Despite being one of HBO’s most popular TV shows, Rome was cancelled after two short seasons. Devoted viewers were outraged that the historical drama could be cut so short. Now, if the series’ co-creator Bruno Heller has his way, Rome will rise again.
A co-production mainly between HBO and the BBC, Rome showcases the often violent transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. While past dramatizations of this period have focused almost exclusively on the political leaders of the day, much of Rome’s screen time is devoted to two common soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson). The large cast also includes Indira Varma, David Bamber, Chiara Mastalli, Manfredi Aliquo, Suzanne Bertish, Max Pirkis, Lee Boardman, Esther Hall, and Ciaran Hinds.
Rome ran for two seasons and 22 episodes on HBO, debuting on August 28, 2005. The premiere attracted 3.8 million viewers and lots of positive reviews. A few weeks later, the series was renewed for a second season on HBO. The sophomore year finally debuted on January 14, 2007 and, for the most part, maintained its first year audience numbers.
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