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
Season 1 · 9 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 The Poisoned Chalice Apr 3, 2011
- E2 The Assassin Apr 3, 2011
- E3 The Moor Apr 10, 2011
- E4 Lucrezia's Wedding Apr 17, 2011
- E5 The Borgias in Love Apr 24, 2011
- E6 The French King May 1, 2011
- E7 Death, on a Pale Horse May 8, 2011
- E8 The Art of War May 15, 2011
- E9 Nessuno (Nobody) May 22, 2011
Season 2 · 10 episodes
- E1 The Borgia Bull Apr 8, 2012
- E2 Paolo Apr 15, 2012
- E3 The Beautiful Deception Apr 22, 2012
- E4 Stray Dogs Apr 29, 2012
- E5 The Choice May 6, 2012
- E6 Day of Ashes May 13, 2012
- E7 The Siege at Forli May 20, 2012
- E8 Truth and Lies Jun 3, 2012
- E9 World of Wonders Jun 10, 2012
- E10 The Confession Jun 17, 2012
Season 3 · 10 episodes
- E1 The Face of Death Apr 14, 2013
- E2 The Purge Apr 21, 2013
- E3 Siblings Apr 28, 2013
- E4 The Banquet of Chestnuts May 5, 2013
- E5 The Wolf and the Lamb May 12, 2013
- E6 Relics May 19, 2013
- E7 Lucrezia's Gambit May 26, 2013
- E8 Tears of Blood Jun 2, 2013
- E9 The Gunpowder Plot Jun 9, 2013
- E10 The Prince 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.