BBC medieval series King & Conqueror has been criticised by some viewers over historical inaccuracies.
The new show debuted last month on BBC One in the UK, depicting the build-up to the Norman Invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings as Harold Godwinson (James Norton) and William, Duke of Normandy (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) battle for the throne.
However, some have taken to social media over its depiction of historical events, many particularly taking issue with the use of language.
“What is this trend of using modern language and phrases that would never have been heard in the times portrayed,” one wrote on X. “The BBC used to be the best at this kind of drama. Not anymore.”
“Was looking forward to watching King and Conqueror…until the very first words spoken were ‘anytime soon would be good’….. something I have only heard in recent years… don’t expect them to speak the language of 1000 years ago but…writers….really,” another added.
However, another defended the modernisation, writing: “I get that it’s fun to complain about historical accuracy, but I don’t think that the people complaining about the ‘modernised language’ in the BBC’s King and Conqueror realise that if the language were period accurate that they wouldn’t understand any of it.”
Meanwhile, X account @fakehistoryhunt further shared a thread “looking at details” including “caring about historical accuracy”.
Was looking forward to King And Conqueror but what a disappointment. What is this trend of using modern language and phrases that would never have been heard in the times portrayed. The BBC used to be the best at this kind of drama. Not anymore.#KingAndConqueror
— Christine Woodward (@Christi74222782) August 25, 2025
Was looking forward to watching King and Conqueror…until the very first words spoken were ‘anytime soon would be good’….. something I have only heard in recent years… don’t expect them to speak the language of 1000 years ago but…writers….really!
— elizabeth (@smileyface47168) August 24, 2025
I get that it’s fun to complain about historical accuracy, but I don’t think that the people complaining about the “modernised language” in the BBC’s King and Conqueror realise that if the language were period accurate that they wouldn’t understand any of it.
— artemisscribe (kinda back?) (@noolivesthnx) August 26, 2025
TV review!
You knew it was coming…
Let’s go check out ‘King & Conqueror’, episode 1, just aired tonight.
Yes, I will be annoying, looking at details, caring about historical accuracy, details, etc.
You’ve been warned. pic.twitter.com/RyeVrtz2QP— Fake History Hunter (@fakehistoryhunt) August 25, 2025
King & Conqueror comes from Michael Robert Johnson, and also stars 1899‘s Emily Beecham as Edith, War and Peace‘s Clémence Poésy as Matilda, MobLand‘s Geoff Bell as Godwin, Back to Black‘s Eddie Marsan as King Edward and Bend It Like Beckham‘s Juliet Stevenson as Lady Emma.
Norton will soon appear in Netflix’s new Steven Knight drama House Of Guinness, which follows the titular brewing family and the impact of its patriarch’s will on his children.
