Channel 4's historical period drama 'The Borgias' has been hailed as the 'best show on television' by fans, who describe it as a 'phenomenal masterpiece'. The series, which stars Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI, is available to stream for free on the platform and has garnered widespread acclaim for its acting, script, and costumes.
A Renaissance Epic
Created by Academy Award-winner Neil Jordan ('The Crying Game'), who wrote it alongside David Leland and Guy Burt, 'The Borgias' originally aired on Showtime from 2011 to 2013. The series is set in Renaissance-era Italy and follows the notorious Borgia family, known for their ruthless rise to papal power through murder, intrigue, and manipulation.
The show's official synopsis 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.'
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
Jeremy Irons leads a talented ensemble that includes François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, David Oakes, Colm Feore, Joanne Whalley, and Gina McKee. The series holds an 85% Rotten Tomatoes average rating across all three seasons. Critics have praised it as 'rip-roaring fun with lashings of fancy-dress sex and violence' and 'a salacious historical romp through one of Italy's most colourful chapters.'
One critic wrote: 'As deadly as the Borgias were in life, this enthralling miniseries makes them immense fun to watch.'
Fan Reactions
Audiences have been equally captivated. One viewer on IMDb said: 'This series is without a doubt intriguing, intelligent, and phenomenal! ... The actors are absolutely some of the best and under appreciated in the business.' A Rotten Tomatoes user added: 'Impeccably written and acted, The Borgias remains both deeply thoughtful and wickedly entertaining. Some of the best writing I've seen on television.'
Another fan commented: '10 of 10 stars for the masterpiece that is this show! The Borgias has it all: well-casted talented actors who have AMAZING chemistry with one another, a wonderful versatile script that constantly keeps you on the edge of your seat, beautiful costumes and set design.'
Production and Legacy
The Borgias was an international co-production shot in Hungary and produced in Canada. Neil Jordan spent over a decade trying to make a film about the Borgia family, with names like Colin Farrell and Scarlett Johansson attached at various points. In 2010, Steven Spielberg suggested turning the project into a television series, which was picked up by Showtime to fill the gap left by 'The Tudors'.
Despite its acclaim, the show was cancelled after three seasons, leaving fans frustrated. One viewer noted: 'It's a shame it got the axe after 3 seasons.' Nevertheless, 'The Borgias' remains a favourite for many, with high production value and compelling storytelling.
'The Borgias' is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
