User reviews

Not sure why people are giving it bad reviews due to lack of historical accuracy. Not only the trailers, but the first five minutes tell you this isn't one of those shows.

It's a lot of fun. I finished it in two nights, and I love the main couple together. The fantasy aspect is random, but the writing manages to make it work.

I knocked off two stars because the cinematography could've been better, and they could've forked out the money to use the original songs as opposed to the terrible cover songs they chose to use instead, (a cover of Kashmir. Really?) or songs that haven't already been used in so many other movies and/or shows. (The Donna's/Goldfrapp)

This show is a fun ride. If you don't take it too seriously, you'll love this show. I binged it all in one day, and can't wait for season 2.

The show seems to be Amazon's version of Bridgerton and I'm here for it. Unlike Bridgerton, I took this show to be somewhat of a satire.

The main characters are enticing and charismatic. The casting is well done, and you'll find yourself wanting the villain to be desperately killed by the end of it. And I think that always make a great villain.

Give the show a chance, and I think you'll enjoy it as well (that is if you are into romantic period pieces meets unrealistic fantasy). Just remember it's ridiculous and that's okay.

Prime video - bring it back for season 2. This is the best content you've put out in years. It's absolutely insane that you would cancel this show after one season. There is a huge following for this show after such a short time. This show brought even more viewers than Bridgerton! Look at the numbers! There's still time to bring it back!!!!!!!! I will literally review on every site possible to get this show back we need to fix this wrong prime video! Stat!!!!!! If I don't get a second season I will discontinue my membership with prime video, no questions asked. Here for great vibes and great sound tracks to come!

There is substance to the silly fantasy, well written, well acted, well designed. With strong female characters at every turn. Adventure, fantasy, romance, logic.

Modern music, modern slang, edgy storytelling, and enjoyable narration.

And while they change history, they remain true to many details about the time period and source material.

I love all of the characters, they are all well written.

Beyond worthy of a second season.

(9/10 only because I am a costume designer and there are a couple tiny period inaccuracies, but I still LOVE the costume design. Beautiful fabrics, well made costumes, clearly drew from period portraiture)

At the start, I thought hated it. The overt anachronisms, ridiculous fantasy elements, and conscious attempt to shock with body humour and bad language made me think this was just going to be another puerile, brainless historical farce. But I have to admit, some great performances from the two veteran comedy actors (Rob Brydon and Anna Chancellor), kept me from turning it off. By the end of the episode I was interested enough to give the second episode a watch. By the end of that, I'd bought into the premise, was totally on board with the silliness, and thoroughly enjoying the chemistry between the two leads. No, it's not a historical drama, it's more like alternate history and historical fantasy. If you take it for what it's meant to be, it's a very enjoyable watch. And the romance is swoon worthy enough for me to want a second season to give them a happy ever after.

It is quite a rare thing to find a show that is able to capture your attention right off the bat, without stumbling or falling short of living up to its premise. This show has so much going for it, starting with the lovable characters, who you can't help but find entertaining despite their appalling actions. The writing is very funny without sacrificing the seriousness of the situations the characters are thrown in. And the cast is all so incredibly talented, everything about this show works perfectly together.

This show doesn't need to find its footing, it's already an incredibly well made television show. What this show needs is support and time to make people aware of this show, so that they may fall in love with its witty writing, riveting plot and beating heart.

This is a hate letter to prime video, please do not give up on this rare gem of a show.

Firstly, I'm a little surprised by the number of 10/10 and 1/10 reviews!

One of the main issues people seem to have is the 'historical' tag. It's about as historical as 'Blackadder' - that is to say, it's not. Thankfully, this is made abundantly clear in the first few minutes of narration. It's essentially an alternate universe vaguely grounded by one point in time and centred on a very fictional version of Jane Grey.

There's a lot going on and it certainly demands a significant degree of suspension of belief. However, it does set up the 'rules' of its setting, characters, and style of storytelling clearly within the first episode - and it stays true to them. If you can't enjoy the first episode, this one's not for you! If you can happily suspend your disbelief and lean into this frothy romantasy - you're in for some fun bingeworthy viewing!

Without spoilers, My Lady Jane is about an alternate-universe Jane Grey, who is forced to marry the apparently rakeish and brooding Guildford Dudley. Brooding sexual tension ensues as the two navigate Jane's ascension to Queen, court intrigue, power struggles and the persecution of the Ethians (the magical human-animal shapeshifting equivalent of Protestants).

Is the plot messy? A little. Is the *modern* sexual content, music, and swearing overdone? Absolutely. This series could have been GREAT, like the lovechild of Blackadder and Princess Bride (with a little LadyHawke thrown in for good measure), but it didn't quite get there. The chemistry between the leads counts for a lot - Edward Bluemel really pulls off the swoony moments to perfection! There's some very entertaining support characters which grow on you through the series, particularly Rob Brydon's Lord Dudley and his son. Yet I feel it's held back by not knowing its target audience. This story could have been a perfect frothy fantasy sattire for a much wider audience without the gratuitous sexual content and swearing. The older members and teenagers of my family could have loved the story and watched it again and again. It could have been the ultimate family guilty-pleasure weekend viewing. But instead, it's only suitable for some adults yet isn't a mature enough story to truly achieve greatness in that context. A missed opportunity! But still a very fun and enjoyable series.

You absolutely need to watch this show! It offers a brilliant fusion of the whimsical elements found in "The Princess Bride" and "Ella Enchanted," combined with the high-energy soundtrack vibes of "A Knight's Tale." It's easily among the best new series I've seen in years, delivering top-tier entertainment. If you haven't watched it yet, you're definitely missing something special.

The plot is gripping, ensuring you're engaged throughout, while the narrator adds a clever mix of suspense and humor. The modern music, exclusively performed by female artists, adds an empowering and refreshing layer to this historical drama set in 1553. Moreover, the show features a powerful female lead who commands the story with grace and depth. The chemistry between Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel is palpable, enhancing the story's appeal. This series not only stays true to the book but also leaves you on the edge of your seat, eager for more. It's truly an outstanding production, and I can't recommend it highly enough!

A fantastic example of how to handle a book to tv series adaptation. This show is hilarious, snarky, sexy, adventurous, well-paced, and ADDICTIVE!! Prime video has been struggling to sustain original series and they have a winner on their hands with this one. It wasn't picked up for season 2 which i think is a mistake because this series had the potential to grow as we continued Gilford and Jane's story next season. Shows like Bridgerton and the Buccaneers have proven that there is an audience for this kind of show, it just needed its time to find it. Great cast, chemistry that JUMPED through the screen, and spunky writing. Fingers crossed someone else picks this up or Prime gives in to the bullying of online fandom and decides to greenlight S2.

Funny, lighthearted, interesting, and well -acted. This was the first show in a very long time completely void of any political agenda or other pc nonsense, and it gets cancelled after one season with the story completely hanging in the balance? Hollywood really needs to seriously reevaluate what shows it deems worthy of renewing or canceling, because they've been consistently missing the mark for several years now. Funny show, stupid "ending", and shame on the powers that be for canceling it after only one season. Guess we'll once again be going back to exclusively watching shows made prior to 2020. Ugh...

If the writers/creators of Ella Enchanted opened a history book and thought, yeah I could make that different, it would turn out like this. Throw in some crass British humour and modern music and you'll have this show. I will admit I was sceptical at first, the first episode was underwhelming but I kept with it and I think it was worth it. I usually only watch historical shows if they are accurate, but this show stated from the beginning that it was going to be inaccurate so I can't say it was such a shocker. The Monty python style narrating really pulled the whole show together and it really was quite enjoyable if you are looking for a turn your brain off summer binge. (I'm also a mad sucker for anything enemies to lovers or arranged marriage, and this had both!)

The book is excellent in its own right, and this is a fantastic adaptation of the work. The show is obviously a labor of love, with fierce and funny characters based--ever so loosely--on the members of the Tudor court after the death of Henry VIII. It has everything: steamy romance, wonderful representations of women and consent, and the sharpest dialogue I've watched in a long time.

I cannot stop thinking about this show. The ensemble work, actors' chemistry, gorgeous costuming and sets, and fantasy twist work together perfectly to create just a joyous experience. I cannot recommend highly enough!

This is probably the best show I've watched in ages. I binged it in less than a day. It was so amazing and empowering and entertaining. I love that we finally have a show for women by women. SAVE MY LADY JANE!!!! It deserves that chance to grow and the facts don't lie: it's growing.

This show has everything you could possibly want: mystery, romance, fantasy, tension, political intrigue, a fun twist on history, strong female characters, an amazing cast, fighting, a dagger scene :)), and so much more. In my opinion, it's one of the best historical fiction shows ever. I truly enjoy the creative liberties taken and the chance to get to know the 9 day queen who deserved so much better. You know what also deserves better: this show. It has so much potential. Both the real Lady Jane Grey and us, the viewers deserve more.

I am absolutely in love with this show, and you will be too if you like any of the following: -Quality writing and world building -A fantastic ensemble of talented actors, playing complex, dynamic characters -Quick witted British humor that will leave you cackling -A fresh, lush, campy take on alt-history and romantasy that doesn't feel forced or corny -A main character who, although imperfect, is so gutsy and brilliant that you can't help but root for her -A love interest who brings new light (and killer smoldering glares) to the brooding tortured bad boy -Absolutely ELECTRIFYING chemistry between our two leads -Villains that are both psychopathic and hilariously entertaining -Character and family dynamics that are complex and nuanced -Plenty of plot twists and interesting side plots -Stunning, rich scenery, sets, and costume design that pay homage to Tudor England while adding whimsical and modern touches -Supernatural elements that keep magical realism alive I would recommend this show to anybody and everybody. This series is a winner.

This show has everything charming, funny, takes the edge of, and such an amazing re-write of history. And the plot twists omg I love it!!

I swear not in a million years would I have imagined this from all shows would get cancelled. It literally deserves season 2!!

The chemistry is out of this world and the entire plot is surreal. You will never get bored to watch you can almost never predict what is going to happen next or just the entire episode is amazing and just keeps you wanting more.

Hopefully we get a season two from amazon prime video or Netflix or whatever. But a season 2 is a necessity of a show so original and stunning as this. I highly recommend this.

So many plot holes in the first episode alone I lost interest. It's one thing when a show "tries too hard" for the sake of comedy. It's another when it's just flat out stupid.

Take Jane's first escape. Waiting until the crack of dawn, closer to when people would be awake and ready to come find her, was one thing. Going without a horse when she is perfectly capable of riding (as seen later in 1st episode) contradicts her "cleverness."

And let's not forget she has the freedom to leave home and follow her mother to the Dudley estate right after escaping but of course doesn't attempt to leave then. Why? I just stopped asking questions at this point.

It gets worse from there.

Mother: "Marry Dudley or I'll make your sister marry an old man." Jane: "You're terrible for forcing me." Guess I'll just fake having the Affliction so my will still be forced to marry the old man with the ugly toe anyway, because "logic?"

To be honest I'd probably give it a lower score but since I barely made it through the first episode. Oh, did I mention the first episode ends with preview of the next ep/entire season because who doesn't like being forced to watch spoilers??? But that genius move it right on par with my first impression of episode one. The only question is, can the humor and mythical shifters bail out this sinking plot ship fast enough?

My Lady Jane is hands down one of the best shows Amazon has ever put out. It's a perfect blend of clever writing, brilliant side characters, and an engaging plot, all wrapped up in stunning design. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and never fails to entertain. I honestly can't believe they're not making more seasons of this gem. How a show like The Summer I Turned Pretty, with its dated and predictable teen romance, continues to get renewed while My Lady Jane was canceled after just one season is beyond me. This show is packed with humor, originality, and so much heart. It's easily one of the funniest shows I've ever watched, and it's a complete mystery how it ended after only one season. It's a massive loss for Amazon and for viewers everywhere.

It's kind of modeled after Dickinson: anachronistic and contemporary. I don't think it carries the conceit off quite as well, though. The music is heavy-handed, and it could've used some tightening up. But the script is pretty funny and the narration borders on hilarious. It's a fantastical take on a tragic fact of history and I liked it a lot for that. The old London Bridge makes an appearance, too, I also liked the deeply metaphorical takes on Otherness. Some of the dialog and twists are ridiculous, and the lead isn't quite as strong as her fellow actors, but to be fair, it's an incredible cast. It's very queer and entertaining. Binge-worthy.

I really don't understand these bad reviews! It's well written, funny, and the cast has great chemistry.

If you're looking for a historically accurate show this isn't for you and that's obvious. It's a fun RETELLING of history. It had a twist, it's modern. I think people really missed the point of this. The modern music should have really been a big hint.

So for the people complaining about it's accuracy or that they're ruining the story.. you're taking it way to serious. And for the person who complained about Edward being black.. I'll keep my comment to myself so this doesn't get reported. But get a life

I was hooked from the first episode. I think I binged watched this show every moment I could. We need more shows like this.

It's entertaining, great cast, some occasional strong writing. A bit on the politically correct side of things. I do appreciate nods to liberal attitudes and progressive story lines but it's a bit angry culture war-ey side of things. Like it comes from atop a soap box.

Silly historically implausible things.

And then the shape shifting animal thing. It just feels so unnecessary. I was really enjoying it until then, I was sold into believing the characters and their lives and then this just feels silly. Takes away from all the realism they are trying to add with the abrupt language and swearing, the observations on human nature etc. Undermines the realism.

Why bother with a historical piece if you're not going to be historical whatsoever? I lasted 8 minutes into the first episode. Lady Jane Grey has always fascinated me, what it must have been like to have been her, to have been shoved into the spotlight when you didn't want it, then paying the ultimate price. What I know is she was nothing like the caricature shown in this mess. The real Lady Jane stayed true to her Protestant faith, and she was beheaded for it. She was only 17 years old when she was executed. Lady Jane Grey followed the values prominent at the time: duty, honour, self sacrifice. Something I guess the makers of this series couldn't relate to so they simply changed, you know, everything. My heartfelt plea: if you want to make another insipid RomCom with the first scene showing the lead character (supposedly Lady Jane) putting ointment on another female's vag to 'stop the itch', I suppose there's an audience for that...but don't set it in Tudor era England for goodness sake. Don't dishonour a brave young soul like Lady Jane. Please, if you can't do her justice let her rest in peace.

I really hope some network saves this show because it's brilliantly done. The blend of history with fantasy and modern music is artfully done. Wonderful actors, especially the actress who plays Lady Jane and leads the cast beautifully. It's very frustrating to not hear how good a show is until it's already been cancelled, especially when it was only out for a couple months. Everyone needs to check this out! It's sort of like Bridgerton but with royalty and mythical creatures. I wasn't sure what to expect going in but once I started I was immediately hooked. It's rare that a show really feels fresh, and My Lady Jane nails it.

Overall, 'My Lady Jane' is fun, cute, modern, and gripping. The series provides a whole new perspective on Tudors. Tudor lineage is dealt with such seriousness, and all the British historical series treat it like a sacred cow. It is about time to get sick of it, but 'My Lady Jane' is such a great satire on the boring same old story of violent and bloody Tudors.

Weaknesses

Fantasy genre is all or nothing. When the series becomes the whole new universe that the audience can be transported to and immersed in, it's easier from that point. Historical fantasy is trickier because the audience already has established facts and knowledge, so an alternate universe based on those is harder to build. What you know and what the series is trying to pull into keep clashing with each other. For example, Seymour (Edward's mother's brother) and Mary working together to kill Edward is just more than I can handle. Mary and Maragaret Beaufort are white; Seymour is white; Edward is black. I fully understand that the fantasy genre lacks reality, but it still needs logic.

I understand that the whole atmosphere of the series is not about grace or class. I get that. It uses sex as a humor a lot of times, but it's not really working. It's not funny nor sexy, just vulgar and creepy.