Britannia

In 43 AD a foreign army pushes into a misty land where legend blurs into history. Britannia follows Roman legions who are ruthless in pursuit yet unsettled by the unknown power waiting beyond the palisades. On this island, a matriarchal society and a network of druids stand at odds with conquest, offering prophecies and omens that some believe can summon the forces of the underworld. The clash between empire and the Celtic resistance plays out against a landscape of salt winds, stone fortresses, and fevered superstitions. As both sides dig in, loyalty is tested and unlikely alliances form under a veil of ancient omens and political intrigue. Its fate hangs.

Britannia was created by Jez Butterworth, Tom Butterworth and James Richardson and released in 2018. The series builds on an original concept rather than a single source, presenting a mythic take on the Roman conquest through strong ensemble performances worldwide.

The show stands out for its bold visuals and its reinterpretation of Celtic myth within a Roman framework. Its portrayal of female leadership and druidic power sparked discussions about gender and authority in epic fantasy, influencing later conversations about mythic history on screen in streaming and traditional broadcast alike today.

Critical reception highlighted its ambitious mix of history and myth and the ways empire tests loyalty and belief. The show wrestles with power and allegiance, asks how faith and superstition shape decisions, and uses striking imagery to emphasize the high price of conquest. It blends intimate character drama with spectacle.

Awards: Britannia has not earned major nominations from leading industry bodies, and its awards footprint is modest compared with peak event television. Nonetheless, the show has earned praise for its production values and performances, with particular recognition directed at its ambitious world building and the cast's energy from audiences and critics.