The essential episodes of The Borgias

Watch these 15 in order and you've got The Borgias — each pick states its reason.

  1. 01

    S01E01 · Pilot · April 3, 2011 · 1h

    The Poisoned Chalice8.1

    Extremely ruthless and ambitious cardinal Rodrigo Borgia uses bribery to take advantage of the death of the current Pope and rise to the Papacy.

  2. 02

    S01E02 · Top rated · April 3, 2011 · 1h

    The Assassin8.1

    Micheletto, Orsini's assassin is recruited by Cesare to defect into the service of Della Rovere who is trying to prove Rodrigo has taken on a mistress.

  3. 03

    S01E07 · Season 1 peak · May 8, 2011 · 1h

    Death on a Pale Horse8.3

    The invasion of France proceeds; Giovanni Sforza is poised to join the battle; Leonardo Da Vinci shares drawings and blueprints.

  4. 04

    S01E08 · Top rated · May 15, 2011 · 1h

    The Art of War8.1

    The invaders capture a pregnant Lucrezia who charms King Charles; Pope Alexander VI awaits his fate.

  5. 05

    S01E09 · Top rated · May 22, 2011 · 1h

    Nessuno (Nobody)8.0

    Alexander meets King Charles with humility; Charles abandons Della Rovere; Lucrezia gives birth in a convent.

  6. 06

    S02E05 · Season 2 peak · May 6, 2012 · 1h

    The Choice8.8

    The Pope demands allegiance from Catherina Sforza; Alexander hears Savonarola while in disguise in Florence; Della Rovere attempts recruitment.

  7. 07

    S02E08 · Top rated · June 3, 2012 · 1h

    Truth and Lies8.0

    Juan tries to spin his combat injury as proof of his valor; Lucrezia takes a lover; Della Rovere recruits a young friar.

  8. 08

    S02E09 · Top rated · June 10, 2012 · 1h

    World of Wonders8.1

    Alexander prepares to end his fast with a celebration; Della Rovere's assassin becomes the Pope's taster; Lucrezia's lover proposes; Cesare makes a decision.

  9. 09

    S02E10 · Top rated · June 17, 2012 · 1h

    The Confession8.1

    Cesare has a startling revelation; Lucrezia falls for a new suitor; Cesare cannot extract a confession; the assassin strikes.

  10. 10

    S03E01 · Top rated · April 14, 2013 · 1h

    The Face of Death8.2

    Pope Alexander fights for his life; the cardinals fight for control of the papacy; Cesare and Micheletto track the assassin; Della Rovere prepares to make his move.

  11. 11

    S03E02 · Top rated · April 21, 2013 · 1h

    The Purge8.6

    Pope Alexander seeks revenge against the cardinals; Rufio is ordered to rally support from the mercenary warlords; Lucrezia becomes annoyed with her future in-laws.

  12. 12

    S03E03 · Season 3 peak · April 28, 2013 · 1h

    Siblings8.8

    The purged Cardinals are stripped of their titles and wealth; King Ferdinand refuses to accept Giovanni; Cesare considers an alliance with the old enemy; Alexander sticks to his plan; Lucrezia is abandoned on her wedding night.

  13. 13

    S03E05 · Top rated · May 12, 2013 · 1h

    The Wolf and the Lamb8.3

    Cesare's diplomatic mission is a success; Bianca takes her own life; Alexander and Sforza conspire to repay Gonzaga; Lucrezia travels to Naples; King Ferdinand continues the refusal of recognizing Giovanni.

  14. 14

    S03E08 · Top rated · June 2, 2013 · 1h

    Tears of Blood8.0

    Pilgrims travel to Rome for the Jubilee year celebrations; Catherina wants to hinder the festival; Mattai's contacts destroy a Turkish fleet; Lucrezia sees a change in Frederigo; Micheletto learns his lover is a spy.

  15. 15

    S03E10 · Series finale · June 16, 2013 · 1h

    The Prince8.3

    Alexander and Cesare have reconciled; the Borgias are ready to move against their enemies; Catherina is determined to resist a siege; Cesare learns that Alfonso has become aggressive.

Shows like The Borgias

The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.

  1. 01Drama·Romance·HistoryThe essential episodes of Reign2013–2017·The CWStreaming on Amazon Prime VideoHidden between the lines of the history books is the story of Mary Stuart, the young woman the world would come to know as Mary, Queen of Scots.7.6
  2. 02Drama·Romance·HistoryThe essential episodes of Masters of Sex2013–2016Same network — Paramount+ with ShowtimeMasters of Sex is a drama that portrays the real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality, William Masters and Virginia Johnson.7.3
  3. 03Drama·Romance·HistoryThe essential episodes of War & Peace2016–2016·BBC OneStreaming on Amazon Prime VideoIn a new adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's timeless novel, three young people experience life, love and loss against the epic backdrop of Russia's wars with Napoleon.8.0
  4. 04Drama·Romance·HistoryThe essential episodes of The Other Bennet Sister2026·BBC iPlayerStreaming on BritBoxThe Other Bennet Sister is a fresh spin around the ballroom for one of Jane Austen's most unassuming characters: Mary Bennet – the seemingly unremarkable and overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.6.8
  5. 05Drama·Romance·HistoryThe essential episodes of The Forsytes2025–present·5Streaming on PBS Masterpiece Amazon ChannelThe Forsytes chronicles the lives, loves, trials and triumphs of a wealthy late Victorian stockbroking family, whose generations are torn between the tradition and self-sacrifice versus personal happiness and the…6.3
  6. 06Drama·Romance·HistoryThe essential episodes of The Pillars of the Earth2010–2010·STARZDavid Oakes also starsThe Pillars of the Earth is a sweeping epic of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty.7.6
AlertsRenewal news, premiere dates and streaming moves. One confirmation email first — unsubscribe any time.