How to watch ‘Shardlake' online: stream the C. J. Sansom historical mystery from anywhere

The eponymous Tudor-era detective (played by Arthur Hughes) on horseback in new series "Shardlake"
(Image credit: Disney Plus)

The first ever TV adaptation of C. J. Samson’s acclaimed "Shardlake" novels, starring Arthur Hughes as Tudor detective Matthew Shardlake, drops on Hulu from May 1. The four-part mini series centers around a gruesome murder at a monastery.

Out of the country when "Shardlake" season 1 debuts? Our guide below explains how to watch "Shardlake" online from anywhere with the help of a VPN.

'Shardlake’ streaming details

The "Shardlake" box set arrives on Hulu from Wednesday, May 1 in the U.S., and on Disney Plus internationally.
 U.S. — Watch on Hulu (FREE 30-day trial)
U.K., CAN, AUS — Watch on Disney Plus
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN risk-free

Based on “Dissolution,” the first entry in Samson’s “Shardlake” saga, this brooding series introduces us to the hunchbacked-lawyer-turned-detective, who finds himself hired by Thomas Cromwell (Sean Bean) to solve a shocking murder.

Against the historic backdrop of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, the commissioner dispatched to St Donatus the Ascendent has been found dead – beheaded! It’s imperative that Shardlake, aided by Cromwell’s loyal henchman Jack (Anthony Boyle), expose the culprit and finish the commissioner’s job.

Adapted by Stephen Butchard (“The Last Kingdom”) and directed by Justin Chadwick (“The Other Boleyn Girl”), “Shardlake” promises to be a slam-dunk for murder-mystery fans. Not only does it boast an incredible cast, including “Game of Thrones” alumni Sean Bean as the ill-fated Cromwell and Paul Kaye as Brother Jerome, but it’s vividly evocative of the period.

Excited for the arrival of this thrilling murder-mystery series? Here's how to watch "Shardlake" online from wherever you are.

How to watch ‘Shardlake’ online FREE in the U.S.

US flag

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You can watch "Shardlake" online exclusively on Hulu in the U.S.. All four episodes will be available to stream from Wednesday, May 1, which means one incredible box set binge-watch.

A basic subscription to the streaming service costs $7.99 per month, or $17.99 per month ad-free. But if you’re a new member, you’re entitled to the platform’s 30-day free trial first.

You can also get Hulu via the Disney Bundle, which provides access to both Hulu and Disney Plus for just $9.99 per month. You can pay more to go ad-free, while sports fans can add ESPN Plus to the mix for $14.99 per month. 

Watch ‘Shardlake' online from anywhere

Currently traveling outside of the U.S. and blocked from watching "Shardlake" on Hulu?

You can still watch the thrilling new murder-mystery series from anywhere thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where you are in the world. So it’s ideal for viewers currently traveling outside of their home country. Our favourite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

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How to watch ‘Shardlake’ in Canada

There’s no mystery to solve here: Canadians can watch “Shardlake” online the same time as their U.S. neighbors, with all four episodes available on Disney Plus from Wednesday, May 1.

There are a number of membership options available. The Disney Plus price begins at CA$7.99 for the Standard with Ads option. But, if you’re happy to pay a little more, you can go ad-free with both the Standard and Premium plans. Plus, you can cancel your membership at any time.

How to watch ‘Shardlake' online in the U.K.

As above, you can watch “Shardlake” on Disney Plus in the U.K. from Wednesday, May 1. And plans begin from as little as £4.99. Of course, subscribers have the option of upgrading to the ad-free Standard plan at £7.99 a month, or the £10.99 Premium option.

Currently traveling outside the U.S.? With a VPN you can connect to your usual streaming platforms from anywhere, meaning there’s no need to sign-up for a separate service.

How to watch ‘Shardlake' in Australia

Aussie viewers will need a subscription to Disney Plus to watch “Shardlake” online. If you've got one, then you can watch every single episode from Wednesday, May 1.

There are two plans available Down Under. Disney Plus Standard is AU$13.99 a month ($139.99 a year). Alternatively, Disney Plus Premium costs AU$17.99 (or AU$179.99 per year) and provides a greater number of streams, in addition to improved video quality.

Away from home? Download a VPN to connect to your usual streaming service, no matter where you are in the world.

‘Shardlake’ trailer

‘Shardlake’ cast

  • Arthur Hughes as Matthew Shardlake
  • Sean Bean as Thomas Cromwell
  • Anthony Boyle as Jack Barak
  • Babou Ceesay as Abbot Fabian
  • Paul Kaye as Brother Jerome
  • Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Alice
  • Matthew Steer as Goodhap
  • Brian Vernel as Brother Mortimus
  • Peter Firth as Norfolk
  • Irfan Shamji as Brother Guy
  • David Pearse as Brother Edwig
  • Miles Barrow as Brother Gabriel
  • Mike Noble as Bugge
  • Kimberley Nixon as Joan

How many episodes of ‘Shardlake’ will there be?

The historical whodunnit consists of four episodes in total, all of which are available to stream from Wednesday, May 1.

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Daniel Pateman

Daniel Pateman has been a freelance writer since 2018. He currently works across a range of brands including TechRadar, T3, GamesRadar, What Hi-Fi? and CinemaBlend, where he regularly pens How To Watch articles about where our readers can stream the latest new movies and TV shows, as well as producing detailed guides on the best streaming services, from Disney Plus to Netflix. He received a first-class degree in Humanities and Media in 2013 from Birkbeck University and later an MA in Contemporary Literature and Culture. In addition to his work for Future's websites, Daniel writes across the broad spectrum of arts topics – including photography, sculpture, painting, film – and has been published in The Brooklyn Rail and Eyeline magazine, among others.