The BBC and HBO co-production is an epic historical drama widely acclaimed for its acting, historical accuracy, and gripping writingIan Craig Social Newsdesk Content Editor and Jane Lavender
07:00, 11 May 2026
Indira Varma as Niobe and Kevin McKidd as Lucius Vorenus in Rome(Image: HBO/BBC)
A sweeping historical epic chronicling the zenith of the Roman Empire has been lauded as “one of the greatest TV shows of all time”.
Rome, a joint venture between the BBC and HBO, aired across two series from 2005 to 2007, earning widespread praise for its outstanding performances, historical authenticity, and compelling storytelling.
The series portrays the politically treacherous and frequently savage realm of the Roman Empire during the first century BC, while tracking fictionalised accounts of two genuine Roman legionaries – Lucius Vorenus, portrayed by Kevin McKidd, and Titus Pullo, brought to life by Ray Stevenson.
The opening series unfolds during Julius Caesar’s rule, spanning from 49 BC, when civil conflict consumed the Roman Empire, through to his murder in 44 BC. The subsequent series explores the political machinations in the aftermath of Caesar’s demise.
Additional recognisable talents featuring in the programme include Ciaran Hinds, taking on Julius Caesar, and Indira Varma, depicting Niobe, spouse of Lucius Vorenus – both subsequently securing significant parts in Game of Thrones.
Kevin McKidd as Lucius Vorenus in Rome(Image: BBC/HBO)
Tobias Menzies, known from The Crown, also portrays a dramatised interpretation of Julius Caesar’s killer Marcus Junius Brutus, while Better Call Saul’s Kerry Condon appears as Octavia of the Julii, sibling of Emperor Augustus.
The programme garnered widespread critical acclaim upon its release and secured numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards for special effects, costumes and hair styling.
Despite the creators’ vision for five seasons – intended to end with Jesus’s arrival in the Holy Land – the series was axed after its second run, with substantial production expenses given as the justification for cancellation.
Both seasons boast impressive 96 per cent ratings on film and television review platform Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers commending the performances and historical authenticity.
One viewer said: “One of the greatest TV shows of all time. Casting was extremely strong. Would recommend to anyone who loves drama and history.”
Ciaran Hinds as Julius Caesar in Rome(Image: BBC/HBO)
Another added: “The best representation of Rome in a visual medium. While other films such as Kubrick’s Spartacus had left me with a similar taste, Rome brings together the historical accuracy in many respects, social, political, economic, and military, reflecting the state of Roman society during the final years of the Republic.”
Another wrote: “This was one of the most exciting and historically interesting series on HBO. It was a shame that it only lasted two seasons.
“This look at the rise and fall of Julius Caesar during the Roman Empire was so interesting, historically accurate, and attended to details. The series was framed as being seen through the eyes of two Roman Centurians mentioned in a speech of Julius Casear in real life is engaging from moment one.
“It is also filled with explicit sex and violence. The direction and cinematography are worthy of any motion picture.
“The costumes are wonderful. The acting is top-notch by the lead and supporting cast. This is how historical series should be done. One criticism – choice of actress playing Cleopatra.”
However, others took issue with the level of sex and violence featured in the programme, with one viewer saying: “Too many pointless sex scenes. We aren’t shocked or even titillated anymore because we’re bombarded with them.
“Very bland and predictable characters. Nobody stood out as great. More like a soap opera rather than an epic story.”
Another viewer said: “Too graphic. The violence and sex add nothing to the story.”
That said, negative reviews remain scarce, with one enthusiast saying: “Arguably one of HBO’s greatest shows. The acting is superb and the writing fantastic. Blending historic figures and settings with the fictional tale of two Roman soldiers, this show is captivating from beginning to end.”
A further fan said: “Quite possibly the best TV series ever created! I say ‘possibly’ because of Breaking Bad. Neither will be bettered in a very long time!”
Both series of Rome can be bought on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and YouTube.