Rome

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 28, 2005
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
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Critic Reviews

  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Sid Smith
    Jan 28, 2014
    60
    Rome is slow, ponderous, terribly uneven and dense, more "The Wire" than "The Sopranos" draped in togas. But those who stick it out may well be seduced by the series' cumulative effort to create a complete, if repulsive, world. This is a bold cable offering, always a little more than sword-and-sandal kitsch and rarely, if ever, kind. [26 Aug 2005, p.C1]
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  2. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    Jan 28, 2014
    60
    There are, in fact, simply too many characters chasing each other up and down the seven hills, and viewers who try to keep track are in for maddening frustration. If only people would address one another by name once in a blue moon, that would help a little. [28 Aug 2005, p.N01]
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  3. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Mark Dawidziak
    Jan 28, 2014
    40
    Many aspects of the 12-part Rome might leave you cold. While certainly impressive in scope and scale, HBO’s awkward stab at a series is being made with a programming weapon that’s often blunt, dull and unwieldy... Where Rome gets tripped up is in the uneven performances and lackluster writing. This is what truly causes the fall of this particular Roman empire. [28 Aug 2005, p.J1]
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  5. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    Jan 28, 2014
    40
    All this adds up to $100 million worth of eye-popping bravura on the screen, but not a lot of cash to examine what goes on beneath the surface of the characters. One of the most extravagant soap operas in TV history doesn't even supply the fun of The Bold and the Beautiful. Though stuffed with stupid scenes, it lacks the stupid surprises that can make more traditional soaps so addictive. [28 Aug 2005, p.H01]
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best TV Season of 2005
41
#41 Most Discussed TV Season of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared TV Season of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 220 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 208 out of 220
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 220
  3. Negative: 5 out of 220
  1. Tipjar
    Nov 14, 2011
    10
    Rome was completely thrilling to watch, their representation of the historic events was compelling and the story surrounding their charactersRome was completely thrilling to watch, their representation of the historic events was compelling and the story surrounding their characters Vorenus and Pullo were pretty capturing. Some of the sexual scenes felt like they were inserted for no real purpose but they were excusable. The finale was amazingly well done and it was really easy to get captured by the show and watch numerous episodes on end.… Full Review »
  2. littlemanp32
    Nov 17, 2010
    10
    My favorite drama of all time... Historically acurate, brilliant acting, set and costume design were both top notch and more drama and greatMy favorite drama of all time... Historically acurate, brilliant acting, set and costume design were both top notch and more drama and great characters than you can ask for!… Full Review »
  3. Excellis
    Jan 12, 2015
    10
    Don't know what the critics were thinking on this one, although the original score for Breaking Bad was 71, they don't know what they areDon't know what the critics were thinking on this one, although the original score for Breaking Bad was 71, they don't know what they are doing. Personally this is one of the best series I have ever seen, the characters and scenes are incredibly well made and organised Enjoy!… Full Review »
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