From Ancient Rome to the Renaissance, these five series immerse viewers in some of the most fascinating periods of Italian history. Packed with political intrigue, power struggles and spectacular historical recreations, they’re perfect for anyone who enjoys period drama.
Italy’s extraordinary past has inspired countless television productions. From the grand palaces of Florence to the bustling streets of Ancient Rome, many historical dramas have chosen the Italian peninsula as their backdrop. Here are five series that will transport you through time without you ever having to leave the sofa.
The Borgias
Broadcast on Showtime from 2011 to 2013, The Borgias tells the story of one of the most notorious families of the Italian Renaissance. The series follows Rodrigo Borgia, the Spanish cardinal who became Pope, played by Jeremy Irons. From Rome, he pursues an ambitious strategy to strengthen his family’s influence. At his side are his children—Cesare, Lucrezia and Juan—whose lives become entangled in the political and religious conflicts of the era.
With its lavish sets and costumes inspired by late 15th-century Italy, this sweeping historical drama offers a compelling glimpse behind the scenes of papal power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQZ9CHtImDM
The Borgias is currently available on Prime Video, Apple TV and Paramount+.
Medici: Masters of Florence
First broadcast on the Italian channel Rai 1 on 18 October 2016 before being released internationally on Netflix, Medici: Masters of Florence chronicles the rise of one of the most influential families in Italian history. The story begins in Florence in 1429, following the mysterious death of Giovanni de’ Medici. His sons, Cosimo and Lorenzo, inherit a vast banking empire but must also contend with numerous enemies. Against this backdrop, the series explores power struggles, religious tensions and the cultural upheaval that accompanied the birth of the Renaissance.
Starring Richard Madden and Dustin Hoffman, this Italian-British production was filmed at several historic locations across Tuscany and Rome, offering a remarkable immersion in 15th-century Italy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFUWvceed5s
Medici: Masters of Florence is currently available on Prime Video.
Rome
Broadcast between 2005 and 2007 on HBO in co-production with the BBC, Rome has become a benchmark for historical television. The story spans the period from Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul to the rise of Emperor Augustus. Events unfold through the eyes of two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, who witness the city’s dramatic transformation.
Much of the series was filmed at Cinecittà Studios in Italy. Its impressive sets recreate the ancient Roman capital with a level of accuracy rarely seen on television. Civil wars, conspiracies and political rivalries drive this ambitious production, which won several Emmy Awards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWSVSPaszJk
Rome is currently available on HBO Max, Prime Video and Apple TV.
Leonardo
Premiering in 2021 on the Italian broadcaster Rai before being released in several countries via Amazon Prime Video, Leonardo explores the life of Leonardo da Vinci. Played by Aidan Turner, the artist is portrayed against the backdrop of an Italy alive with artistic and intellectual change. Blending biographical elements with a fictional murder investigation, the series seeks to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding the great Renaissance master.
The episodes transport viewers to the major Italian cities of the Renaissance, where art, science and politics constantly intersect. This approach offers a more intimate portrait of the celebrated painter and inventor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SgwpIZybmU
Leonardo is currently available on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Romulus
Created by Matteo Rovere and first broadcast on Sky Atlantic Italia in 2020, Romulus takes viewers back long before the Roman Empire. Set in the 8th century BC in Latium, the story unfolds several decades before the legendary founding of Rome.
Three young protagonists become caught up in tribal conflicts shaped by religious beliefs, fragile alliances and the struggle for survival. To enhance its authenticity, the series was filmed using Proto-Latin, the ancestor of the Latin language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlNxi5o-VBw
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