HBO and the BBC collaborated on the series Rome, which aired for two seasons in the mid-2000s and has since been hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time
21:35, 11 Sep 2025Updated 21:35, 11 Sep 2025
This show has been branded as the ‘greatest of all time’ by viewers (Image: BBC/HBO)
The historical drama Rome, set during the height of the Roman Empire, has been hailed by viewers as “one of the greatest TV shows of all time.” A joint production between the BBC and HBO, it aired for two seasons from 2005 to 2007 and drew acclaim for its powerful performances, attention to historical detail and gripping storytelling.
The series delved into the bloody power struggles and political turmoil of the late Roman Republic, while also following the fictionalised journeys of two real-life Roman legionnaires – Lucius Vorenus, portrayed by Kevin McKidd and Titus Pullo brought to life by Ray Stevenson.
The first series takes place during Julius Caesar’s rule, covering the period from 49 BC, when the Roman Empire was consumed by civil conflict, up to his assassination in 44 BC. The second series follows the political scheming in the aftermath of Caesar’s death, the Mirror reports.
Other familiar faces in the cast include Ciaran Hinds, playing Julius Caesar, and Indira Varma, portraying Niobe, Lucius Vorenus’s wife – both subsequently landing significant roles in Game of Thrones.
The show received widespread praise from critics and won multiple awards including including Emmy Awards for special effects, costumes and hair styling.
Although the show’s creators had initially planned for five seasons, which would have ended with Jesus’s arrival in the Holy Land, the series was cancelled after two runs due to expensive production costs.
Both seasons have an impressive 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers praising the acting and historical accuracy. One fan stated: “One of the greatest TV shows of all time. Casting was extremely strong. Would recommend to anyone who loves drama and history.”
The series is set at the heart of the Roman Empire(Image: BBC/HBO)
As another fan review read: “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.”
A third remarked: “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.”
Fans have praised its historical accuracy (Image: BBC/HBO)
The review ended praising the cast, adding: “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, some viewers criticised the show for its excessive sexual content and violence, with one remarking: “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 wrote “Too graphic. The violence and sex add nothing to the story.”
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Despite this, negative reviews are few and far between, with one devoted fan penning: “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.”
Meanwhile, another declared: “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 seasons of Rome are available to buy on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and YouTube.