery, Associate Professor of History at the University of Sydney, spoke a bit about the history portrayed in the series and how much of it has been accurate, emphasizing the relationship of the couple.

“The interesting thing about this couple, Mary and her son George, is that they really establish a very influential political dynasty”, she added, also stating: “This is not just a dynasty of one or two people; it is actually a very influential and lasting dynasty“.

Furthermore, to provide a bit more context, the professional asserted that “The Villiers family, the Dukes of Buckingham, are significant not only during the reign of King James I, but the Dukes of Buckingham continued to play roles in the British royal court during the 19th and 20th centuries“.

What is Mary & George about?

Mary is a humble yet highly ambitious woman with above-average intelligence, but she never had the opportunity to fully realize her potential… until she sees the perfect chance to elevate her status.

The key to making this happen is to exploit the king’s voracious appetite for wine, company, and men. This is where her naive, attractive, and charismatic son George comes into play.

He becomes the center of attention as his mother devises a plan to conquer the monarch. Through bold moves, Mary and George manage to rise in the Court, becoming the most powerful family in England.

However, as he gains more power, the relationship with his mother will be pushed to the limit. George is determined to make history, regardless of the consequences, and along the way, prove that he is more than just a pretty face.