The Tudors (2007-2010) and the international, post-national and post-historical TV series

In his book on the current state of television, Shawn Shimpach observes that there has recently been a ‘return in television programming to action shows with individual (super)heroes intended to navigate the new, international, multi-channel universe.’ Focussing on ‘futuristic’ heroes such as Superman and Doctor Who, Shimpach’s book neglects to discuss just how important ‘historical’ figures such as Spartacus, the Borgias and the Tudors have become in this ‘new, international, multi-channel universe.’ This paper discusses The Tudors (2007-2010) as an international product with its own distinct heritage 'formula.'