Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5

Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Tilly Pearce
    Aug 25, 2025
    80
    It’s Norton and Coster-Waldau’s shoulders with whom the drama’s success truly lies, and with them leading the charge, it’s clear the BBC is heading towards a true victory.
  2. Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Aug 25, 2025
    60
    King & Conqueror clearly aims to be a ripping yarn. It is not intended to labour points about power, corruption, sacrifice and venality despite their acute relevance. But it hangs a little too heavy. An earnest undertow runs throughout and prevents it ever becoming the combustible fun it could be. A failure to conquer, you might say.
  3. Reviewed by: Carol Midgley
    Aug 25, 2025
    60
    The whole series does feel a bit House of the Dragon. But does it entertain? Yes. And it kind of beats watching Ridley.
  4. Reviewed by: Nick Hilton
    Aug 25, 2025
    40
    In its commitment to ahistorical detail, King & Conqueror becomes a frustrating watch – that is, if you can make out anything at all.
  5. Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Aug 25, 2025
    40
    In the end, and despite a starry ensemble, King & Conqueror is a historical epic that doesn’t feel particularly historical and isn’t nearly as epic as the subject matter demands.