To Play the King poster
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To Play the King

7.919931 seasonTV SeriesDramaComedyWar & Politics

Francis Urquhart's survival at the top is threatened by the new king's populist agenda.

DirectorPaul Seed
WritersAndrew Davies·Michael Dobbs
ProducersMichael Wearing·Rebecca Eaton

Where to watch

Peacock PremiumPeacock PremiumPeacock Premium PlusPeacock Premium Plus
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Seasons & Episodes

E1
Part 1
Nov 21, 1993 8.6
E2
Part 2
Nov 28, 1993 8.3
E3
Part 3
Dec 5, 1993 8.7
E4
Part 4
Dec 12, 1993 8.8

Cast · Directed by Paul Seed

IRIan Richardson
Ian Richardson
Francis Urquhart
KAKitty Aldridge
Kitty Aldridge
Sarah Harding
MKMichael Kitchen
Michael Kitchen
The King
CJColin Jeavons
Colin Jeavons
Tim Stamper
NFNicholas Farrell
Nicholas Farrell
David Mycroft
RKRowena King
Rowena King
Chloe Carmichael
DFDiane Fletcher
Diane Fletcher
Elizabeth Urquhart
EHErika Hoffman
Erika Hoffman
The Lady
DRDavid Ryall
David Ryall
Sir Bruce Bullerby
BSBernice Stegers
Bernice Stegers
Princess Charlotte
NBNick Brimble
Nick Brimble
Corder
JFJack Fortune
Jack Fortune
Ken Charterhouse

More from Ian Richardson · Lead actor

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1965 · 5.2
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More from Kitty Aldridge · Co-star actress

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1994 · 7.5
The Paradise Club
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The Ice House
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1989
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More from Paul Seed · Director

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A Touch of Frost
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Screen Two
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1985 · 7.1
New Tricks
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1983 · 7.9
House of Cards
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1990 · 8.1
Capital City
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To Play the King — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams To Play the King?

To Play the King is streaming on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is To Play the King on Netflix?

No, To Play the King is not on Netflix in United States as of October 2026. It's currently on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus.

Is To Play the King on Amazon Prime Video?

To Play the King isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch To Play the King for free?

To Play the King is available on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus in United States, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.

How many seasons are in To Play the King?

To Play the King has 1 season in total (4 episodes). The series concluded in 1993.

Are all episodes of To Play the King out yet?

Yes — all 4 episodes across 1 season of To Play the King are out and available to stream.

Is there a Season 2 of To Play the King?

No — To Play the King ended after 1 season, so there is no Season 2.

What book is To Play the King based on?

To Play the King is based on To Play the King by Michael Dobbs.