6.455 minSeason 1 • Episode 12
LatestAlmost at the end of his family history, Claudius' thoughts turn to the future of Rome.
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.
Acting
Derek Jacobi's stutter contains multitudes.
Writing
Jack Pulman's dialogue cuts like a Senate dagger.
Production
BBC sets that out-imagine any CGI colosseum.
Creators
Herbert Wise, Martin Lisemore, Jack Pulman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Derek Jacobi based Claudius's twitch on his own nervous habits, then spent years trying to unlearn them.
The 1976 broadcast drew 2 million viewers despite ITV scheduling it opposite a crucial World Cup match — football lost.
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