The Borgias 2011
“Flesh and Blood”
What is The Borgias?
The Borgias is a historical drama television series that explores the rise of the Borgia family during the Renaissance era in Italy. The series was created by Neil Jordan and ran for three seasons from 2011 to 2013.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2011
- Status
- Canceled
- Episodes
- 29
- Runtime
- 50 minutes
- First aired
- Apr 3, 2011
- Last aired
- Jun 16, 2013
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- Showtime
- Genres
- Drama, Crime
- Updated
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 29 episodes and an average 50-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
The Borgias is a historical drama television series that explores the rise of the Borgia family during the Renaissance era in Italy. The series was created by Neil Jordan and ran for three seasons from 2011 to 2013. The show is set in 15th century Italy and follows the corrupt rise of patriarch Rodrigo Borgia to the papacy. The Borgia family became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 15th and 16th centuries, producing two popes. The series features a cast including Jeremy Irons, François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, and Peter Sullivan. The Borgias were originally from Valencia, Spain, and established roots in Italy. The family's history is marked by their involvement in ecclesiastical and political affairs, with notable members including popes and a duchess. The show's historical context is rooted in the Renaissance era, a time of significant cultural and artistic transformation in Italy. The series provides a dramatized portrayal of the Borgia family's ascension to power and their subsequent struggles to maintain control.
Should you watch it?
“A corrupt Renaissance pope and his ruthless family scheme for power and survival.”
- Intricate family dynamics and power struggles
- Rich historical setting and costumes
- Strong performances from the main cast
- Slow pacing in early episodes
- Some historical liberties taken
You enjoy morally complex historical dramas about power and corruption.
Contains mature themes, violence, and sexual content typical of Renaissance-era political intrigue.
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Cast
Episode guide
Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress
Season 1 · 9 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →- E1 The Poisoned Chalice Mytharc Apr 3, 2011
- E2 The Assassin Core Apr 3, 2011
- E3 The Moor Core Apr 10, 2011
- E4 Lucrezia's Wedding Core Apr 17, 2011
- E5 The Borgias in Love Core Apr 24, 2011
- E6 The French King Core May 1, 2011
- E7 Death, on a Pale Horse Core May 8, 2011
- E8 The Art of War Mytharc May 15, 2011
- E9 Nessuno (Nobody) Mytharc May 22, 2011
Season 2 · 10 episodes
- E1 The Borgia Bull Mytharc Apr 8, 2012
- E2 Paolo Core Apr 15, 2012
- E3 The Beautiful Deception Core Apr 22, 2012
- E4 Stray Dogs Core Apr 29, 2012
- E5 The Choice Core May 6, 2012
- E6 Day of Ashes Core May 13, 2012
- E7 The Siege at Forli Core May 20, 2012
- E8 Truth and Lies Core Jun 3, 2012
- E9 World of Wonders Mytharc Jun 10, 2012
- E10 The Confession Mytharc Jun 17, 2012
Season 3 · 10 episodes
- E1 The Face of Death Mytharc Apr 14, 2013
- E2 The Purge Core Apr 21, 2013
- E3 Siblings Core Apr 28, 2013
- E4 The Banquet of Chestnuts Core May 5, 2013
- E5 The Wolf and the Lamb Core May 12, 2013
- E6 Relics Core May 19, 2013
- E7 Lucrezia's Gambit Core May 26, 2013
- E8 Tears of Blood Core Jun 2, 2013
- E9 The Gunpowder Plot Mytharc Jun 9, 2013
- E10 The Prince Mytharc Jun 16, 2013
Frequently asked questions
Is this based on real historical events?
Yes, it's loosely based on the real Borgia family and 15th century papal politics.
How historically accurate is the show?
It takes significant creative liberties with historical facts for dramatic purposes.
Is it appropriate for children?
No, it's intended for mature audiences due to its violent and sexual content.
How many seasons are there?
The series ran for multiple seasons during its original broadcast period.
Where does it take place?
Primarily in Renaissance-era Italy, centered around Rome and the Vatican.