While Irons was the initial draw, Francois Arnaud’s Cesare Borgia emerged as a standout, often overshadowing other characters with his "devious" and strong presence.
Season 1 of (2011) established the show as a visually stunning, high-stakes historical drama centered on the corruption and family loyalty of the infamous House of Borgia. Critical Reception & Style The Borgias - Season 1
Jeremy Irons received high praise for his portrayal of Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI), capturing the character’s internal conflict and political ambition. While Irons was the initial draw, Francois Arnaud’s
The season followed Rodrigo’s rise to the papacy through bribery and his subsequent transformation into a "holy figure" who left "dirty deeds" to his son, Cesare. While Irons was the initial draw