Season 1
- James Norton as Harold Godwinson of Wessex
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau ( Game of Thrones ) as William, Duke of Normandy
- Emily Beecham as Edith of Wessex
- Clémence Poésy as Matilda of Normandy
- Geoff Bell as Godwin, Earl of Wessex
- Clare Holman as Gytha
- Ingvar Sigurdsson as Fitzosbern
- Elliot Cowan ( Krypton ) as Sweyn
- Luther Ford as Tostig
- Bo Bragason as Queen Gunhild of Wessex
- Bjarne Henriksen as Earl Siward
- Jean-Marc Barr as King Henry I of France
- Léo Legrand as Odo
- Eddie Marsan ( Hancock ) as King Edward the Confessor
- Juliet Stevenson as Lady Emma
- Oliver Masucci as Baldwin
King and Conquerer (2025) [Season 1, Episode 1]
Invitation
Shown 24th August 2025
This starts with an ahistorical version of the battle of Hastings. Harold Godwinson of Wessex and William of Normandy seek each other out on the battlefield. Thus we are introduced to the two main character of the story. Neither is the antagonist - like Heat (1995) , we are presented with two protagonists.
In Normandy, William is a henchman for King Henry. His mission is to capture Godfrey, another henchman who has now gone rogue. William is called away to visit his cousin in England. William's wife takes over the hunt, being more successful and ruthless. Not only does she catch Godfrey, she has him tortured until he gives up the secret of why king Henry fears him so much.
In Wessex, the Godwinsons are under attack from bandits. Harold realises the bandits serve the neighbouring Earldom, Mercia. However, Harold's father Godwin wishes to avoid political troubles.
There are a couple of scenes when William and Harold meet and interact. The story is set up to make them seem almost friendly.
King and Conquerer (2025) [Season 1, Episode 2]
The Sins of the Father
Shown 24th August 2025
The King's mother, Lady Emma ( Juliet Stevenson ), takes the opportunity to have the Godwin clan exiled from England.
William, Duke of Normandy (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau - Game of Thrones ), discovered what happened to his father. Now he wants revenge.
A lot of the scenes are interiors, lit only by candlelight. While this may sound more authentic, the reliance on post-production colour grading just means that everything takes place in the dark.
King and Conquerer (2025) [Season 1, Episode 3]
Brothers
Shown 24th August 2025
Harold Godwinson of Wessex (James Norton) and William, Duke of Normandy (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau - Game of Thrones ) are in exile together in Flanders. They bond while dodging assassins together. Unfortunately, they neglect to take one alive so they do not know which one of them the assassins were after.
Harold leads a mission to rescue his wife, Edith of Wessex ( Emily Beecham ).
William plots with his wife, Matilda of Normandy ( Clémence Poésy ), to defeat the villainous King of Normandy.
King and Conquerer (2025) [Season 1, Episode 4]
So Be It
Shown 24th August 2025
Harold's master-plan works, and he conquers London in an off-screen battle. Once his wife is safe, he spares King Edward (Eddie Marsan - Hancock ).
William's master-plan works, and he re-claims Normandy in an off-screen battle. He plans to hunt down and kill king Henry.
Sweyn (Elliot Cowan - Krypton ) is unhappy at being sidelined for his younger brothers. The King's mother, Lady Emma ( Juliet Stevenson ), has been paying Danegeld to the Norwegians. This is all setup for the introduction of harald Hardrada.
King and Conquerer (2025) [Season 1, Episode 5]
The Beast in the Mirror
Shown 24th August 2025
King Edward (Eddie Marsan - Hancock ) is on his death-bed. Harold tries to persuade Edward to change his will, which leaves the English throne to William instead of Harold.
William's master-plan is to invade England. To do this, he needs a fleet of ships. Luckily his neighbour, the Duke of Brittany, has the largest fleet in the area. Unfortunately the Duke charges too high a price.
King and Conquerer (2025) [Season 1, Episode 6]
Damage
Shown 24th August 2025
King and Conquerer (2025) [Season 1, Episode 7]
Cost of War
Shown 24th August 2025
King and Conquerer (2025) [Season 1, Episode 8]
The Hand of God
Shown 24th August 2025
