Will
Tells the wild story of young William Shakespeare's arrival onto the punk-rock theater scene in 16th-century London: the seductive, violent world in which his raw talent faced rioting audiences, religious fanatics, and raucous sideshows. It's described as a contemporary version of Shakespeare's life, played to a modern soundtrack that exposes all his recklessness, lustful temptations, and brilliance. Attracted to Will's naive genius is Alice Burbage, the talented, beautiful, rebellious daughter of James Burbage, the carpenter with a vision to build the first theater in London since Roman times. Despite being an impresario's daughter, Alice is forbidden by society from pursuing a career in the theatre. Her brother Richard Burbage is innately talented, but too much in love with himself and prone to overact. A chance encounter at the theatre leads him to team up with Will in what would soon become the greatest actor-writer partnership the world has ever seen. Rounding out Will's cast of characters are playwright, poet, and rival Christopher Marlowe and wealthy, notorious Catholic-hunter Richard Topcliffe.
- Metascore62
- 2017-2017
- 1 season
- TNT
- Drama, Documentary
- TV-MA
Tells the wild story of young William Shakespeare's arrival onto the punk-rock theater scene in 16th-century London: the seductive, violent world in which his raw talent faced rioting audiences, religious fanatics, and raucous sideshows. It's described as a contemporary version of Shakespeare's life, played to a modern soundtrack that exposes all his recklessness, lustful temptations, and brilliance. Attracted to Will's naive genius is Alice Burbage, the talented, beautiful, rebellious daughter of James Burbage, the carpenter with a vision to build the first theater in London since Roman times. Despite being an impresario's daughter, Alice is forbidden by society from pursuing a career in the theatre. Her brother Richard Burbage is innately talented, but too much in love with himself and prone to overact. A chance encounter at the theatre leads him to team up with Will in what would soon become the greatest actor-writer partnership the world has ever seen. Rounding out Will's cast of characters are playwright, poet, and rival Christopher Marlowe and wealthy, notorious Catholic-hunter Richard Topcliffe.
Season 1 Episode Guide
10 Episodes 2017
Episode 1
The Play's the Thing
Mon, Jul 10, 2017 57 mins
During a time of religious turmoil in England, Will Shakespeare arrives in London from the small town of Stratford with little more than a dream and a treasonous letter.
Episode 2
Cowards Die Many Times
Mon, Jul 10, 2017 49 mins
Will (Laurie Davidson) is wracked with guilt over the arrest of the rival playwright, Baxter (Tadhg Murphy), and he makes a dangerous confession to the beautiful and rebellious Alice (Olivia DeJonge). The future of the theatre is threatened when the crowd-pleasing actor, Kemp (William Houston), is tempted by another playhouse.
Episode 3
The Two Gentlemen
Mon, Jul 17, 2017 49 mins
Will has an epiphany that could bring him success, yet he needs Alice's help. Meanwhile, a magnetic fugitive from Will's past comes forth with a dangerous obligation.
Episode 4
Brave New World
Mon, Jul 24, 2017 49 mins
Marlowe introduces Will to the decadent elite of London, but things take a macabre turn; Alice becomes disillusioned; Will must fight for all he holds dear.
Episode 5
The Marriage of True Minds
Mon, Jul 31, 2017 48 mins
An unexpected arrival sends Will's world spinning; a transcendental experience leads Marlowe to deal with his past; Topcliffe deciphers a code that throws Will into a life-and-death situation.
Episode 6
Something Wicked This Way Comes
Mon, Aug 7, 2017 50 mins
Tensions rise as Will (Laurie Davidson) and Alice (Olivia DeJonge) continue to collaborate, while Anne (Deirdre Mullins) attempts to adjust to London life. Love forces Marlowe (Jamie Campbell Bower) to confront his darkest fears. Presto (Lukas Rolfe) is forced to confront true evil.
Episode 7
What Dreams May Come
Mon, Aug 14, 2017 47 mins
The theatre is jeopardized so Will enlists help from a beautiful and talented friend.
Episode 8
Your Houses
Mon, Aug 21, 2017 48 mins
Will is shocked to learn of Alice's new passion. Haunted by his inability to write, Marlowe embarks on a self-destructive path. Plague haunts London, and Richard discovers what he believes in.
Episode 9
Play the Devil
Mon, Aug 28, 2017 47 mins
To write his new play Will must confront Topcliffe; to achieve greatness, Richard must tell his father a harsh truth; Alice contemplates a perilous mission.
Episode 10
Once, Bright Angel
Mon, Sep 4, 2017 51 mins
Will and the company are shocked by a terrible discovery; they must risk everything in a life and death struggle for survival.
