Fans of period dramas are hailing The Borgias as a 'masterpiece' and urging for its return. The historical series, set during the Italian Renaissance, follows the real-life Borgia family of Spanish descent and their scandalous rise to power. Originally airing from 2011 to 2013, all three seasons are now available to stream for free on Channel 4.
Star-Studded Cast and Plot
Jeremy Irons portrays the notorious Pope Alexander VI, with François Arnaud as Cesare Borgia, Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia Borgia, and David Oakes as Juan Borgia. The series delves into the family's ruthless political maneuvers, betrayals, and scandals as they fight to maintain control in 15th-century Europe. The synopsis teases: 'Rodrigo Borgia is cunning, corrupt and flamboyantly cruel. He's also just been made Pope... Series 1 of the compelling drama depicting one of history's most fascinating families.'
Critical Acclaim and Fan Praise
The Borgias has garnered widespread acclaim, earning 16 Emmy nominations and three wins for Outstanding Costumes for a Series and Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music. Fans have taken to social media to express their admiration, with one calling it 'exceptional and one of a kind' and another declaring it 'the best historical drama I have ever seen.' One viewer described the acting as 'flawless' and the story, script, and costumes as 'wonderful.'
Why It Was Cancelled
Despite its popularity, The Borgias was cancelled after three seasons in 2013. David Nevins, then President of Entertainment at Showtime Networks, praised the series: 'It has been an honor to work with the great Neil Jordan and the incomparable Jeremy Irons on The Borgias... Neil has written nearly every episode of this series himself. His extraordinary storytelling combined with Jeremy's fascinating portrayal of the infamous Pope Alexander VI, has made for truly outstanding television that will live on.'
Fans continue to hope for a revival, but as of now, the series remains a beloved, albeit concluded, chapter in historical drama.
