In Search of Shakespeare
We checked 8 streaming services in India on 04 Jun 2026 at 11:43 IST
About
Complete four part series exploring the life of the world's greatest and most famous writer. Presenter-led, mixing travel, adventure, live action interviews and specially shot documentary and live action sequences with the RSC on the road. A history series - it focuses not on the plays, but on the history and sets the life of the poet in the extraordinary times in which he lived. We are introduced to the dark world of Queen Elizabeth's police state - a time of surveillance, militarism and foreign wars. We are reminded that Shakespeare lived through the Spanish Armada, the Gunpowder Plot, the colonisation of the New World and the beginnings of British power in America. But most importantly Shakespeare also lived through England’s Cultural Revolution: an enforced split with the old medieval English spirit world which was to lead the English people into a brave new Protestant future.
Cast
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
A Time of Revolution
In Episode One, we are introduced to the dark side of Queen Elizabeth's police state; a time of surveillance, militarism and foreign wars. Shakespeare lived through the Spanish Armada, the Gunpowder Plot, the colonization of the New World and the beginnings of British power in America. But most important, he also saw at first hand England's Cultural Revolution; an enforced split with the old medieval English spirit world which was to lead the English people into a brave new Protestant future. A split that Michael Wood argues defined Shakespeare's life.
The Lost Years
Michael Wood explains how the 29-year-old William Shakespeare became a star of the London stage-a shady story involving a murder-and uncovers a tale of religious conflict behind the Bard's "lost years." He travels with the Royal Shakespeare Company; uses Tudor maps and remarkable Victorian photos to bring Shakespeare's first London home back to life; and retraces the fateful journey of Shakespeare's great rival, Christopher Marlowe, down the river to Deptford.
The Duty of Poets
In Episode Three of his historical detective story Michael Wood uncovers Shakespeare's rise to fame and fortune in Elizabethan London, and the disasters in life and love which marked his path to greatness. 1590s England was still split by religious conflict.
For All Time
In the final episode of his historical detective story, Michael Wood uncovers the story of Shakespeare's life in the "New Age" of King James I. We discover Shakespeare's neighborhood in London where he lived with a French Huguenot family - and played a fascinating part in the marriage of their daughter. Wood visits the present Queen's robe makers - Ede and Ravenscroft - and finds evidence for Shakespeare's role in the royal coronation.
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Watch In Search of Shakespeare Online Free — All Episodes in HD
Looking for a place to watch In Search of Shakespeare online for free? You've landed on the right page. In Search of Shakespeare is a highly acclaimed English documentary series from 2003 that you can stream right now on Bowood.TV in high quality, no signup required.
About In Search of Shakespeare
Complete four part series exploring the life of the world's greatest and most famous writer. Presenter-led, mixing travel, adventure, live action interviews and specially shot documentary and live action sequences with the RSC on the road. A history series - it focuses not on the plays, but on the history and sets the life of the poet in the extraordinary times in which he lived. We are introduced to the dark world of Queen Elizabeth's police state - a time of surveillance, militarism and foreign wars. We are reminded that Shakespeare lived through the Spanish Armada, the Gunpowder Plot, the colonisation of the New World and the beginnings of British power in America. But most importantly Shakespeare also lived through England’s Cultural Revolution: an enforced split with the old medieval English spirit world which was to lead the English people into a brave new Protestant future. Across 1 season and 4 episodes, originally airing on BBC Two.
In Search of Shakespeare Cast and Characters
The cast features Michael Wood (as Himself - Host), Desmond Barrit (as Various), Ray Fearon (as Various), Fred Melamed (as Announcer), and Julian Glover (as Self). Their performances are a major reason In Search of Shakespeare has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch In Search of Shakespeare Online
Bowood.TV lets you stream In Search of Shakespeare online free, instantly, in HD. There's nothing to install — open the page, hit play, done. Works perfectly on Jio, Airtel, Vi networks across India and on slow mobile data thanks to our adaptive video pipeline.
▶ Watch In Search of Shakespeare NowWhy People Are Watching In Search of Shakespeare
There's a reason In Search of Shakespeare keeps showing up on "must-watch" lists. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about In Search of Shakespeare
Where can I watch In Search of Shakespeare online for free?
You can watch In Search of Shakespeare online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does In Search of Shakespeare have?
In Search of Shakespeare has 4 episodes across 1 season. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is In Search of Shakespeare good? What's the rating?
In Search of Shakespeare holds a 8.2/10 rating based on 5 reviews — genuinely excellent.
Who is in the cast of In Search of Shakespeare?
The main cast includes Michael Wood, Desmond Barrit, Ray Fearon, and Fred Melamed, plus a strong supporting ensemble.
Is In Search of Shakespeare available in English?
Yes — In Search of Shakespeare was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was In Search of Shakespeare released?
In Search of Shakespeare first aired in 2003.
Do I need an account to watch In Search of Shakespeare on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch In Search of Shakespeare without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
Similar Series You Might Like
If you enjoyed In Search of Shakespeare, check out Shakespeare: Rise of a Genius, Simon Schama's Shakespeare, 戏剧人生, CBeebies Shakespeare, and Dateline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch In Search of Shakespeare for free?
You can watch In Search of Shakespeare online for free on Bowood.TV. All 4 episodes across 1 season are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does In Search of Shakespeare have?
In Search of Shakespeare currently has 1 season and a total of 4 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is In Search of Shakespeare about?
Complete four part series exploring the life of the world's greatest and most famous writer. Presenter-led, mixing travel, adventure, live action interviews and specially shot documentary and live action sequences with the RSC on the road. A history series - it focuses not on the plays, but on the history and sets t… It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is In Search of Shakespeare originally available?
In Search of Shakespeare was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was In Search of Shakespeare first released?
In Search of Shakespeare first premiered on June 28, 2003 (2003). The series has since concluded its run.
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