Factual

Woodcut Media and Sphere Abacus have announced that Season Two of Queens That Changed the World has been commissioned by BBC Select, with additional international sales already secured across key territories. The distributor has closed deals for the new season with BBC Studios in the US, SBS, Sky Deutschland and Czech Television, reinforcing the global demand for premium history documentaries.

Currently in production, the six-part series (6 x 60’) explores the lives of six influential female rulers: Maria Theresa, Mary, Queen of Scots, Marie Antoinette, Rani of Jhansi, Agrippina the Younger and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. The series examines what drove these leaders, how they asserted their authority, and how their position as women shaped their rule in often male-dominated societies. Blending archive footage, stylised reconstructions and expert analysis, the series traces each queen’s rise to power, the challenges they faced and their lasting impact, while also offering a broader perspective on the evolving role of women in society.

Hayley Rhodes, Series Producer, Woodcut Media said: “This series takes a fresh look at the lives and motivations of some of history's most powerful women. These are women who've often been seen as one-dimensional, for example power-hungry, or sexually voracious, or fragile victims of men's machinations. We've been able to paint a picture that's much more nuanced, showing how these Queens weathered storms and navigated the difficult dynamics of being a female ruler in a male-dominated world.”

Produced by Woodcut Media and distributed globally by Sphere Abacus, the series is produced by Hayley Rhodes, with executive producers Kate Beal and Angie Cox.

Jonathan Ford, Managing Director, Sphere Abacus added: “We’re delighted to be distributing the second season of this unique and fascinating documentary series. Season 2 will give viewers further, unrivalled insight into the lives of strong female leaders who ruled during key times in global history and examine the long-lasting impact their decisions had on those periods.”