The Borgias

Set during the Italian Renaissance, The Borgias follows Rodrigo Borgia as he climbs to the papacy and uses wily calculation, wealth, and political leverage to cement his family's grip on power. The drama chronicles his shrewd moves, fragile alliances, and schemes inside a papal court where rivals circle and every choice comes with a price. Against a crowded Rome and a shifting web of loyalties, the show highlights Lucrezia and Cesare as ambitious siblings who help shape the dynasty from the shadows. The series blends court intrigue with religious authority, satire and ambition, painting a brutal portrait of a family willing to bend scripture and law to secure its future.

The Borgias premiered on Showtime in 2011 under the creative leadership of Neil Jordan. While not adapted from a single novel, the series draws on historical accounts of the Borgia papacy and crafts a lush, cinematic panorama of 15th century Rome. Its production embraces ornate costumes, grand church interiors, and a mood that mixes menace with elegance.

The Borgias earned nominations from major award bodies, including the Emmys and the Golden Globes, for acting and craft work. The recognition highlights its strong period design, costumes and production values, underscoring it as a notable prestige drama of its era, and helping elevate its cast.

The series helped renew public fascination with Renaissance politics by pairing lavish sets with ruthless power plays. Jeremy Irons' commanding portrayal of Rodrigo became a reference point for televised villains, while Lucrezia and Cesare evolved into enduring symbols of ambition and family loyalty in pop culture. Its look influenced other period pieces and revived debates over the Borgia legend in academic and fan circles.

Critics praised the production values and Irons' performance, though some questioned historical liberties. The show centers on power, corruption, and the price of family ambition, offering a dark look at religion, statecraft, and masculinity in a turbulent era. Audiences across the US and Europe responded to the soap opera style of intrigue, and the show's moral questions sparked discussions about power, legitimacy, and the cost of ambition.