Channel 4 Period Drama The Borgias Wins Over Audiences
Viewers are lavishing praise on the historical drama The Borgias, currently streaming free on Channel 4. The series has been hailed as a 'phenomenal' replacement for fans of renowned historical dramas like Versailles, Wolf Hall, and The Tudors. With an 85% Rotten Tomatoes average score across all three seasons, the show has captivated audiences with its intricate plot, authentic costumes, and stellar performances.
Plot and Setting: The Rise of the Borgia Family
The Borgias unfolds against the canvas of the Italian Renaissance, focusing on the Spanish-origin Borgia family, one of the most infamous dynasties in history. The official plot states: 'In the fifteenth century, Pope Alexander VI tries to control all power in Italy with the help of his several sons, through murder, intrigue, war, and marriage alliances.' The series explores their scandalous rise to papal authority, blending hedonism, betrayal, and ruthless cruelty.
Cast and Production: A Stellar Ensemble
The series features Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI, joined by François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, David Oakes, Colm Feore, Joanne Whalley, and Gina McKee. An international co-production shot in Hungary and produced in Canada, the show was conceived by Oscar-winner Neil Jordan, who co-wrote it with David Leland and Guy Burt. Jordan spent over a decade attempting to make a film about the Borgias, with names like Colin Farrell and Scarlett Johansson attached, before Steven Spielberg proposed turning it into a cable television drama in 2010. Showtime commissioned the series to fill the gap left by The Tudors.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
Critics have praised the series as 'rip-roaring fun with lashings of fancy-dress sex and violence,' while another review called it 'a salacious historical romp through one of Italy's most colourful chapters.' Audiences have been equally enthusiastic. One IMDB viewer wrote: 'This series is without a doubt intriguing, intelligent, and phenomenal! ... WE the FANS want MORE BORGIAS!' A Rotten Tomatoes audience review said: 'Impeccably written and acted, The Borgias remains both deeply thoughtful and wickedly entertaining.' Another fan added: '10 of 10 stars for the masterpiece that is this show! ... It's such a shame this show didn't get the fourth season it so rightfully deserved.'
Availability and Future Hopes
The Borgias is available to stream for free on Channel 4. Despite its cancellation after three seasons, fans continue to clamour for more episodes, with one viewer noting: 'No matter how many TV shows I watch, this show remains a favourite and I will always come back to it.'
