I, Claudius (1976)
A landmark BBC historical drama exposing the treachery, ambition, and dark comedy at the heart of the Roman Empire.
I, Claudius - Series Information
- Original Title: I, Claudius
- First Air Year: 1976
- Last Air Year: 1976
- Created by: Martin Lisemore, Herbert Wise et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 78 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 20, 1976 (United States - TV-14), September 20, 1976 (United Kingdom - 12), September 20, 1976 (Germany - 12), September 20, 1976 (France - 12), September 20, 1976 (Australia - M), September 20, 1976 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: BBC Two
- Production Companies: London Films Productions, BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
I, Claudius - Plot
Acclaimed blackly comic historical drama series. Set amidst a web of power, corruption and lies, it chronicles the reigns of the Roman emperors - Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula and finally Claudius.
I, Claudius - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse into the intrigue of imperial Rome.
Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out.
Where to Watch I, Claudius
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I, Claudius - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Martin Lisemore
- Herbert Wise
- Jack Pulman
Main Cast
- Derek Jacobi
- George Baker
- Margaret Tyzack
- Siân Phillips
- James Faulkner
- Brian Blessed
- John Hurt
- Fiona Walker
- Kevin McNally
- Patrick Stewart
Writers
- Jack Pulman
I, Claudius - FAQs
Is I, Claudius based on a true story?
I, Claudius is based on two novels by Robert Graves: I, Claudius (1934) and Claudius the God (1935). While the characters are historical figures from ancient Rome, Graves took considerable creative liberties. The series dramatizes real emperors and events but blends historical fact with fiction and dark satire.
Where can you stream I, Claudius?
I, Claudius is available to stream on Spectrum On Demand as part of a subscription. It can also be purchased digitally through Google Play Movies. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming and purchasing options in your region, JustWatch provides a comprehensive overview.
Who are the main actors in I, Claudius?
The series features an exceptional ensemble cast including Derek Jacobi as Claudius, Siân Phillips as the scheming Livia, Brian Blessed as Augustus, John Hurt as the depraved Caligula, George Baker as Tiberius, and Patrick Stewart as the ambitious Sejanus, among many other distinguished British actors.
Did I, Claudius win any major awards?
Yes. I, Claudius was a major awards success, winning multiple BAFTA Awards including Best Drama Series. It also received Emmy nominations in the United States. The series is widely regarded as one of the greatest television productions ever made and regularly appears on all-time best TV lists.
What is I, Claudius about?
I, Claudius is a darkly comic historical drama set in ancient Rome, told through the eyes of Emperor Claudius. It chronicles the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula, exposing a world of political intrigue, murder, manipulation, and moral corruption within the imperial family across several decades.
How many episodes does I, Claudius have?
I, Claudius consists of 12 episodes across a single season, originally broadcast on BBC Two in 1976. Each episode runs approximately 78 minutes, making the complete series a substantial and immersive viewing experience equivalent to a long-form cinematic epic set in the Roman Empire.
When did I, Claudius first air on television?
I, Claudius first aired on September 20, 1976, on BBC Two in the United Kingdom. It subsequently broadcast in the United States, Germany, France, Australia, and Spain on the same date, quickly gaining an international audience and earning widespread critical acclaim upon its debut.
How was I, Claudius received by critics?
I, Claudius received extraordinary critical acclaim and is consistently ranked among the finest television dramas ever produced. Critics praised its razor-sharp writing, theatrical performances, and unflinching portrayal of Roman imperial decadence. It holds a near-perfect reputation and is considered essential viewing for fans of historical drama.
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