Leonardo (2021)
A bold reimagining of Leonardo da Vinci as a tortured genius, gay outsider, and reluctant suspect — told through the hidden language of his art.
Leonardo - Series Information
- Original Title: Leonardo
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Frank Spotnitz, Steve Thompson
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 23, 2021 (Brazil - 14), March 23, 2021 (Spain - 16), March 23, 2021 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Rai 1
- Alternative Titles: 理奧納多 (TW), レオナルド 知られざる天才の肖像 (JP), 列奥纳多·达·芬奇 (CN), Леонардо (RU)
- Production Companies: Big Light Productions, Lux Vide, Sony Pictures Television, France Télévisions, TVE, RAI
- Production Countries: France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America
Leonardo - Plot
A fresh look at the life and legacy of the iconic artist Leonardo da Vinci, positing that he was a gay outsider who used his work as a way of hiding his true self. Each episode will examine one of da Vinci's artworks for hidden clues about a tortured artist struggling for perfection.
Leonardo - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get your first look at this stunning Renaissance drama:
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Leonardo - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Frank Spotnitz
- Steve Thompson
Main Cast
- Aidan Turner
- Freddie Highmore
- Matilda De Angelis
- Carlos Cuevas
- Antonio De Matteo
- Alessandro Sperduti
- James D'Arcy
- Flavio Parenti
- Massimo De Santis
- Gabriel Lo Giudice
Writers
- Frank Spotnitz
- Steve Thompson
- Gabbie Asher
Executive Producers
- Steve Thompson
- Emily Feller
- Brendan Fitzgerald
- Luisa Cotta Ramosino
- Frank Spotnitz
Leonardo - FAQs
Is Leonardo based on a true story?
Leonardo is inspired by the real life of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, but takes significant creative liberties. The series weaves a fictional murder mystery around documented historical figures and actual artworks, using da Vinci's paintings as narrative devices to explore his inner world and hidden identity.
What is the murder mystery at the heart of Leonardo?
The series frames da Vinci's story through the eyes of investigator Stefano Giraldi, played by Freddie Highmore, who interrogates Leonardo after he is accused of murder. Each episode unravels a different chapter of da Vinci's life, using his iconic artworks as clues to reconstruct what really happened.
Who plays Leonardo da Vinci in the series?
Irish actor Aidan Turner, best known for Poldark and The Hobbit, takes on the role of Leonardo da Vinci. His portrayal presents the Renaissance master as a passionate, conflicted, and deeply private man — a gay outsider channeling his turbulent inner life into some of history's most celebrated works of art.
Where can you stream Leonardo?
Streaming availability for Leonardo varies by region. For the most up-to-date information on where to watch the series — including subscription, rental, and purchase options — check JustWatch, which tracks current availability across all major platforms in your country.
How was Leonardo received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed. Many praised Aidan Turner's magnetic performance and the series' lush visual production, shot across stunning Italian locations. However, some reviewers felt the fictional murder mystery framework sat uneasily alongside the historical material, making the show more entertaining spectacle than rigorous biographical drama.
Who created the Leonardo TV series?
Leonardo was created by Frank Spotnitz, known for The X-Files and The Man in the High Castle, and Steve Thompson, a BAFTA-winning writer behind episodes of Sherlock and Doctor Who. Their collaboration brought together crime procedural instincts and prestige drama sensibilities to reimagine da Vinci's extraordinary life.
Where was the Leonardo series filmed?
Leonardo was filmed extensively on location in Italy, capturing the architecture and landscapes of the Renaissance era with remarkable authenticity. The production also drew on resources from France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, reflecting its ambitious international co-production between Rai, Sony Pictures Television, and several European broadcasters.
What are similar shows to Leonardo?
If you enjoyed Leonardo, Da Vinci's Demons (2013) offers another fictional take on the Renaissance master with a darker, supernatural edge. The Borgias (2011) delivers equally sumptuous period drama set in the same era, while Litvinenko (2022) shares the series' compelling blend of historical intrigue and investigative storytelling.
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