While the big-screen adaptation of Assassin's Creed stumbled a decade ago, a small-screen gem is quietly stealing the spotlight. Medici: Masters of Florence, a historical drama series that first aired in 2016, is now climbing the charts on digital platforms, offering fans of the iconic video game franchise a richly woven tale of intrigue, power, and Renaissance-era Italy.
The Assassin's Creed movie, starring Michael Fassbender, was a critical and commercial disappointment, earning a dismal 18% on Rotten Tomatoes and grossing $240 million worldwide against a $125 million budget. Critics called it a 'joylessly overplotted slog,' despite its impressive cast. But the video game series, particularly the beloved 'Ezio trilogy' set in 15th-century Florence, remains a gold standard for historical storytelling. That's where Medici steps in.
A Renaissance Revival on Streaming
Medici: Masters of Florence follows the powerful Medici family, the de facto rulers of Florence during the Italian Renaissance. The first season, consisting of eight episodes, stars Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) as Cosimo de' Medici, with brief but memorable appearances by Brian Cox and Dustin Hoffman. The series originally received mixed reviews, holding a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but its recent surge on the iTunes chart—per FlixPatrol—proves that timing and nostalgia can be powerful allies.
The show's second season, split into two parts, aired in 2018 and 2019, expanding the family saga. For fans craving the political machinations, secret plots, and stunning Italian backdrops of the Assassin's Creed games, Medici delivers a grounded, drama-filled alternative without the sci-fi elements.
Why Now?
With Netflix reportedly developing a new Assassin's Creed series, the appetite for Renaissance-era content is stronger than ever. The game franchise's latest installment, set in feudal Japan, has shifted focus, but the 'Ezio trilogy' remains a fan favorite. Medici fills that void perfectly, offering a similar blend of historical figures, conspiracies, and family drama. It's no surprise that the series is now a top seller on digital platforms, as viewers seek out quality period pieces.
Other shows from the same era, like Netflix's Marco Polo, Starz's Da Vinci's Demons, and Showtime's The Borgias, also explored similar territory, but Medici stands out for its focus on a single family's rise to power. If you're looking for a gripping binge, consider this your next obsession. For more on streaming hits, check out Netflix's 'The Days' Is the Gripping Chernobyl Replacement You Need to Binge.
A Digital Success Story
The show's resurgence on the PVOD market underscores a broader trend: audiences are rediscovering hidden gems years after their initial release. Medici may not have been a critical darling at launch, but its current popularity proves that quality storytelling can find its audience over time. For fans of historical dramas or anyone missing the golden age of Assassin's Creed, this series is a must-watch.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on streaming trends and hidden treasures. And if you're in the mood for more gripping drama, don't miss Forget 'Law & Order: SVU'—This BBC Cop Drama 'Blue Lights' Is the New Streaming Obsession.
