Jeremy Irons' "Unmissable" Period Drama Better Than Conclave

As the film Conclave (2024)—starring Ralph Fiennes—continues to dominate awards season and streaming charts in early 2026, a new wave of viewers has rediscovered a cult classic that many argue handles the drama of the papacy even better.

On January 14, 2026, the Daily Express reported a massive surge in interest for the 2011 Showtime series The Borgias. Fans have taken to social media and forums to call the Jeremy Irons-led epic "unmissable," with some going as far as to claim it is a superior depiction of Vatican intrigue than the recent Edward Berger blockbuster.

The Borgias vs. Conclave: Corruption vs. Reform

The comparison between the two projects stems from their shared fascination with the high-stakes world of the Vatican, but they approach the subject from polar opposite angles:

• The Borgias (Past Corruption): Set during the Italian Renaissance, the series follows Rodrigo Borgia (played with "venomous brilliance" by Jeremy Irons) as he buys, bribes, and murders his way into the papacy to become Pope Alexander VI. It is a gritty, opulent look at the depths of historical church corruption.

• Conclave (Modern Reform): Starring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence, this film focuses on the modern, bureaucratic, and philosophical battle to elect a new Pope following a sudden death. It is often described as a "hopeful" or "progressive" look at the future of the church.

"It’s rare that you find a series nowadays that has it all—The Borgias does. They have done EVERYTHING right," one fan shared on X. Another added, "If you loved the tension of Conclave but wanted more blood, more scandal, and more Jeremy Irons, this is the one."

Why the 2026 Resurgence?

Aside from the popularity of Conclave, Jeremy Irons' current "period drama streak" has kept him in the spotlight.

• The Count of Monte Cristo: Irons is currently starring as Abbé Faria in the hit 2026 adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas classic (streaming now on Channel 4 and coming to PBS Masterpiece in March).

• Munich: The Edge of War: His sympathetic portrayal of Neville Chamberlain continues to be a staple for history buffs on Netflix.

The renewed love for The Borgias has led to a grassroots campaign for a "wrap-up movie," as the show was famously canceled after three seasons, leaving several of the family’s most scandalous storylines unfinished.

The "Unmissable" Cast

Critics and fans alike agree that the 2011 production remains a high-water mark for period television, largely due to its "flawless" cast:

• Jeremy Irons: As the patriarch Rodrigo Borgia.

• François Arnaud: As the dangerously ambitious Cesare Borgia.

• Holliday Grainger: As the iconic and misunderstood Lucrezia Borgia.

• Joanne Whalley: As the family's resilient matriarch, Vanozza dei Cattanei.

Source - https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2156882/unmissable-period-drama-jeremy-irons

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