There is no doubt that HBO RomeThe historical saga, highly appreciated by experts and well received, was canceled very quickly. In Ancient Rome in the 1st century BC, Rome It centers on Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) and Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd). Just in case, Roman soldiers are drawn into important historical events as their beloved civilization transforms from a republic to an empire. Under the ambitious rule of Julius Caesar (Ciarán Hinds). Rome's characters include Caesar's ruthless but memorable niece, Julii Atia (Polly Walker), who aims to put her son Octavian (Max Pirkis) on the throne.
A ratings success for both HBO and the BBC, Rome it was applauded by critics, historians and audiences alike. But despite all the accolades, Emmy nominations and growing viewership Rome Picked up for the network, HBO canceled the series after just two seasons. First, Romethe creators planned at least five seasons, as they hoped to include Octavia's entire story. It's been almost 20 years Rome debuted, longtime fans and newcomers alike are still disappointed by HBO's decision axing what has proven to be one of the network's most enduring and beloved series ever.
Why did HBO cancel Roman after two seasons?
The historical epic's big budget was a major factor in HBO's decision to pull the plug
The most obvious reason for this Rome's cancellation after only two seasons led to the show's high production costs. Notably, HBO and the BBC co-produced the series, pooling resources for a 12-episode first season with a then-stunning budget of $100 million. dubbing”famous expensive” Romehis incredible attention to detail and dedication to creating an accurate, gritty world also contributed to his downfall. (via NextTV). After the initial two-season contract expired, the BBC felt it was costing too much to sign more contracts. With its partner waffling, HBO decided to cancel the saga.
During season 2 production, then-HBO chairman Chris Albrecht made the show's cancellation official. According to series creators John Milius, William J. MacDonald, and Bruno Heller, the planned five-season arc would have more broadly covered Ancient Rome's interactions with Egypt — threads squeezed into the second visit — as well as the rise of Jesus in Palestine. . With a set that includes the information “five acres and six sound stages,” Rome it was a big deal (via SlashFilm). One of the most expensive series, Rome The budget, if not difficult by today's standards, was not sustainable.
Why Rome Was Abolished So Soon
Rome Cut Short Ahead of Planned Season Five Arc Opening
Certainly, Rome was abolished very quickly. In recent years, HBO executives have even expressed regret that they didn't find a way to launch the show's planned five-season arc. In most cases, Rome is better than Spartacus and other Hollywood epics, mainly for its gritty, realistic approach to a time and place that is often glossed over. In fact, the epic series was as ambitious as Julius Caesar himself. For example, the show's creators planned to move to Egypt for the third and fourth seasons, which was later pulled for the show's sophomore run.
The fact that the series has more ground to cover and does so with attention to detail
Rome
's cancellation hurts after nearly twenty years.
of course the need for compression Rome's timeline led to other story hiccups in a 12-episode arc. For starters, the obligatory power struggle between Mark Antony (James Purefoy) and Gaius Octavian (Simon Woods) following Caesar's assassination was shortened so that the remaining episodes could cover the Battle of Actium and the battles between Mark Antony and Cleopatra (Lindsey Marshall). deaths. The fact that the series has more ground to cover and does so with attention to detail Rome's cancellation hurts after nearly twenty years.
What History Experts Say About the Accuracy of the Novel
Rome differs from other Sword and Sandal Epics
Although Rome makes things up, it's also very accurate in other ways—and experts are quick to point out both truths. A recent historian called the canceled HBO series “timeless classic,“to praise him”bright” From the legendary discipline of Roman legionnaires to the detail of their armor, this kind of admiration is admirable for a show that purports to be an accurate depiction of real events. But then again, he reiterates how pathetic he is Rome's untimely cancellation, in particular, took a back seat.
Despite its tragic cancellation,
Rome
's high production value sets the standard for future TV shows.
From Rome for Gladiator, popular sword-and-sandal epics still make historical mistakes. Some experts were called Rome's combat inaccuracies, eg. However, even among these criticisms, the show stands out in a crowded field of over-polished Hollywood fare. Unlike other genre entries, Rome Always balancing his real-life history and dramatized narrative well, he created something both vivid and endlessly entertaining.
Sources: NextTV, SlashFilm