How do the cast and executive producer of the CW's upcoming Mary, Queen of Scots drama "Reign" answer that the series isn't completely accuracte?
"It's not the History Channel," explains Adelaide Kane, who plays Mary.
She spoke Tuesday in a Television Critics Association panel where critics struggled with the notion that a CW show targeting 18-to-34-year-olds might take some dramatic liberties to make things more fun. The series premieres Oct. 17.
"I do think that each episode will educate people on what element of history helps our story, and there is a certain amount of latitude in terms of dramatizing events," executive producer Laurie McCarthy said.
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"It's also TV, so you can take creative license. It's entertainment, it's not the History Channel," Kane added. "Of course we're going to dramatize bits."
As to whether the CW audience is particularly interested in historically accurate dramas, Kane offered, "How many teenage girls do you know that are obsessed with history? I know I wasn't at that age."
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Even so, Kane added, she did her homework before taking on the role.
"I actually did a lot of research about Mary. I wanted to get to know her as a woman and as a person, and not just a dry historical figure," Kane said. "She was really a remarkable woman. There is a little bit of literature out there about her personality. she was very witty, charming — a very, very intelligent woman. She spoke six languages, she played two different instruments she rode, she hunted … she danced, she played golf."
Whether the show will also fly among hardcore history geeks remains to be seen.