'Masterpiece' BBC series that fans say is 'one of the best shows you will ever watch'

You can't go wrong with watching this BBC miniseries that's been called a "masterpiece" by viewers.

First released in the 1970s, the show has not lost its magic, with some fans taking to Reddit to say the show has aged well. Calling it a "masterpiece", people say I, Claudius, is still as good now as it was then.

On Reddit, one person says: "It's still one of the best series the BBC have ever done."

Another penned: "It's one of the best shows you will ever watch."

The show is a historical drama based on the novels by Robert Graves. It follows the life of Roman Emperor Claudius, from his childhood through to his unexpected rise to power.

Told through Claudius's perspective, the series chronicles the brutal and treacherous politics of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, featuring figures like Augustus, Livia, Tiberius, Caligula, and others.

Claudius, seen as weak and stammering, survives the deadly intrigues around him largely because he's underestimated.

The show is renowned for its sharp writing, complex characters, and intense performances, particularly those of Derek Jacobi as Claudius.

One person on Letterboxd says: "This miniseries is one of the cornerstones of classic television, and is often included on lists of the greatest productions of all time.

"Derek Jacobi's stuttering Claudius is a great performance, but you never quite believe he has it in him to become a great emperor.

"John Hurt's Caligula is dangerous because he seems, at first glance, so vulnerable, and the notorious scene with his sister tops anything in the Malcolm McDowell film.

"And Sian Phillips' Livia is a superb study in evil, while Brian Blessed is uncharacteristically quiet as Augustus, which makes his erupting fury in the scene where he finds out about his daughter's impurity all the more powerful."

If you're looking to watch the show, you can catch it on Prime Video.