Rome

Rome is a gritty, visceral look at the transition of the Roman Republic into an Empire. It follows two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, as they become entangled in the lives of historical figures like Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra. The show is famous for its uncompromising depiction of the violence, sexuality, and political corruption of the era. Despite being cancelled after two seasons, it remains a landmark series that paved the way for modern high-budget historical dramas.

Its influence on the genre cannot be overstated.