I, Claudius

I, Claudius

Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out.

Created by Martin Lisemore, Herbert Wise, Jack Pulman

On BBC Two

19761 season12 episodes55 min7.8 / 10

A densely plotted, blackly comic chronicle of imperial Roman corruption where survival depends on navigating constant betrayal and the machinery of power consumes everyone it touches.

Acclaimed blackly comic historical drama series. Set amidst a web of power, corruption and lies, it chronicles the reigns of the Roman emperors - Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula and finally Claudius.

Where to watch

Questions people ask

  • Is I, Claudius sad? Yes, very. More sad than 96% of series.

  • Does I, Claudius leave you hopeful? No. Less hopeful than 96% of series.

  • Is I, Claudius one of a kind? Yes, very. More singular than 92% of series.

  • Is I, Claudius scary? Yes. More frightening than 87% of series.

  • Is I, Claudius violent? Yes. More violent than 85% of series.

  • Is I, Claudius easy watching? Barely. Less comforting than 75% of series.

These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

Written about

53/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity92

How unlike any other series this one feels

Surprise28

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love49

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Everything like I, Claudius, and what each one shares →

Like I, Claudius

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as I, Claudius

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like I, Claudius, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like I, Claudius, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like I, Claudius, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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