HBO's historical epic Rome is suddenly gaining new streaming momentum more than two decades after its debut. The show, which originally aired from 2005 to 2007, has seen a notable spike in viewership on iTunes this past week, ranking second only to The Sopranos on the platform's charts, according to FlixPatrol. This resurgence comes as HBO has transformed into a franchise-driven network, but Rome stands as a reminder of its earlier, more daring era.
Created by legendary filmmaker John Milius, who wrote Apocalypse Now and Dirty Harry and directed the original Conan the Barbarian, Rome was heavily inspired by the blockbuster success of Ridley Scott's Gladiator. The series follows two soldiers whose lives intersect with a host of historical figures in Ancient Rome, blending political intrigue with visceral action. It starred Ray Stevenson and Kevin McKidd as the leads, with a stellar ensemble including Tobias Menzies, Kerry Condon, Indira Varma, and Ciarán Hinds.
Filmed at the historic Cinecittà Studios in Italy, Rome was produced on a reported budget of more than $100 million, making it one of the most expensive shows of its time. That lavish production value paid off in critical acclaim, as the series holds an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus for its second season reads, "Pulp meets prestige in Rome's sensational second season — though its style sometimes outweighs its substance."
Despite its quality, Rome was canceled after just two seasons due to budgetary constraints. The creators had ambitious plans for three more seasons, which would have dramatized the rise of Augustus and the birth of Christ. Those plans never came to fruition, but the show's influence is undeniable. It paved the way for HBO's most iconic series, Game of Thrones, and also inspired the long-running Starz series Spartacus.
For fans of historical drama, Rome remains a must-watch. Its recent streaming surge suggests that new audiences are discovering its epic storytelling and complex characters. If you're looking for more sword-and-sandal action, you might also check out Gladiator and its sequel heading to Netflix this October. And for those who enjoy seeing older titles find new life on streaming platforms, The Goonies on Tubi and Gerard Butler's Greenland 2 on HBO Max are also making waves this month.
As HBO continues to build its franchise empire with Game of Thrones spin-offs and a Harry Potter reboot, Rome serves as a testament to the network's willingness to take risks on ambitious, original storytelling. Its resurgence on streaming is a welcome reminder of a time when HBO was willing to spend big on prestige drama, even if it didn't always pay off in the long run.
You can watch Rome at home now, and stay tuned for more updates on this cult classic's streaming journey.
