The Tudors is a 2007 English-language Drama History series created by Michael Hirst. The show was Produced by James Flynn and Gary Howsam under the banner of Reveille Eire in collaboration with Working Title Television, Octagon Entertainment, Peace Arch Entertainment and Showtime Networks. for BBC Two, CBC Television, Showtime and TV3. This costume drama features England's splendid Renaissance dynasty under King Henry VIII. Beginning in Season 1 when Henry VIII was growing desperate for an heir and growing distant from his first wife, the series moves quickly to the period when Anne Boleyn became his obsession. During this time Cardinal Wolsey rose to become the power behind his throne, ruling ruthlessly and nearly absolutely while Henry (played by Johnathon Rhys Meyers) for the most part followed the Cardinal's advice, maneuvering through a series of betrayals and plots against him. When Anne Boleyn plays much harder to get than any woman ever has, Henry begins to search for a way out of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, so that he can make Anne his wife. Needing a divorce, Henry turns to Wolsey, who promises to help him create waves of backlash from the church, as well as the Spanish Habsburg dynasty and its overseas empire. Against this background gyrate the private lives and political intrigues of several members of the royal court and chancery. This includes Henry's friend and his sister Margaret's true love Charles Brandon, the Habsburg ambassadors, greedy and power-hungry schemers, their incidental victims and composer Thomas Tallis.. Written by KGF Vissers and Ayla Slessor. The tudors stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the title role along with an ensemble cast including Henry Cavill, Sam Neill, Callum Blue, Henry Czerny, Natalie Dormer and Maria Doyle Kennedy. The music was composed by Trevor Morris. The show has a running time of 47-56 minutes for each episode. The show has a total of 38 episodes during it's run of 4 seasons. Distribution rights for the show were acquired by Sony Pictures Television.