HBO and BBC greenlight 1536 drama from Ava Pickett

The women Henry left behind

The six-episode series is based on Pickett's stage play of the same name, which only finished its London run on 1 August.

Rather than centring on Henry VIII himself, the story turns to the women left in the wake of the queen's death, exploring what Pickett has described as "power, patriarchy and friendship".

Molly Manners, who directed the Netflix hit One Day, will helm the series for production company Drama Republic. As The Hollywood Reporter revealed, Pickett will also executive produce her first television series.

"We're elated to partner with Ava Pickett and the BBC to bring her first television series to life," said Francesca Orsi, HBO's head of drama series and films, hailing Pickett as "an immense talent".

No release date has been confirmed, but the project adds to a growing slate of ambitious British television — much like the BBC's latest acclaimed series. For more box-set inspiration, see our pick of must-watch dramas.