HBO's Rome is one of the greatest television shows ever made, but the premium network infamously cancelled Rome after just two seasons. It is a decision HBO executives later admitted was a mistake. In this video essay, we explore why HBO cancelled Rome and what the showrunners envisioned as the full, 5 season story arc. Which characters were meant to survive? What historical storylines would have been explored? And what was the show's final scene supposed to be at the end of five seasons?
We'll unearth interviews with Bruno Heller and William J MacDonald, hear from actors like Kevin McKidd, and attempt to piece together a vision of Rome's full potential if HBO had not cancelled the show prematurely.
If you enjoy this video essay about Rome, you should check out Greg's analysis of another HBO show, The Pacific, which remains the most expensive show HBO ever produced. Or how about his complete script rewrite of Napoleon, Ridley Scott's questionable 2023 film? This is a channel about historical wargames, but wargamers do love a good historical film or show!
