“How The Tudors Lost Their Heads” Coming Soon To Disney+

August 24, 2026 Roger Palmer

Disney has announced details on a brand new National Geographic documentary series, “How The Tudors Lost Their Heads”, which is a new six-part documentary presented by renowned historians Dan Snow MBE and Professor Suzannah Lipscomb, premiering on National Geographic in the UK on September 6th at 8pm and it will be streaming the same day on Disney+. The series will also launch in the US at a later date.

Across six episodes, Snow and Lipscomb re-examine the lives, power struggles and downfall of some of Tudor England’s most controversial, notorious and misunderstood figures. Drawing on cutting-edge forensic evidence, new historical research and rarely seen historical artefacts, the series revisits one of Britain’s bloodiest dynasties and the executions that shaped the Tudor age.

Beginning moments before the executioner’s axe falls or the noose tightens, each episode freezes time before Snow and Lipscomb step back through history to unravel the chain of events that led to each death.

Snow said in a statement regarding the new show:

“The Tudors have always fascinated us, not just because of their power and pageantry, but because life at court could be as dangerous as it was glamorous. In this series, Suzannah and I return to the evidence with fresh eyes to ask whether these extraordinary executions were inevitable tragedies, political necessities or something far more calculated. It’s history at its most human, dramatic and brutal.”

Lipscomb added:

“Making How the Tudors Lost Their Heads has been a wonderful experience. I have studied the Tudors for years, but this series offered me a chance to dig deep into the reasons behind these famous executions – the very human mistakes, vendettas, unwavering faith and dark politics – and has made me change my mind about some of the most remarkable characters of the period. Discovering new twists and forgotten evidence has been fascinating and has thrown the era into sharp, bloody focus.”

Travelling across Europe, Snow and Lipscomb investigate each story through letters, paintings, official records, archaeological discoveries, privileged access to historic buildings and archives, and newly examined forensic evidence.

Each episode explores a different Tudor figure, from Anne Boleyn and Mary, Queen of Scots to aristocratic pretender Perkin Warbeck, revealing the ambition, betrayal, propaganda and political intrigue that ultimately sealed their fate.

Matt Taylor, VP Content, Creative and Marketing for National Geographic EMEA, said in a statement regarding the show:

“How The Tudors Lost Their Heads exemplifies National Geographic’s commitment to telling remarkable true stories through world-class filmmaking. We are excited to bring this series to audiences on National Geographic and Disney+, offering a compelling re-examination of the ambition, power struggles and personal tragedies that defined the Tudor age.”

Produced by History Hit and Little Dot Studios for National Geographic.”How The Tudors Lost Their Heads” combines ambitious filmmaking with immersive historical investigation.

Bill Locke, Head of Programming at History Hit, also said:

“By combining National Geographic’s unrivalled reputation for bringing history to life through intelligent storytelling, with History Hit’s ability to reach and engage global audiences with expert-led content, we’re delighted to be partnering once again, this time on a series that re-examines one of Britain’s most fascinating dynasties.”

Paul Woolf, Head of Unscripted Development at Little Dot Studios, said:

“History Hit and Little Dot Studios have built a global community of history enthusiasts through our podcasts and digital platforms. We’re excited to extend those conversations through this landmark series and give audiences even more opportunities to explore the tempestuous world of the Tudors.”

Disney has also released some details on the episodes in this series.

TX1 – Mary, Queen of Scots

6th September at 8pm, National Geographic / Streams from 6th September on Disney+

For centuries, Mary, Queen of Scots has been dismissed as impulsive and self-destructive. Now, through new evidence and rare access, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow uncover deeper layers to this most famous historical figure. Travelling through France, Scotland and England, they trace Mary’s journey from educated princess to embattled and imprisoned queen. They examine extraordinary documents, including recently unearthed coded letters, and reveal a woman who was charismatic, strategic and strong-willed, but who faced daunting odds, powerful enemies, violence and betrayal. As they investigate pivotal moments that led to her execution, Suzannah and Dan reassess Mary. Was her tragic fate really down to her own actions and temperament? Or did her cousin, Elizabeth I, along with scheming spymasters, deliver the final blow?

TX 2 – Perkin Warbeck & the Princes in the Tower

13th September at 8pm, National Geographic / Streams from 6th September on Disney+

In 1491, a finely dressed young man travels Europe claiming to be Richard, Duke of York, one of England’s disappeared Princes in the Tower, and the country’s true king. The man quickly attracts backing from European rulers who see him as a vehicle for unseating the current king, Henry VII. Henry would go down in history as the founder of the Tudor dynasty, the young man as Perkin Warbeck, a failed and executed pretender. Suzannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow trace the cat-and-mouse contest between Henry and his rival. It’s a tale of espionage, unsuccessful invasions and shifting alliances. They uncover evidence at the heart of one of history’s most enduring mysteries: Was Perkin an imposter, just a young lad from Belgium caught up in European power politics, or was he really the rightful heir to the English throne?

TX 3 – Anne Boleyn

20th September at 8pm, National Geographic / Streams from 6th September on Disney+

Executed on charges of adultery and treason, Anne Boleyn is often remembered as the ‘harlot’ who seduced Henry VIII into annulling his first marriage and forcing his country into religious turmoil. By examining what really led to her execution in 1536, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow reveal a far more complex reality. They discover Anne’s appeal to the king was as much intellectual as physical. No mere social climber, she was a moral reformer who sought to use her royal influence for public good. But Anne’s power evaporated as her relationship with chief minister Thomas Cromwell fractured and her pregnancies failed to deliver the male heir Henry demanded. Suzannah and Dan uncover evidence that the stunning charges against Anne were falsified; was she actually innocent? This is the story of England’s most misunderstood queen.

TX 4 – Earl of Essex – Fall of a Favourite

27th September at 8pm, National Geographic / Streams from 6th September on Disney+

In 1588, Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex stood beside Elizabeth I as she rallied her troops to face the Spanish Armada. Young and charismatic, he was Elizabeth’s intimate confidante, her favourite. But Essex’s charm was matched by his recklessness. From arguing with the queen to leading a disastrous military campaign in Ireland, his behaviour pushed the limits of royal patience. Eventually, disgruntled and politically weakened, Essex launched a rebellion that would see him executed. Was he really out to seize the crown? Suzannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow trace the volatile relationship between queen and favourite. Examining centuries-old documents, they uncover evidence-tampering and the devious tactics of an arch-rival, revealing that Essex was undone not only by his own ambition and hotheadedness, but also by ruthless court politics.

TX 5 – John Dudley: The Wicked Duke

4th October at 8pm, National Geographic / Streams from 6th September on Disney+

John Dudley rose from family disgrace to become the power behind King Edward VI’s rule. In a court divided into two powerful factions, religious reformers and conservative Catholic nobility, Dudley betrayed friendships and crushed rivals, making powerful enemies along the way. In 1553, when the young king died, rumours swirled that Dudley had conspired to snatch the crown for his daughter-in-law, Lady Jane Grey. She was abruptly dethroned by the future Mary I and, without supporters, Dudley was arrested and executed as a traitor. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow trace Dudley’s rise and downfall. They uncover how he navigated the shifting alliances of the Tudor court and re-examine the evidence that sealed his fate. For so long, Dudley was a winner in the Tudor game of thrones; ultimately, was he also its victim?

TX 6 – Margaret Pole: The Last Plantagenet

11th October at 8pm, National Geographic / Streams from 6th September on Disney+

Margaret Pole was born into England’s ruling dynasty but, while a child, she lost her wealth and status when the Tudors came to power. Resilient and smart, she fought her way back to become one of the country’s most powerful people. She was trusted by Henry VIII to be his daughter Mary’s governess, but was also willing to defy the king. Suzannah Lipscomb and Dan Snow trace Margaret’s incredible story and investigate her downfall, exploring castles across England and heading to Europe on the trail of her son, Reginald. A protégé of Henry VIII, he turned against the king over the break with Catholic Rome. Reginald’s ‘betrayal’ led to an international manhunt that endangered his family and eventually led to Margaret’s conviction as a traitor. Killed at the age of 67, her execution is remembered as one of the most shocking of Tudor times.

Are you looking forward to watching “How The Tudors Lost Their Heads”? Let me know on social media!