The New York Times called it “a gorgeously sordid tale of papal skulduggery.” The AV Club praised its “operatic grandeur.” Even historians have grudgingly admired its ability to make the Renaissance accessible.
Watching the series on Hulu allows viewers to appreciate the nuance of Irons' performance in high definition. Whether he is gliding through the halls of the Vatican in his papal vestments or whispering threats in the shadows, Irons commands the screen. He imbues Rodrigo with a weariness that suggests he knows the cost of his ambition but is willing to pay it. For fans of political thrillers, Rodrigo Borgia is the original "boss," navigating the politics of the Vatican with the cunning of a Mafia don. the borgias hulu
The series opens in 1492. Rodrigo Borgia (Jeremy Irons), a Spanish cardinal with immense wealth and even greater ambition, orchestrates a corrupt papal conclave to buy the papacy. Through bribery, threats, and political maneuvering, he becomes Pope Alexander VI. But his victory is only the beginning. The New York Times called it “a gorgeously
The series is driven by the complex, often scandalous relationships among the Borgia children: He imbues Rodrigo with a weariness that suggests
The show is a masterclass in prestige television: it features opulent costumes, violent power struggles, and a narrative that refuses to paint its characters as simple heroes or villains. Instead, it presents them as complex, flawed humans who will do anything—including murder, bribery, and incest—to maintain their grip on the Vatican and Italy.