Borgia (2011)
Tom Fontana's dark, unflinching historical drama chronicles the rise and reign of the Borgia dynasty at the corrupt heart of Renaissance Rome.
Borgia - Series Information
- Original Title: Borgia
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Created by: Tom Fontana
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 52 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 38
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 10, 2011 (United States - TV-MA), October 10, 2011 (Canada - 14+), October 10, 2011 (Germany - 16), October 10, 2011 (France - 18), October 10, 2011 (Australia - MA 15+), October 10, 2011 (Brazil - 14), October 10, 2011 (Mexico - C), October 10, 2011 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Canal+
- Alternative Titles: 波吉亚家族 (法国版) (CN)
- Production Companies: Atlantique Productions, EOS Entertainment, ETIC Films, BellMedia, Showtime Networks, Take 5 Productions
- Production Countries: France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Canada, Hungary, Ireland, United States of America
Borgia - Plot
The name Borgia stands for betrayal, intrigue and corruption in the Vatican, which was the center of the world during the Renaissance.
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Borgia - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tom Fontana
Main Cast
- Isolda Dychauk-Ott
- John Doman
- Mark Ryder
- Assumpta Serna
- Marta Gastini
- Sarah Stern
- Andrea Sawatzki
- Stanley Weber
- Diarmuid Noyes
- Art Malik
Writers
- Audrey Fouché
- Tom Fontana
Borgia - FAQs
What is Borgia about?
Borgia plunges into the ruthless world of the Renaissance Vatican, where the infamous Borgia family — led by the ambitious Rodrigo Borgia — schemes, seduces, and murders its way to power. Betrayal and corruption are the currency of survival in this lavish, unflinching portrait of papal politics.
How does Borgia differ from The Borgias on Showtime?
Borgia (Canal+) and The Borgias (Showtime) aired simultaneously but take very different approaches. Tom Fontana's version is darker, more explicit, and grittier in tone, leaning into the violence and moral corruption of the era. The Showtime series, starring Jeremy Irons, is more polished and operatic in style.
Is Borgia based on a true story?
The series draws heavily from the real history of the Borgia family, one of the most notorious dynasties of Renaissance Italy. Rodrigo Borgia did become Pope Alexander VI, and his children Cesare and Lucrezia were genuinely feared figures. The show dramatizes documented events alongside fictional embellishments.
Who are the main actors in Borgia?
The principal cast includes John Doman as Rodrigo Borgia, Mark Ryder as Cesare Borgia, and Isolda Dychauk-Ott as Lucrezia Borgia. Supporting roles are filled by Assumpta Serna, Marta Gastini, Sarah Stern, Andrea Sawatzki, Stanley Weber, Diarmuid Noyes, and Art Malik.
Where can you stream Borgia?
Borgia is currently available to purchase through the Apple TV Store. Streaming availability may vary by region, so checking a platform like JustWatch is the best way to find current viewing options in your country.
Why did Borgia end after three seasons?
Canal+ chose not to renew Borgia beyond its third season, which concluded in 2014. The series wrapped up its narrative arc across 38 episodes spanning three seasons, with the story reaching a natural dramatic conclusion following the events of the Borgia papacy and its aftermath.
How many seasons and episodes does Borgia have?
Borgia ran for three main seasons plus a collection of special episodes. Season 1 and Season 2 each contain 12 episodes, while Season 3 expanded to 14 episodes, bringing the total to 38 episodes across the entire run, which concluded in 2014.
What is the content rating for Borgia?
Borgia carries a TV-MA rating in the United States, reflecting its mature content. The series features graphic violence, explicit sexuality, and morally complex themes rooted in Renaissance-era political intrigue — making it strictly intended for adult audiences.
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