Independent production company Woodcut Media and distributor Sphere Abacus have officially confirmed the commission of a second season for the acclaimed history documentary series Queens that Changed the World, following a strategic order from BBC Select. This renewal underscores the continued commercial strength and editorial relevance of the franchise within the global non-scripted market. In addition to the primary order, Sphere Abacus has successfully concluded a series of significant licensing agreements for the upcoming season with prominent broadcasters including BBC Studios America, SBS Australia, Sky Germany, and Czech Television, ensuring the production maintains its trajectory as a highly sought-after asset for international audiences seeking premium historical content.
Sphere Abacus has also concluded sales for Season Two with BBC Studios America, SBS Australia, Sky Germany and Czech Television.
Currently in production, Season Two of Queens That Changed The World (6 x 1 hour) shines the light on six formidable historical female rulers, delving into the lives of Maria Theresa, Mary Queen of Scots, Marie Antoinette, Rani of Jhansi, Agrippina the Younger, and Queen Charlotte, discovering what drove them, how they asserted their authority, and how – sometimes – being a woman actually proved to be a secret weapon!
The series uses archive footage and stylised recreations, alongside expert analysis from historians and academics to chart the rise to power of each queen, whilst investigating all key aspects of their reign. It looks at the challenges they faced, and their unique perspective on power, as well as using their experience as a lens through which to view wider themes such as women’s changing position in society and what it meant to be the ‘fairer sex.’
Series producer is Hayley Rhodes, and executive producers are Kate Beal and Angie Cox. The series is produced by Woodcut Media and distributed worldwide by Sphere Abacus.
Hayley Rhodes, Series Producer, Woodcut Media said: ‘This series takes a fresh look at the lives and motivations of some of history’s most powerful women. These are women who’ve often been seen as one-dimensional, for example power-hungry, or sexually voracious, or fragile victims of men’s machinations. We’ve been able to paint a picture that’s much more nuanced, showing how these Queens weathered storms and navigated the difficult dynamics of being a female ruler in a male-dominated world’.
Jonathan Ford, Managing Director, Sphere Abacus said: ‘We’re delighted to be distributing the second season of this unique and fascinating documentary series. Season 2 will give viewers further, unrivalled insight into the lives of strong female leaders who ruled during key times in global history and examine the long-lasting impact their decisions had on those periods’
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