Showtime has decided to cancel The Borgias after three seasons. The low-rated drama’s last episode will air on June 16th.
The Borgias follows the story of Pope Alexander (Jeremy Irons) and his struggle to maintain his power at the turn of the 16th century. The historical drama’s large cast also includes François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger, Joanne Whalley, Lotte Verbeek, David Oakes, Sean Harris, Peter Sullivan, Simon McBurney, Steven Berkoff, Aidan Alexander, Julian Bleach, Thure Lindhardt, Gina McKee, and Colm Feore.
Season three of The Borgias premiered in April and thus far the show’s been averaging about a half a million viewers for each episode’s first airing.
There had been talk of wrapping up the show’s ongoing storylines with a movie instead of a fourth season but that’s not happening.
Still, series creator Neil Jordan says that, “For a variety of reasons we won’t be doing a fourth season, but, ‘The Prince’ [the last episode], when I wrote it and shot it, did seem like the end of a journey for the family. Whatever bonded them as a family dies in this episode, and the center of the drama for me was always the family. I want to thank Showtime and David Nevins for their unstinting support over the last three years, and look forward to working with them in the future.”
What do you think? Are you sorry that The Borgias has been cancelled? Were you hoping there would be a fourth season or a movie?
The series was beautifully done but I was expecting a fourth season
especially with all the hype surrounding similar series. I was thinking the forth season would be best of all . Disappointed for sure
Beautiful series. Casting, production values, script, acting — all of it sterling. Truly unfortunate it was cancelled. The producers were short-sighted in their decision to terminate the series. It would better have been handled as a long-term investment. It’s sure to attract followers in the years to come. Residual sales would have made it a financial as well as a critical success. Showtime’s line-up suffered a loss of prestige with the cancellation of the Borgias. Ratings are not the only measure of success. Art may not always make money, but it bolsters image. Throw out your crown jewels and all… Read more »
Very eloquently delievered plead for the cause.
Watched the series in 2020 for the first time. Yes, this series will indeed attract followers in years to come.
This series was important, not just for its historical value, but also because it sets the stage for weighty issues confronting the Catholic Church today. Perhaps, because my Master’s thesis dealt with the Reformation, I had a much greater interest in the subject matter than most…so I may not be representative of the typical viewer. The series was well done. It’s a shame the ratings would not allow for a resolution. I do think, even with DVRs, continuing the time slot opposite The Game of Thrones wasn’t a wise decision and added to lower ratings. Stopping a series without an… Read more »
Loved this show and it ws left unfinished – very upsetting I am almost at the point of not getting involved with any thing that is a series….
I am in love with this show!!! I read the history and found out what really happened and I want to see how this show would have played out!!!! What the heck!! COME BACK!!!!
Just watched all 3 seasons in one week on Netflix. I couldn’t stop. This is the best tv series I’ve seen yet. Phenomenal acting, I love the casting, the writing, scenery, wardrobe, plot is twisted and fast paced. Everything was just about to get going!!! Season 4 would have been where all these weaving stories come together in one final climax. It’s such a tease. I’ll be waiting for more.
I LOVE this show — been watching on NETFLIX and I am hooked … how dare showtime cancel this show — it is better than the Tudors and that was also a great show.
Very, very disappointed…..this was the best show ever!!!!
Super PISSED! We need a couple of more seasons. Dying to see what happens to everyone. You guys are making a huge mistake. COME BACK BORGIAS!!! :'(
Everytime you put a show on that is worth watching you cancel it. Why? That was one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. I never missed an episode. You need to air what we like , the people who buy the paid channels. Whatever happened to the customer is always right??? Think about what we like not what you want.
I’m disappointed that the series was dropped suddenly. I am not satisfied with the ‘Prince’ and the way it ended with the three on the bed was only a lure to find out what happened to everyone. Spectacular battle scenes and war strategies were a part of history that would have held the viewers through until a 7th season. No one will purchase a DVD that leaves the ending uncertain. You need to finish what you started.
“For a variety of reasons we won’t be doing a fourth season, but, ‘The Prince’ [the last episode], when I wrote it and shot it, did seem like the end of a journey for the family. Whatever bonded them as a family dies in this episode, and the center of the drama for me was always the family. I want to thank Showtime and David Nevins for their unstinting support over the last three years, and look forward to working with them in the future.” ~ Neil Jordan. Neil, I would hardly call a scene with all of them affectionately… Read more »
Artistry is lost now-a-days. I only laugh at how GOT ended, the supposed rival to the Borgias. (Proof how “viewership” assessment alone is misleading). Neil Jordan is gracious in his statement, no doubt leaving room for further collaboration with the network (only I question why with a network that lacks the resolve to carry out his vision). I disagree that the family bond dissolved by the end of the third season… really? What happened to the primogeniture talk? (Foreshadowing of the Borgia intentions and an important concept to expand on from a historical standpoint). Beyond quality acting, sets, costumes, etc.,… Read more »
how could the show just end just like that ! please for the fans of the show at least we deserve a movie don’t you think
I have being following for three years the Borgias and now its not going to have an end? Showtime should give the Borgia’s followers a good end like the Borgias deserve!
I would like to see season 4th, but if not at least a movie or dvd with the whole 4th seasons. I miss the borgias!!
This show should not have been cancelled, last episode was not a good ending, please consider 2 hour tv show to end.
WHY?????