'Must watch' little-known Netflix period drama 'as good as Game Of Thrones'
The historical drama, which originally aired between 2016 and 2019, is divided into three seasons and boasts an all-star cast led by Game of Thrones' Richard Madden
Netflix's historical drama Medici has emerged as one of the platform's most underappreciated treasures, despite featuring a star-studded cast headlined by Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden. The series offers an expansive depiction of Renaissance Italy.
Originally broadcast between 2016 and 2019, the series is split into three seasons. The first instalment, Medici: Masters of Florence, stars Madden, who is widely recognised for his portrayal of Robb Stark in Game of Thrones, as Cosimo de' Medici, the forward-thinking banker instrumental in shaping the Italian Renaissance.
Richard Madden's fame skyrocketed following the release of Game of Thrones, and he has since featured in popular Hollywood films such as Marvel's Eternals.
Dustin Hoffman also features prominently as Giovanni de' Medici, Cosimo's influential father. Subsequent seasons, titled Medici: The Magnificent, shift the spotlight to Cosimo's grandson Lorenzo, played by Daniel Sharman, with Sean Bean (known for his role as Ned Stark in Game of Thrones) joining the cast as the formidable Jacopo Pazzi.
Despite its high production standards, including authentic Italian settings and lavish period costumes, Medici has managed to remain somewhat unnoticed, reports the Mirror US.
However, the series has garnered acclaim from critics for its captivating performances and intricate political plotlines. On Rotten Tomatoes, one reviewer raved: "Outstanding! In every way. In a world of streaming, this series has slipped through the eyes of the masses. Highly underrated. Gripping from the first episode to the last with the extraordinary casting of Richard Madden at the helm this is a must watch."
Another said: "Must watch! Outstanding production. Medici brings you back to Renaissance, in all its splendour and conflict. Politics and art are at the central stage. Great acting, costumes and texts. Great way to revisit history and art lessons, and then go back to look further by yourself. You don't always have a show where the main characters are of such historical significance. Some themes are still relevant today."
A third reviewer praised the series, saying: "Excellent series. Based on true events and following the lives, through subsequent generations (throughout all the seasons) of the Medici, a powerful family of bankers hailing from Florence. This is gripping from the first episode to the last and the presence of Richard Madden, fresh from playing King Rob Stark in Game of Thrones and Sean Bean likewise from playing Eddard Stark, not to mention such a celebrated actor as Dustin Hoffman, gives it just that little extra gravitas, not that the series needs it, as the production values are second to non.
"If you enjoy power politics, along with the inevitable corruption that goes hand in hand with it, combined with family feuds, medieval costume drama, beautiful people, costumes, sets and gorgeous views of Florence and Tuscany where the story is set historically and where it is also lavishly filmed on location, then this is for you. I am currently watching season 3 and can honestly say that it never disappoints. If you enjoyed Game if Thrones then this is a must watch. Not a fantasy drama but all the more fascinating because it actually happened."
All three seasons of the series are currently available on Netflix, offering viewers an intoxicating mix of historical fact mingled with dramatised portrayals of the lives of the Medici family.
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