The miniseries is based on Marion Zimmer Bradley's 1983 novel of the same name and was adapted for television by Gavin Scott and directed by Uli Edel.

It was produced by the American cable channel TNT and premiered in 2001, retelling the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Morgan le Fay and other women in the story.

The cast included Anjelica Huston as Viviane, Julianna Margulies as Morgaine, Joan Allen as Morgause, Samantha Mathis as Gwenhwyfar, and Michael Vartan as Lancelot.

A young Freddie Highmore appeared in the cast as young Arthur, Crown Prince of Cornwall and Britain.

The first episode of the miniseries was the highest-rated original movie on basic cable during the summer of 2001, drawing more than 30 million unduplicated viewers during its premiere.

USA Today gave the miniseries three stars out of four, crediting its success largely to the performances of Margulies, Huston and Allen as well as Gavin Scott's adaptation.

Critic Kendal Butler of Culture Vulture praised Hans Matheson's performance as the adult Mordred, saying he 'promptly walks off with the show,' while criticizing the production's overall 'cheesiness'.

The miniseries received an Emmy Award nomination for Best Miniseries, with Joan Allen and Anjelica Huston both nominated for Best Supporting Actress; Margulies received a Golden Globe nomination and Huston a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.