Medici: Masters of Florence

Set in 15th century Florence, Medici: Masters of Florence follows a family that rises from modest merchants to political powerhouses. Banking, strategic marriages, and bold alliances push Florence toward the center of a cultural and economic upheaval. The story centers on Lorenzo de' Medici and his circle as rival factions test the family’s grip on city hall and treasury. Amid court intrigue, weddings, and the patronage of artists, the Medicis shape civic life as much as the skyline. The cast brings Clarice Orsini, Lucrezia Donati, Sandro Botticelli, and Girolamo Savonarola to life, presenting a city haunted by ambition and opportunity.

Released in 2016 on Rai 1 in Italy and later available worldwide on Netflix, Medici was created by Nicholas Meyer and Frank Spotnitz. It draws on historical accounts of the Medici era and aims for a lush cinematic look.

No major awards are linked to Medici for its 2016 run, and the show did not rack up significant nominations in top television awards. While praised by some critics for its scale and performances, Medici did not secure major nominations in the most widely recognized awards circuits. Reception among critics was mixed, with praise for production design and casting but questions about pacing and historical focus.

Medici helped bring attention to Renaissance era aesthetics and Florence's patronage culture, inspiring viewers with lavish costumes and on screen depictions of art workshop life. The series fed interest in the period and shaped how some audiences imagine the city’s glittering rise.

The series balances political intrigue with family duty and artistic ambition. Critics noted its strong cast and sumptuous production while pointing to a dense plot pace. Core themes include wealth and power, loyalty and betrayal, and the enduring pull of art in society.