5 reasons to watch The White Princess to get through Droughtlander

If you’re still looking for a way to get through Droughtlander, turn to Starz’ The White Princess for some help.

Starz recently announced it was picking up a follow-up to The White Princess. The new limited series will be called The Spanish Princess, but it reminded many Outlander fans of another Starz series to get through Droughtlander. If you haven’t watched the Tudor-period series, it’s definitely one to tune into. Those who have watched it, watch it again, as there will likely be things you missed.

But isn’t the series for the younger population? While it does focus on Elizabeth of York’s (Lizzy) earlier years–the years when she married Henry VII of England, there are other elements that will bring older viewers in. It’s not a direct replacement for Claire and Jamie, but something to take up a few hours.

#1. It’s a novel adaptation

If you love programs that are adapted from novels, this is one you’ll want to catch. The limited series is based on the novel of the same name by Philippa Gregory. Some of the storylines will also focus from other Gregory novels.

On top of that, it’s a novel adaptation in a period setting. This is set about two-and-a-half centuries before Outlander‘s 18th-century setting, but it’s still intriguing.

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#2. There’s plenty to learn

Gregory has certainly done a lot of research into the world of Henry VII, Elizabeth of York, and other key players in the Wars of the Roses and the Tudor period. She adds in her own opinion and does include some theories and speculation, but you can also learn from the novels like you can with the Outlander series.

Photo credit: The White Princess/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room

One thing Gregory’s novels will make you do is research more into the world. You can learn more about the things that happened and make your own theories and speculations.

#3. It’s full of drama, deception, and determination

The White Princess isn’t a series that will leave you wondering if you can even be bothered with it. It’s a series that draws you in with each episode. The pilot starts with the soldiers coming to the house to arrest Lizzy, her mother, and her sisters, forcing them to hide their brother, Richard, and hope he’s safe.

Lizzy is forced to go against her own family, as she starts a family of her own. She has to play the game against her mother-in-law and is determined to remain in a position of power, after struggling with a position of weakness on numerous occasions in the past. It’s a story that will have you reaching for the remote to watch the next episode right away at the very end and wish there was more than one season.

#4. There are many strong women

When you want a series that focuses on the different personalities of women and is willing to show the truth of those personalities, The White Princess is for you. The women are brave and smart. They will play the game any way they can to survive. When they need to submit, they will but it is always with the goal to work in their favor.

While Lizzy is certainly one to watch, you’ll also want to catch Margaret Beaufort (Henry VII’s mother), Elizabeth Woodville (Lizzy’s mother), and Margaret Plantagenet (Elizabeth’s cousin). There are decisions and games they all must play, but you’ll certainly see the truth to how they can look to others. You won’t like them all, but you’ll likely respect decisions they made and games they’ve had to play.

#5. It tells the story of love

There is a love story involved. At first, Lizzy and Henry don’t love each other, but over time they grow to respect and later love one another. That love story isn’t going to be easy. After all, they have a kingdom to run, other world rulers getting in the way, and a boy who may just be the rightful heir.

You’ll watch the two go back and forth, finding a way towards each other against all the odds. This isn’t just about the romance, but the story that comes after they find love, just like Claire and Jamie.

Next: 7 shows to watch to get you through Droughtlander

What are you watching to get through Droughtlander? Are you giving The White Princess a try? Share your options below.

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