The Borgias

Watch The Borgias

  • TV-MA
  • 2011
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.9  (52,819)

The Borgias is a historical drama television series that aired on Showtime from 2011 to 2013. The show is set in the late 15th century and follows the lives of the notorious Borgia family, headed by patriarch Rodrigo Borgia, who later becomes Pope Alexander VI. The show stars Jeremy Irons in the leading role of Rodrigo Borgia, a cunning and manipulative man who will stop at nothing to secure his family's power and position in Renaissance Italy. He is joined by Francois Arnaud as Cesare Borgia, his ruthless and ambitious son, and Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia Borgia, his beautiful and intelligent daughter. Other notable cast members include Joanne Whalley as Rodrigo's mistress, Vanozza dei Cattanei, and David Oakes as Juan Borgia, Rodrigo's eldest son. The Borgias is a show that is rich in themes, such as power, politics, religion, and family dynamics. It explores the corrupt and decadent world of Renaissance Italy, where the lines between morality and immorality are blurred, and where alliances are constantly shifting. The show is filled with intrigue, betrayal, and murder, and takes viewers on a wild ride through the treacherous world of the Borgia family. One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is its exploration of the main characters' inner lives. Rodrigo Borgia, in particular, is a complex and multi-dimensional character. He is a man who is deeply committed to his family yet will not hesitate to manipulate and deceive them if it means securing his own position. Irons delivers a mesmerizing performance, portraying Rodrigo as both charming and menacing. Francois Arnaud is also outstanding as Cesare, Rodrigo's son who is torn between his loyalty to his father and his own personal ambitions. Another noteworthy aspect of the show is its attention to historical detail. The Borgias is based on real historical figures, and the show's producers worked hard to create a world that is both historically accurate and visually stunning. The costumes, sets, and props all look fantastic, and the overall production is of high quality. The Borgias is a show that is not for the faint of heart. It has its fair share of violence and sexual content, as befits a show set in such a brutal time period. However, it is also a show that rewards viewers who are willing to stick with it. The characters are compelling, the storylines are gripping, and the overall production is of a very high quality. In conclusion, The Borgias is a gripping historical drama that is not to be missed. Fans of shows like Game of Thrones, The Tudors, and Rome are sure to love it. The show is well-written, well-acted, and well-produced, and it offers a fascinating look at one of the most infamous families in history. Highly recommended!

The Borgias
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Seasons
The Borgias
13. The Borgias
July 31, 1997
Originally from Spain, the Borgias became one of Renaissance Italy's most powerful and corrupt families. Was Pope Alexander VI a ruthless politician using his daughter for political gain? And did his son murder his older brother?
The Prince
10. The Prince
June 16, 2013
In the third season finale, the money from the crusades and jubilee is enough to save the Papal army. Differences are set aside between Alexander and Cesare. As Cesare marches on Forli, Micheletto returns. Lucrezia turns to her portions to end Alfonso's life painlessly.
The Gunpowder Plot
9. The Gunpowder Plot
June 9, 2013
Micheletto kills his lover after being betrayed, then disappears. Alfonso suspects that a brother and sister relationship is something more. Alexander wants to monopolize the sulfur market.
Tears of Blood
8. Tears of Blood
June 2, 2013
Rome is flooded with pilgrims for the Jubilee celebration. Catherine plans to destroy Alexander's festival.
Lucrezia's Gambit
7. Lucrezia's Gambit
May 26, 2013
Cesare burns Constanzo's palace in an effort to contain the plague. Due to a shift in politics, Lucrezia seeks a Neapolitan power base for herself and her family. Lucrezia blackmails Prince Raphael and Prince Frederigo replaces Ferdinand as King.
Relics
6. Relics
May 19, 2013
When Cesare lands in northern Italy with a French army, Alexander feels it is an expression to challenge his authority, and is hesitant to agree to Cesare's plan to destroy the Sforza dynasty. Catherina, meanwhile, is plotting biological warfare.
The Wolf and the Lamb
5. The Wolf and the Lamb
May 12, 2013
Cesare's diplomatic mission to France is victorious, with the help of his old advisor Machiavelli. Back in Rome, the seductive and dangerously insane Bianca makes a bold statement. Lucrezia travels to Naples accompanied by her husband and Micheletto. King Ferdinand is immovable in his determination that little Giovanni will not be recognized at court. Upon learning this, Lucrezia plots against him.
The Banquet Of Chestnuts
4. The Banquet Of Chestnuts
May 5, 2013
Newly appointed Cardinal Farnese is placed in the Treasury and soon notices Versucci's theft. Micheletto is ordered to find the responsible Cardinal. Meanwhile, upon hearing of Venice's request for help, Alexander, seeing this as an opportunity to replenish the coffers, dramatically calls for a Crusade. The Cardinals participate in the "banquet of chestnuts". Elsewhere, King Ferdinand learns the truth of Lucrezia and Alfonso's marriage.
Siblings
3. Siblings
April 28, 2013
As the purged Cardinals are dismissed and stripped of their titles and wealth, one retaliates and sets the Vatican treasury ablaze. Incensed by the new King Ferdinand's arrogant refusal to accept Giovanni as Lucrezia's child, Cesare attempts to remedy the situation.
The Purge
2. The Purge
April 21, 2013
Pope Alexander discovers which Cardinals were plotting against him and decides to purge those he mistrusts.
The Face of Death
1. The Face of Death
April 14, 2013
In the third season premiere, Pope Alexander faces death, the cardinals fight for control of the papacy, and Della Rovere calculates his next move.
Description

The Borgias is a historical drama television series that aired on Showtime from 2011 to 2013. The show is set in the late 15th century and follows the lives of the notorious Borgia family, headed by patriarch Rodrigo Borgia, who later becomes Pope Alexander VI. The show stars Jeremy Irons in the leading role of Rodrigo Borgia, a cunning and manipulative man who will stop at nothing to secure his family's power and position in Renaissance Italy. He is joined by Francois Arnaud as Cesare Borgia, his ruthless and ambitious son, and Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia Borgia, his beautiful and intelligent daughter. Other notable cast members include Joanne Whalley as Rodrigo's mistress, Vanozza dei Cattanei, and David Oakes as Juan Borgia, Rodrigo's eldest son.

The Borgias is a show that is rich in themes, such as power, politics, religion, and family dynamics. It explores the corrupt and decadent world of Renaissance Italy, where the lines between morality and immorality are blurred, and where alliances are constantly shifting. The show is filled with intrigue, betrayal, and murder, and takes viewers on a wild ride through the treacherous world of the Borgia family.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is its exploration of the main characters' inner lives. Rodrigo Borgia, in particular, is a complex and multi-dimensional character. He is a man who is deeply committed to his family yet will not hesitate to manipulate and deceive them if it means securing his own position. Irons delivers a mesmerizing performance, portraying Rodrigo as both charming and menacing. Francois Arnaud is also outstanding as Cesare, Rodrigo's son who is torn between his loyalty to his father and his own personal ambitions.

Another noteworthy aspect of the show is its attention to historical detail. The Borgias is based on real historical figures, and the show's producers worked hard to create a world that is both historically accurate and visually stunning. The costumes, sets, and props all look fantastic, and the overall production is of high quality.

The Borgias is a show that is not for the faint of heart. It has its fair share of violence and sexual content, as befits a show set in such a brutal time period. However, it is also a show that rewards viewers who are willing to stick with it. The characters are compelling, the storylines are gripping, and the overall production is of a very high quality.

In conclusion, The Borgias is a gripping historical drama that is not to be missed. Fans of shows like Game of Thrones, The Tudors, and Rome are sure to love it. The show is well-written, well-acted, and well-produced, and it offers a fascinating look at one of the most infamous families in history. Highly recommended!

The Borgias is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (30 episodes). The series first aired on April 3, 2011.

Where to Watch The Borgias

The Borgias is available for streaming on the Showtime website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Borgias on demand at Showtime, Apple TV Channels, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, FuboTV, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV and Showtime Anytime.

  • Premiere Date
    April 3, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (52,819)
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