Rome: The Best Epic TV Show You (Probably) Haven't Seen

Ever since Game of Thrones ended, I never quite stopped yearning for TV shows that accentuate the similar large scale sensation, resonating epicness.

I was always on the lookout, and Rome struck me as such a show. Although not quite on the same scale or runtime, it was such a treat and an excellently-written and visually glorious gem that left some unforgettable marks deep in my memory.

The events of the show take place in ancient Rome in the 49 BC to 30 BCE. It's a period of streets teeming with people and elements of everyday life, artful senators, and soldiers caught up in the chaos of a crumbling republic.

HBO’s Rome ran from 2005 to 2007 and brought one of history’s wildest periods to life. It’s a show that flew under the radar for too many people, but it’s an absolute must-watch if you love stories that feel large stakes, human, and real.

From the get-go, Rome pulls you into a world that feels like it’s straight out of a history book's page.

The show was filmed on a massive set just outside the today's Rome (Lazio, Italy, and Sofia, Bulgari), and every detail, from the worn costumes & cloaks to the gritty streets, makes you feel like you’re there. (Sidenote: The mammoth set of Rome was burnt down to ashes shortly after the show was over in 2007 as fire ripped through a section of Italy's famous Cinecitta film studios).

You can almost smell the rotting fish, taste the fresh porridge, and feel the heat of the day. The Senate’s splendor and the sweat-soaked soldiers all look so authentic, it’s like stepping into a time machine.

Rome encompasses some unforgettable & witty characters. The range is broad, from actual historical heavyweights like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony to everyday folks like Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo (whose accounts have been largely enacted fictitiously).

Throughout the show, one aspect you'd never have any complaints about is the top-notch acting. Ciarán Hinds plays Caesar with a commanding presence, while James Purefoy’s Mark Antony is arrogant, rude, and somehow still likable.

Then there’s the fan favorite Kevin McKidd as Vorenus and Ray Stevenson as Pullo, two soldiers whose friendship grounds the show. Their lives weave through the bigger historical events, showing how ordinary people shaped Rome’s story.

The show dives into the power struggles of the time, with Caesar, Pompey, and others battling for control of Rome. But it’s not just about the big names.

One of my favorite scenes shows Pullo stumbling across a wagon full of gold stolen from the Roman treasury. He’s just a regular guy driving it away, while Caesar and his army march past, completely unaware that a fortune is right under their noses

Moments like these feature how chaotic the collision can be between the lives of the powerful and the common people, making history feel alive yet very human.

The writing in Rome is absolutely stellar, with moments that stick with you. The writers really gives their money's worth with brilliant exchanges of fiery and tense altercations to the heartwarming, snarky innuendos, also touching on the ugly and the chivalry.

The stakes are at times high, but things don't unfold in a vehemently shaky manner, rather cadenced escalations set the stage for epic showdowns. The cast bring the words to life, especially Purefoy, whose Mark Antony portrayal is truly impeccable, he adds every snarky quip with flair.

The quietude and the lack there of—soundtracks make every scene feels like it’s building to something huge.

So, why isn’t Rome a household name? It was crazy expensive, the most costly show of its time, which led to its cancellation after just two seasons out of a planned five.

That's literally the biggest let down about this show, it ends too soon. It was meant to have at least five whole seasons, only to be eventually packed into a mere two seasons.

The severe curtailment of the show never really allowed the chance to build a massive fan base. Plus, its historical setting and graphic content, violence, sex, and all, might not appeal to the mass TV audience at that time. But more and more people are now okay with a bit of grit, so it’s a treasure if you find it.

Rome is a masterpiece that balances epic history with human stories. Although its two seasons run may feel short, but they are enough to binge, and pack enough punch to leave you satisfied.

If you love shows that transport you to another time, where the stakes feel high, with characters and stories that hit hard and make you get imbued in it, Rome is for you.

Fire up Max (or watch via other means ;-), give it a shot, and prepare to wonder why it took you so long to discover this gem.

Rating: 9/10