Plebs (2013)
The British sitcom that proves life in ancient Rome was just as chaotic, embarrassing, and desperately funny as modern times.
Plebs - Series Information
- Original Title: Plebs
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Sam Leifer, Tom Basden
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (22 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 38
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 25, 2013 (United States - TV-14), March 25, 2013 (Canada - 18+), March 25, 2013 (United Kingdom - 15), March 25, 2013 (France - NR), March 25, 2013 (Australia - MA 15+)
- Networks: ITV2
- Production Companies: Rise Films, Splice Post
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Plebs - Plot
Sitcom about three desperate young men from the suburbs who try to get laid, hold down jobs and climb the social ladder in the big city - which just happens to be ancient Rome.
Plebs - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in ancient Rome:
Where to Watch Plebs
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Plebs - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Sam Leifer
- Tom Basden
Main Cast
- Tom Rosenthal
- Ryan Sampson
- Tom Basden
- Karl Theobald
- Doon Mackichan
- Joel Fry
- Jon Pointing
- Tom Davis
- Sophie Colquhoun
- Lydia Rose Bewley
Plebs - FAQs
Where can you stream Plebs online?
Plebs is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and fuboTV. You can also watch it for free with ads on Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Tubi TV, Plex, Plex Channel, and Fawesome. It's a surprisingly easy series to track down without paying extra.
Is Plebs based on a true story?
Plebs isn't based on a specific true story, but it draws on the real social structures of ancient Rome — slaves, landlords, and the lower classes scrambling for status. Creators Sam Leifer and Tom Basden used that historical backdrop as a canvas for very modern, relatable comedy about ambition and awkwardness.
Who are the main actors in Plebs?
The core cast features Tom Rosenthal as Marcus, Ryan Sampson as the hapless slave Grumio, and Tom Basden as the bookish Aurelius. Karl Theobald plays their exasperated landlord, while Joel Fry, Jon Pointing, Doon Mackichan, Tom Davis, Sophie Colquhoun, and Lydia Rose Bewley round out the ensemble.
What makes Plebs funny and unique?
Plebs thrives on deliberate anachronism — characters speak in modern British slang, obsess over parties and dating apps (conceptually), and complain about their commute, all while wearing togas. The joke is that human nature hasn't changed in two thousand years, and the show mines that gap between ancient setting and contemporary attitude brilliantly.
How many seasons and episodes does Plebs have?
Plebs ran for 5 seasons and 38 episodes in total. The first series had 6 episodes, while seasons two through five each delivered 8 episodes. The show aired on ITV2 from 2013 to 2019, wrapping up after a satisfying run.
Is Plebs worth watching for comedy fans?
Absolutely. Plebs earned a devoted following for its sharp writing, loveable losers, and inventive use of the Roman setting. Critics praised its consistent comic energy and the chemistry between its leads. If you enjoy British sitcoms with a clever twist, this one delivers laughs from the very first episode.
What are shows similar to Plebs?
Fans of Plebs often enjoy Another Period, which shares its satirical take on historical settings, and KAOS, Netflix's irreverent spin on Greek mythology. Clone High and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson also hit similar notes of absurdist, character-driven comedy. My Name Is Earl and The Office are solid picks too.
When did Plebs first air and when did it end?
Plebs premiered on March 25, 2013, on ITV2 in the United Kingdom. The series concluded in 2019 after five seasons, ending on its own terms rather than being cancelled abruptly. Its six-year run gave it time to build characters and storylines that genuinely paid off.
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