Although the Queen Mary Stuart and King Francis characters become intimate before they are wed on the show, and are shown to be in a passionate relationship, historians are unsure if the real-life couple ever consummated their marriage at all, due to their young age, and King Francis' poor health during his reign. Queen Mary did conceive later in life, proving she was able to bear children, and thus making the idea that she and King Francis were never intimate during their marriage seem even more likely.
Amy Brenneman who plays Mary's mother Marie is married to series producer Brad Silberling.