Coming to the U.S. for the first time, Ovation TV will launch the 10-episode, acclaimed drama series VERSAILLES with a two-hour season premiere on Saturday, October 1.
Set against a backdrop of power, love,
BETRAYAL and war, Versailles is a unique take on a defining period of French history. The year is 1667 and King Louis XIV, portrayed by George Blagden (Vikings), is a 28-year-old monarch on the cusp of greatness. A ruthless leader, he will stop at nothing to achieve his vision of creating the most beautiful palace in Europe and seizing absolute control of France and his enemies.
The most-expensive series ever produced in France, Versailles takes the period genre to new dimensions, injecting a vibrant modernity into an era that put France at the epicenter of glamour, culture and fashion. The series was brought to life by a critically acclaimed creative team, which includes Executive Producers Simon Mirren (Without a Trace, Criminal Minds), David Wolstencroft (Spooks, The Escape Artist), Claude Chelli (Braquo), Anne Thomopoulos (Rome) and Director Jalil Lespert (Yves Saint Laurent).
Here are the episode-by-episode highlights of this riveting, must-see new series, which has already become an obsession for viewers in England, France and around the world:
EPISODE 1 - "Welcome to Versailles" Premieres Saturday, October 1 at 10pm ET/PT
France, 1667. Proud young King Louis XIV seeks to stamp his authority on court and country, but faces resistance and betrayal, even from those closest to him. Shifting the seat of power to a luxurious rural hunting lodge that he plans to enlarge only adds to his problems.
EPISODE 2 - "I Am the State" Premieres Saturday, October 1 at 11pm ET/PT
Harsh steps must be taken to preserve the royal reputation; while flamboyant Philippe, the King's brother, causes a stir of his own. The King hopes that humiliating a noble suspect will bring others to heel.
EPISODE 3 - "Mirror for Princes" Airs Saturday, October 8 at 10pm ET/PT
The African Prince Annaba visits Louis at Versailles; Louis uses his wife Marie-Thérese to gain access to the African territories. Meanwhile, Philippe's wife, Henriette, is harassed by the unrelenting Chevalier de Lorraine.
EPISODE 4 - "The Road" Airs Saturday, October 15 at 10pm ET/PT
Louis is troubled by his brother Philippe's rumored expertise on the battlefield; Louise de Valliere is out-shined in the Court by the Madame de Montespan.
EPISODE 5 - "Bow to Your King" Airs Saturday, October 22 at 10pm ET/PT
Philippe returns victorious from the front, while attacks continue outside Versailles. The King invites the biggest noble families to Versailles to celebrate the peace treaty.
EPISODE 6 - "Invalides" Airs Saturday, October 29 at 10pm ET/PT
Soldiers working at Versailles revolt; the Duke of Cassel heads to the palace after a decree from the king stating that nobles who move to the area will be relieved of their debts.
EPISODE 7 - "Revelations" Airs Saturday, November 5 at 10pm ET/PT
Bontemps is worried about the King's high fever and summons a doctor; an emergency council meets to discuss a course of action if the King's condition worsens.
EPISODE 8 - "Diplomacy" Airs Saturday, November 12 at 10pm ET/PT
Chevalier is visited by the head of the plot to insure that he does not name his fellow conspirators; Louis proves himself to be a master strategist.
EPISODE 9 - "Etiquette" Airs Saturday, November 19 at 10pm ET/PT
Henriette takes the lead in negotiations with her brother King Charles II, while Montespan gains power in the court as she wins over Louis' heart. Fabien plans his revenge.
EPISODE 10 - "Bring the Garden Here" Airs Saturday, November 19 at 11pm ET/PT
As Henriette's health rapidly declines, Claudine works feverishly to save her patient. When the palace is put on lock-down, Louis is determined to save his son from the oppressive atmosphere of the court.
Additional information on the series can be found at
www.ovationtv.com/versailles
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