BBC One’s King and Conqueror has returned for a second episode – but fans were left fuming just minutes into the latest instalmentGemma Jones and Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time
08:56, 26 Aug 2025
Another episode of King and Conqueror aired on BBC One on Monday evening – but within minutes, viewers had reached their limit.
The hefty eight-part series chronicles the lengthy build-up to the Battle of Hastings. It stars James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as feuding monarchs Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy.
The fresh drama witnesses the two nobles encounter each other for the first time at King Edward’s coronation in England, where Harold’s cautions about betrayal fall on deaf ears.
Tonight’s 45-minute instalment witnessed William and Harold each confront serious threats that put their loved ones at risk.
Meanwhile, sanctuary in Flanders provided hope for new mum Matilda, whilst vindictive Lady Emma pursued the Godwins relentlessly, reports the Express.
BBC dropped a second episode on Tuesday(Image: BBC)
While the programme featured numerous dramatic moments that gripped some viewers, other audiences were far from impressed and slammed the BBC for the second consecutive evening.
One fan announced they wouldn’t be tuning in, mere minutes after the show began.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), they boldly rejected the BBC as they posted: “I’m not going to watch the second episode of @BBCOne #KingAndConqueror I’m going to go back in time with @Channel4 and #Gogglebox 2022… way better..”
Another viewer agreed: “The first five minutes were terrible. I lasted 15 minutes in total. I will not even be watching this for entertainment. #kingandconqueror.”
Happy Valley star James Norton became competitive on the set of his new drama(Image: BBC)
One disgruntled viewer vented their frustration over the BBC licence fee, stating that those who pay had been “let down”.
The irate social media user wrote: “The BBC have let themselves, the license payer, but most of all, history down. ‘King and Conquerer’ is a magnificent mess. The story writes itself. Risible, ruses not necessary. They should be sent to the corner to think about what they’ve done!”
Despite the backlash, not all fans were disappointed by the new James Norton drama as one fan praised: “And just like that, I’m invested #KingAndConqueror.”
King and Conqueror broadcasts on BBC One at 9pm and can be watched on BBC iPlayer.