The New Pope

When Pope Pius XIII lies in a coma, the Vatican faces an unexpected vacancy that creaks open a door to spectacle and politicking. The cardinals choose Sir John Brannox, a polished English aristocrat whose calm manners mask complex motives, and he takes the name John Paul III. The series follows the contrast between Brannox and the enigmatic, comatose Pius, while courtiers, cardinals, and the press react to a new style of papacy. Scenes shift between public pageantry and private tension, showing how faith, image, and power tangle inside the Church without revealing later surprises or final outcomes.

Created by Paolo Sorrentino and Matteo Menduni, The New Pope premiered in 2020 as a direct follow-up to The Young Pope. Sorrentino returned behind the camera and on the writing team, and the cast includes Jude Law and John Malkovich in dual focal roles, supported by Silvio Orlando, Cécile de France, and Javier Cámara.

The series drew awards-season attention, particularly for its performances and production design, and earned nominations across several European and television award bodies. Critics and industry observers highlighted the actors' work as a focal point of that recognition, even where formal wins varied by ceremony.

Visually, the show made a strong mark, with baroque sets, lavish costumes, and surreal sequences that sparked wide discussion. Its lavish imagery and ironic takes on ritual prompted commentary in mainstream and online outlets, renewed interest in Sorrentino's stylistic approach, and inspired parodies and think pieces about religion, celebrity, and spectacle.

Critical response was generally positive, reflected in a 7.596/10 average from viewers submitting 286 votes. Reviewers praised the performances, tonal boldness, and design, while some noted the series could be indulgent or uneven. The New Pope keeps its focus on themes of authority, identity, and the pressures of visibility, asking how belief and image shape leadership in an era obsessed with narrative.