The Borgias, a historical period drama streaming free on Channel 4, has been hailed as a 'masterpiece' by viewers, who call it 'the best historical drama' they have ever seen on television. Based on harrowing true events, the series is praised for its historical accuracy, elaborate costumes, and exceptional acting.
What is The Borgias About?
Set against the Italian Renaissance, the series follows the Spanish-origin Borgia family, one of the most notorious papal families in history, and their shocking rise to the papacy. The show first aired on Showtime in the US in April 2011 and ran for three seasons, concluding in 2013.
Cast and Production
Jeremy Irons stars as Pope Alexander VI, joined by François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, David Oakes, Colm Feore, Joanne Whalley, and Gina McKee. Filming took place mainly at Etyek's Korda Studios in Hungary. Despite critical acclaim, the series was cancelled in 2013 due to production costs, and plans for a two-hour finale were scrapped. A fan campaign to revive the show failed, but the script for the finale was released as an e-book.
Critical and Audience Reception
The Borgias holds an 85% average score on Rotten Tomatoes across all three seasons. One critic described it as 'presented with all the brio, flair and sumptuous design TV can muster, the infamous family is almost addictively entertaining.' Another wrote, 'You're in for a full-out good time.' A third critic noted, 'The Borgias has returned in full, beautiful form... A masterpiece of both editing and performance.'
Viewers have been equally enthusiastic. An IMDB user said, 'This is by far the best historical drama I have ever seen! The acting was completely amazing and it kept me completely entranced up to the very last second!' A Rotten Tomatoes audience review stated, 'An exceptionally well acted rendition of the most interesting papal family ever. The sets and costumes are the best on TV.'
Where to Watch
The Borgias is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
