The Borgias (2011)
A lavish and darkly compelling historical drama about the most corrupt family ever to seize the throne of Saint Peter.
The Borgias - Series Information
- Original Title: The Borgias
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Neil Jordan
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 29
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 3, 2011 (United States - TV-MA), April 3, 2011 (Canada - 14+), April 3, 2011 (United Kingdom - 15), April 3, 2011 (Germany - 12), April 3, 2011 (France - 18), April 3, 2011 (Australia - MA15+), April 3, 2011 (Brazil - 14), April 3, 2011 (Mexico - C), April 3, 2011 (Italy - VM14), April 3, 2011 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: Showtime
- Alternative Titles: The Borgias (FR), 博基亚家族 (TW), Die Borgias (DE), 波吉亚家族 (CN), The Borgias - O Cálice Envenenado (BR), 보르자 (KR)
- Production Companies: Take 5 Productions, Octagon Films, Showtime Networks, BellMedia, ImageMovers, Amblin Television, Myriad Pictures
- Production Countries: Canada, United States of America, Hungary, Ireland
The Borgias - Plot
Set in 15th century Italy at the height of the Renaissance, The Borgias chronicles the corrupt rise of patriarch Rodrigo Borgia to the papacy, where he proceeds to commit every sin in the book to amass and retain power, influence and enormous wealth for himself and his family.
The Borgias - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Renaissance intrigue come to life:
Flesh and Blood
Where to Watch The Borgias
Looking for where to watch The Borgias?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Borgias - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Neil Jordan
Main Cast
- Jeremy Irons
- François Arnaud
- Holliday Grainger
- Peter Sullivan
- Sean Harris
- Joanne Whalley
- Colm Feore
- Lotte Verbeek
- Vernon Dobtcheff
- Bosco Hogan
Writers
- Neil Jordan
- Guy Burt
- David Leland
Executive Producers
- Neil Jordan
- James Flynn
- John Weber
- Sheila Hockin
- Jack Rapke
The Borgias - FAQs
Is The Borgias based on a true story?
Yes, The Borgias is grounded in historical fact. The Borgia family was a real and notorious Spanish-Italian dynasty. Rodrigo Borgia did become Pope Alexander VI in 1492, and his children Cesare and Lucrezia were genuine historical figures whose lives were marked by scandal, political intrigue, and alleged crimes.
Where can you stream The Borgias?
The Borgias is available to stream on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount+ via Amazon Channel, Apple TV Channel, and Roku Premium Channel. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. fuboTV also offers the series as part of its subscription.
Why was The Borgias cancelled after Season 3?
Showtime cancelled The Borgias in 2013 after three seasons, citing budget constraints and declining ratings. Creator Neil Jordan had planned a fourth and final season to conclude the story. He later released a detailed outline of how the series would have ended, offering fans some closure on the unresolved storylines.
Who are the main actors in The Borgias?
The Borgias stars Jeremy Irons as Pope Rodrigo Borgia, François Arnaud as Cesare Borgia, and Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia Borgia. The ensemble cast also includes Sean Harris, Joanne Whalley, Colm Feore, Lotte Verbeek, Peter Sullivan, David Oakes, and Gina McKee in key supporting roles.
What is The Borgias about?
Set in 15th century Renaissance Italy, The Borgias follows the corrupt ascent of Rodrigo Borgia to the papacy as Pope Alexander VI. The series explores how he and his family — including the cunning Cesare and the beguiling Lucrezia — use treachery, seduction, and violence to seize and hold power across Italy.
How many seasons and episodes does The Borgias have?
The Borgias ran for three seasons on Showtime, comprising 29 episodes in total. Season 1 contains 9 episodes, Season 2 has 10 episodes, and Season 3 also has 10 episodes. The series aired from April 2011 to June 2013 before being cancelled.
Did The Borgias win any awards?
The Borgias received several award nominations during its run. Jeremy Irons earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Rodrigo Borgia. The series also received recognition for its costume design, production design, and overall visual craftsmanship from various industry bodies.
What is the content rating for The Borgias?
The Borgias is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong language, sexual content, graphic violence, and adult themes including political corruption, murder, and religious scandal. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
More About The Borgias
Explore further details, cast information, and community discussions about The Borgias on these authoritative resources.