While Showtime cast Hollywood royalty (Irons, Colm Feore, Holliday Grainger), Borgia went for European stage actors and relative unknowns. The result is staggering.
If you’re searching for events, here are the most dramatic historical episodes that any 2006-era documentary would highlight:
highlights the film’s visual appeal:
The Borgia (Spanish title: Los Borgia ) is a 2006 Spanish-Italian biographical film directed by Antonio Hernández. It is often remembered for its lavish production design, including historically detailed costumes and sets that capture the visual excess of 15th-century Renaissance Italy. Movie Overview October 6, 2006 (Spain). the borgia 20062006 top
The Borgia (2006): A Portrait of Renaissance Ambition The Borgia (originally titled Los Borgia
: A masterful tactician who secures his election as Pope Alexander VI.
Finally, they are a . The 2006 film was nominated for Goyas for its costume and production design for a reason. One reviewer noted how "the sets and the dresses... really looked like clothes made for wearing". The Borgia series, while working with a smaller budget than its Showtime rival, used its resources intelligently, creating a lived-in, grimy, and utterly convincing Renaissance Italy that feels more authentic than the glossy, overly-polished sets of the American production. While Showtime cast Hollywood royalty (Irons, Colm Feore,
Rodrigo holding the Vatican against the powerful Orsini and Colonna families, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. 5. The Downfall and Legacy
Reviews for the film are mixed, often highlighting its visual grandeur while criticizing its pacing: The Borgia (2006) - IMDb
The foundation of the entire Borgia story is Rodrigo’s ascension to the papacy in 1492. In any retelling, this moment is depicted as a display of extreme ambition, where wealth and intimidation were used to secure the ultimate power over Rome. The top moments of this phase always involve: It is often remembered for its lavish production
Contrary to older, simplistic portrayals of her as a pure poisoner, modern retellings—including many focusing on this era—portray Lucrezia as a woman navigating a dangerous patriarchal world.
The daughter weaponized through strategic marriages, portrayed with deep emotional nuance. Caterina Sforza
Interest in the Borgia family remains high. A 2026 article in the Express proclaimed: “‘Unmissable’ period drama starring Jeremy Irons is ‘better than Conclave’,” praising its “stellar cast, accurate depictions of the time with costumes.” Both the Showtime and Canal+ series have strong followings, and episodes regularly appear on streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Canal+’s own platform.