The problem with Will is not, strictly speaking, that it's historically inaccurate. The problem is an inconsistency of tone that comes out of a particular approach to historical inaccuracy. The series wants to both have an edgy modern quality and give a fun sense of Shakespeare's time, and that's a straddle it cannot hold. This is why the debates here between those complaining about historical inaccuracy and those mocking people for complaining about historical inaccuracy are beside the point. Monty Python and the Holy Grail was historically inaccurate, but it created a consistent world using pieces of history and fantasy and modernity. Same with Xena Warrior Princess. But Will just feels like a hodgepodge of ideas that are thematically incompatible, and it lacks the flair necessary to pull it off.The end result is not a show that fails because of inaccuracies, but rather a series that is just kind of annoying.

Just watched the first episode last night. Aside from the garish colors and the punk overtones, I was enthralled. Like Shakespeare's stage directions, the bio for historical Will is sparse leaving ample room for dramatic embellishment. I thought it was clever the way the writers wove ideas and fragments of speeches from the plays throughout the first episode. Especially enjoyed the "duel" of words between Robert Greene and Will in iambic pentameter. If the rest of the episodes prove as entertaining and engrossing as the first, this series will be a treat! Oh, and after about the first 10 min I was over the garish colors and punk overtones.

As a former English Teacher, I just had to watch this, and so far, I like what I see.Using modern music to make it feel contemporary is no problem for me. Lots of movies do this (hard rock in Wonder Woman set in WWI? A variety of modern music - and shoes - in Marie Antoinette?) I'm sure when WS's history plays were performed, they used Elizabethan music, and not the music from the time the plays were set. Totally valid.The use of color was strange, inaccurate, but amazingly beautiful. Dyes were expensive. Bright colors wouldn't have been worn by the groundlings. By the actors and by the nobility - sure, but not regular folk. On the other hand, it was lovely to look at - an explosion of color and textures, and it totally added to the atmosphere.Was he or wasn't he Catholic? We simply don't know. The show suggesting that he was, adds interest, and allows for other conflicts that he must get himself out of. It's no different than filling in any other of the blanks in his life.The poetry slam was great fun, as was his rescuing the important scene in his play by bursting onto stage, to get Burbage Jr. to stop shouting his lines. I also loved the hint of danger and politics (for those who think Theater has been a safe space - think again. Actors have always used their stage to make statements).And, I loved the grunge, the earthiness, and all that. The Elizabethans were in no way prudish.

OK I have only been able to watch the first 20 minutes so far of this show and it seems pretty riveting but I will also tell you that there's some pretty raw content just in the time I have seen there's a man bare humping a woman 2 executions and strong language if none of the above bothers you then try it I like what I have seen so far will is a new summer treat