The Young Pope (2016)
Paolo Sorrentino's audacious HBO drama follows the first American Pope as he reshapes the Vatican with radical conviction and hidden doubt.
The Young Pope - Series Information
- Original Title: The Young Pope
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Created by: Paolo Sorrentino
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 21, 2016 (United States - TV-MA), October 21, 2016 (Germany - 12), October 21, 2016 (Brazil - 16), October 21, 2016 (Italy - VM12), October 21, 2016 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: Sky Atlantic
- Alternative Titles: The Young Pope Piru Vai Pyhimys (FI), The Young Pope (DE), Genç Papa (TR), El Joven Papa (MX)
- Production Companies: Mediapro, Wildside, Haut et Court
- Production Countries: France, Italy, Spain
The Young Pope - Plot
Lenny Belardo, the youngest and first American Pope in the history of the Church, must establish his new papacy and navigate the power struggles of the closed, secretive Vatican.
The Young Pope - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Sorrentino's provocative vision:
His religion is revolution.
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The Young Pope - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Paolo Sorrentino
Main Cast
- Jude Law
- Diane Keaton
- Silvio Orlando
- Javier Cámara
- Scott Shepherd
- Cécile de France
- Ludivine Sagnier
- Toni Bertorelli
- James Cromwell
- Sebastian Roché
Writers
- Paolo Sorrentino
- Stefano Rulli
- Tony Grisoni
- Umberto Contarello
Executive Producers
- Fatima Ovejero
- John S. Lyons
- Tony Grisoni
- Lorenzo Mieli
- Mario Gianani
The Young Pope - FAQs
What kind of Pope is Lenny Belardo in The Young Pope?
Lenny Belardo, played by Jude Law, is a deeply contradictory figure — outwardly conservative and authoritarian, yet privately tormented by doubt and longing. He imposes rigid doctrine while wrestling with his own faith, making him one of television's most fascinatingly unpredictable protagonists.
Is The Young Pope worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. Paolo Sorrentino's series is a visually stunning, intellectually provocative meditation on power, faith, and identity. Jude Law delivers a career-best performance, and the show's dreamlike atmosphere and bold storytelling set it apart from anything else on television.
Where can you stream The Young Pope?
You can stream The Young Pope on HBO Max or through the HBO Max Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Is The Young Pope based on a true story?
The Young Pope is entirely fictional. Creator Paolo Sorrentino invented Lenny Belardo and his papacy, though the series draws on the real atmosphere, rituals, and political dynamics of the Vatican to give the story a vivid, grounded authenticity.
Who are the main actors in The Young Pope?
Jude Law leads as Pope Pius XIII, with Diane Keaton as his surrogate mother Sister Mary, Silvio Orlando as the scheming Cardinal Voiello, James Cromwell as Cardinal Spencer, and Javier Cámara as the loyal Cardinal Gutierrez, among a rich international ensemble.
Did The Young Pope win any major awards?
The Young Pope earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Jude Law received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series, and the show was recognized at the Emmy Awards and various European film and television ceremonies for its direction and cinematography.
How was The Young Pope received by critics?
Critics embraced the series as a bold, singular work of prestige television. Praised for Sorrentino's cinematic direction, Luca Bigazzi's breathtaking cinematography, and Jude Law's commanding performance, it holds strong scores on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive European co-productions of the decade.
Are there similar series to The Young Pope?
If The Young Pope captivated you, The New Pope — Sorrentino's own follow-up — is essential viewing. The Borgias offers a historical take on Vatican intrigue, while The Churchmen explores seminary life with comparable moral complexity. All three reward viewers who enjoy religion and power as dramatic themes.
More About The Young Pope
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources: