E1 - Much Ado About Nothing with Helen Hunt

Aired: October 12, 2018

Helen Hunt explores how “Much Ado About Nothing” became one of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies.

E2 - The Merchant of Venice with F. Murray Abraham

Aired: October 12, 2018

F. Murray Abraham untangles the controversies surrounding “The Merchant of Venice,” addressing the ubiquitous anti-Semitism that characterized Europe in Shakespeare’s time.

E3 - Measure for Measure With Romola Garai

Aired: October 19, 2018

Romola Garai explores “Measure for Measure,” one of Shakespeare's most provocative plays. It presents a surprisingly timely drama of sexual morality, hypocrisy and harassment.

E4 - Julius Caesar with Brian Cox

Aired: October 19, 2018

Brian Cox looks at Shakespeare's most revered political play, “Julius Caesar,” to analyze what can be learned about freedom and tyranny today.

E5 - The Winter's Tale with Simon Russell Beale

Aired: October 26, 2018

Simon Russell Beale uncovers the romance and betrayals of "The Winter's Tale" and shows that in this play Shakespeare offers something for which everyone longs: the ability to make amends for an irreversible mistake.

E6 - Richard III with Antony Sher

Aired: October 26, 2018

Antony Sher unveils the life of Shakespeare's "Richard III," comparing the historical king's reputation with the play's enduring portrait of ruthless ambition and vengeance.