The original prestige TV sin: popes, poison, and family drama before it was cool.
Season 1 • Episode 10
LatestAlthough Cesare has failed in his attempt to poison his old rival, Cardinal Rovere, he believes he can control the new Pope Pius III. But Pius' reign is rapidly cut short.
A a serial in ten parts on the lives of one of the most intriguing families in history.
Acting
Adolfo Celi's Rodrigo—papal ambition with actual soul.
Production
Pre-CGI Rome: every candlelit corridor feels stolen from time.
Writing
Dramatized history that trusts you to keep up.
Oliver Cotton
Cesare Borgia
Maurice O'Connell
Michelotto
Anne-Louise Lambert
Lucrezia Borgia
Louis Selwyn
Jofre Borgia
Adolfo Celi
Rodrigo Borgia
Ralph Nossek
Johann Burchard
Eleanor David
Sancia
Barbara Shelley
Vannozza Canale
Alfred Burke
Giuliano della Rovere
Clive Merrison
Ascanio Sforza
Martin Potter
Paolo Orsini
Peter Benson
Gaspare Pato
Nicholas Le Prevost
Baglioni
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot during the BBC's 'classic serial' golden age—this was event television before streaming existed, airing weekly with serious cultural weight.
Adolfo Celi had already played a Bond villain (Largo in Thunderball); his Rodrigo reportedly terrified younger cast members between takes with the same volcanic energy.
GB
