The Young Pope

Watch The Young Pope

  • TV-MA
  • 2017
  • 1 Season
  • 8.3  (47,074)

In the world of politics and religion, no position is as powerful as being the Pope. And for the Vatican, it's time for a new leader to take the helm. This is where "The Young Pope" comes in, a TV series that first aired on Sky Atlantic in 2016, directed by Paolo Sorrentino, and starring the talented Jude Law as Lenny Belardo, the newly elected Pope Pius XIII.

Lenny is an unconventional Pope, as he is the first American and youngest-ever elected to the papacy. He is also known for his controversial and extreme views, which make him a divisive figure not only among his followers but also within the Vatican. Diane Keaton plays Sister Mary, Lenny's mentor and confidante, who has known him since he was a young orphan boy, and Javier Camara plays Cardinal Gutierrez, one of Lenny's closest advisers.

The show is set in the Vatican City, and viewers get to glimpse a world that is usually shrouded in secrecy. We see the inner workings of the church, the political maneuverings, power struggles, and the day-to-day lives of the clergy. It's a world of high stakes and high drama, where every decision and every action has far-reaching consequences.

The show draws a stark contrast between the new Pope and his predecessors, who were more moderate in their views and approach. Lenny, on the other hand, is dogmatic and unyielding, with his extreme conservatism causing rifts and divisions among the clergy. The show explores the consequences of such a unique appointment and questions the extent to which the church is willing to accept change.

One of the most striking elements of the show is its visual style. The cinematography is stunning, with beautifully crafted shots that evoke a sense of grandeur and awe. The show makes excellent use of light and shadow, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The score is equally impressive, with a haunting soundtrack that further adds to the show's atmospherics.

Despite its heavy subject matter, "The Young Pope" also manages to inject humor into the mix. Lenny's irreverent attitude and his willingness to bend the rules to suit his own ends often result in some hilarious scenes. The show is not without its dark humor, with some of the characters' actions bordering on the absurd.

The characters themselves are another strong aspect of the show. Jude Law delivers a powerful performance as Lenny, portraying the character's vulnerability, arrogance, and dogmatism in equal measure. Diane Keaton plays Sister Mary with great warmth and depth, giving the character a sense of humanity that contrasts well with the more austere members of the clergy.

Silvio Orlando, who plays Cardinal Voiello, the Secretary of State, is another standout character. He is a pragmatist who is often at odds with Lenny but understands the need for compromise in order to keep the church functioning. His character is emblematic of the tensions that exist within the church, with some members looking to preserve its traditions, while others seek to build a more progressive future.

"The Young Pope" is not without its flaws. Its pacing can be slow at times, and some of the subplots feel underdeveloped. However, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an excellent show. It's a thought-provoking exploration of power, politics, and religion, and one that will leave viewers pondering long after the final credits have rolled.

In conclusion, "The Young Pope" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of politics and religion. It's a bold and powerful drama that tackles complex themes with great finesse. The show's stunning visuals, intricate plotting, and memorable characters make it an unforgettable viewing experience. Whether you're a fan of the genre or not, this is a show that demands your attention.

The Young Pope is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on January 15, 2017.

The Young Pope
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Seasons
Tenth Episode
10. Tenth Episode
February 13, 2017
Season Finale. Reunited with a changed Gutierrez at the Vatican, the pope considers an appropriate course of action regarding Archbishop Kurtwell. Father Tomasso gets a promotion, while Sister Mary takes on a new role. The prospect of a reconciliation leads the young pope to make an unexpected change of travel plans--and policy.
Ninth Episode
9. Ninth Episode
February 12, 2017
Lenny and Sister Mary relive a momentous incident from the past as the pope faces the prospect of an unthinkable loss in the present. In New York, Gutierrez faces daunting odds, including the threat of blackmail, in his ongoing investigation of Kurtwell, a powerful archbishop suspected of longtime sexual misconduct.
Eighth Episode
8. Eighth Episode
February 6, 2017
Lenny and Sister Mary each have their own way of dealing with the loss. Returning to the Vatican, Sofia makes the suggestion that the pope embark on his first-ever trip abroad: a visit to Africa in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Sister Antonia's much-heralded 'Village of Goodness.' Lenny is heartened by a visit from his favorite author, and dismayed by a sudden departure.
Seventh Episode
7. Seventh Episode
February 5, 2017
Concerned by negative publicity surrounding the suicide of a would-be priest, Voiello ponders new and familiar scenarios to take down Lenny. Mary struggles with her conscience as Lenny is distracted by the possibility of a family reunion. In the disturbing aftermath of a social event in Rome, Dussolier informs the pope he wants to return to Honduras.
Sixth Episode
6. Sixth Episode
January 30, 2017
Nine months after being elected, Lenny has a testy first meeting with the Italian prime minister. Newly minted Cardinal Gutierrez reluctantly moves out of the Vatican for his new assignment abroad. Dussolier assumes his new duties as Prefect of the Congregation of the Clergy, but is thrown by Lenny's strict guidelines towards prospective priests.
Fifth Episode
5. Fifth Episode
January 29, 2017
Voiello orchestrates a scandalous scenario designed to cripple the pope. Lenny decamps with old friend Andrew Dussolier, both in the present and the past. As his ornate papal tiara arrives, Pius XIII decides the time has come to address the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.
Fourth Episode
4. Fourth Episode
January 23, 2017
A rural shepherd named Tonino appeals to the Vatican to recognize his miracle-working stigmata. Lenny councils a nun whose sister is gravely ill in Sri Lanka. Ester is torn by a threat from Voiello and her devotion to the pope. Lenny makes a bold decision regarding a sex-abuse case in New York, deciding to send an unlikely envoy.
Third Episode
3. Third Episode
January 22, 2017
Baffled by the pope's intentions and desperate to retain control in the Vatican, Voiello considers his options in the face of public reaction to Lenny's speech. In a press conference, Sister Mary outlines the pope's policy towards questions and concerns from the media. Elder Cardinal Caltanissetta enjoins Spencer to put his resentment aside and accept Lenny's offer.
Second Episode
2. Second Episode
January 16, 2017
Sofia, the Vatican's marketing director, receives a surprise directive as Lenny prepares for his first public appearance. While the cardinals await an audience with their new pope, Sister Mary catches up with Lenny's childhood friend Andrew Dussolier, another orphan-turned-cardinal. Lenny reaches out to Cardinal Spencer to take over a high Vatican post.
First Episode
1. First Episode
January 15, 2017
Newly elected Pope Pius XIII, a.k.a. Lenny Belardo, defies expectations as he settles in at the Vatican to begin his reign. The youngest pope in history and first-ever American, Lenny's ascension was orchestrated by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Voiello, who mistakenly believed the young pope would follow his lead on policy and protocol.
Description
Where to Watch The Young Pope
The Young Pope is available for streaming on the Sky AtlanticHBOCanal+ website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Young Pope on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu, HBO NOW, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 15, 2017
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (47,074)