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Season 1 – Rome

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Rome 2005 History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 36 Reviews 96% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Two Roman soldiers are caught up in the historical events of an era that included the death of a republic and the birth of an empire. They encounter war, political intrigue, assassinations, family tragedies and more, all while surrounded by historical figures such as Gaius Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Gaius Octavian and Cleopatra.
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Rome — Season 1

Rome — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Rome builds slowly, but a laborious start delivers rich rewards in the form of decadent sets, delicious drama and a surprising amount of intimacy.

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Critics Reviews

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Jim Schembri Sydney Morning Herald As solid as the intrigue and political drama of the show is -- think of it as The West Wing with gladiators -- Rome joins the long list of great shows unceremoniously buried by Nine. Don't let that deprive you. Apr 16, 2019 Full Review Ruth Ritchie Sydney Morning Herald Rome came to us from the venerable houses of HBO and the BBC yet it never held a candle to Claudius. Rome was so dark it was impossible to distinguish who was stabbing whom. And now, who cares? Apr 16, 2019 Full Review Ian Johns The Times (UK) The script trudged on in the same way as Caesar's legions heading for the capital. Apr 16, 2019 Full Review John Paulsen Bullz-Eye.com "Rome" is detail-orientated and historically accurate, which are just two of the many reasons why the series is one of the best on TV. Rated: 4.5/5 Mar 31, 2020 Full Review Alan Pergament Buffalo News One has no doubt about the authenticity of much of "Rome." You just wish it was more fun to visit and taxed your brain more than it often does. Rated: 3/4 Mar 31, 2020 Full Review Ryan Vu PopMatters The series, invested in something of a pragmatist's view of history, doesn't allow all this sordid material to devour itself. Mar 31, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Michael D It escapes my understanding how a show runner could propose a show based on real historical events, which changed the dynamics of history for 1000 years, almost entirely due to that culture's battlefield prowess, and not secure the budget or screen time to show those battles. The battle of Pharsalus, in which Pompey was defeated by Caesar, had 75,000 fighting men in total, and it represented the end of the Roman republic. However, the depiction of this event in S1E7 is no more than a few minutes of hazy screen and blurred motion. No discussion of the tactics that Caesar used to secure his empire, or how he beat a larger force also comprised of Romans. All that remains of the show after the military genius of Caesar is removed is full frontal nudity in Roman cosplay, which can similarly be found on PornHub. I could almost continue to watch afterwards just to see Brutus finally betray Caesar, and watch Octavian's rise to power after Caesar's assassination, but I'm not going to spend 15+ more hours to get there. Instead I'll just watch Shakespeare's Julius Caesar again. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 06/20/25 Full Review Audience Member Quite possibly the best TV series ever created! I say 'possibly' because of breaking bad. Neither will be bettered in a very long time! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/19/25 Full Review Gaston S Una imperdible. La mejor serie de la antigua Roma por lejos. Una lástima que no hay más temporadas de ella. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/23/24 Full Review Joel B The best series about Rome ever! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/29/24 Full Review Mike B An absolute must watch tv program Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/24/24 Full Review W B Incredible show and high quality production. Get a real imagined feel for Rome and the story is good. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Rome — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Kevin McKidd

Lucius Vorenus

Ray Stevenson

Titus Pullo

Ciarán Hinds

Gaius Julius Caesar

Kenneth Cranham

Pompey Magnus

Polly Walker

Atia of the Juli

James Purefoy

Mark Antony

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Aug 28, 2005 Le Vol de l'aigle Two soldiers must find the army's golden standard; the Senate worries about Caesar's popularity; Atia is careful to play both sides of an escalating power struggle. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 4, 2005 How Titus Pullo Brought Down the Republic Mark Antony returns to Rome; Vorenus heads home to his family; Pompey drafts an ultimatum stripping the general of his power. Details Episode 3 Aired Sep 11, 2005 An Owl in a Thornbush Pompey makes an unusual tactical decision; Atia enlists her mercenary to ensure her family's security; Pullo's unit intercepts a cargo wagon. Details Episode 4 Aired Sep 18, 2005 Stealing From Saturn Caesar seeks to consolidate his hold on Rome; Atia throws a party; Pullo delivers Quintus Pompey to Caesar. Details Episode 5 Aired Sep 25, 2005 The Ram Has Touched the Wall Caesar weighs Pompey's counteroffer; Vorenus must reconsider his career choices; Atia concocts a scheme to come between Caesar and Servilia. Details Episode 6 Aired Oct 2, 2005 Egeria Mark Antony runs Rome while Caesar pursues Pompey; Pullo takes Octavian to a brothel; Atia tries to mend fences with Servilia. Details Episode 7 Aired Oct 9, 2005 Pharsalus Vorenus and Pullo are marooned in the Adriatic Sea; Pompey decides to attack Caesar's depleted forces; Atia enlists Octavia to ask a favor of Servilia. Details Episode 8 Aired Oct 16, 2005 Caesarion Caesar arrives in Alexandria and meets the king; Vorenus and Pullo free Ptolemy's incarcerated sister; Caesar seeks payment from Egypt for past debts. Details Episode 9 Aired Oct 30, 2005 Utica Caesar returns home; Vorenus and Pullo have a showdown with a local thug; Servilia's plan backfires. Details Episode 10 Aired Nov 6, 2005 Triumph Caesar becomes emperor; Vorenus and Pullo plan their futures. Details Episode 11 Aired Nov 13, 2005 The Spoils Pullo descends into Rome's netherworld; Vorenus receives rewards for his allegiance. Details Episode 12 Aired Nov 20, 2005 Kalends of February Pullo and Vorenus receive rewards; Caesar decides to overhaul the Senate; Servilia hurdles the final obstacle in her revenge scenario. Details

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Rome — Season 1

Rome Rome Rome Rome View more photos

Season Info

Executive Producer
Bruno Heller, William J. Macdonald, John Milius, Anne Thomopoulos, Frank Doelger, Lucy Richer
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Aug 28, 2005