The Borgias: Season 2
  • Network: Showtime
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 3, 2011
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    May 21, 2012
    88
    Given the amounts of sumptuous scenery to chew on, the acting is restrained, even if the gore and sex are not. [28 May 2012, p.40]
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  2. RedEye
    Reviewed by: Curt Wagner
    Apr 6, 2012
    88
    The Borgias is back with more drama, sex, violence and betrayals than ever.
  3. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Apr 5, 2012
    83
    Still very high quality, and still a tiny bit dull.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Apr 5, 2012
    80
    The Borgias retains the intrigue and conniving family politics that made season one such a pleasure ride, but it all has more snap now, with Jordan spinning the plates with aplomb.
  5. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Apr 9, 2012
    75
    Rest assured: The Borgias are still bad to the bone.
  6. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    Apr 9, 2012
    75
    Poverty and pigeons, bread and circuses--and so much decadent good fun, it's positively sinful.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Doxide
    10
    Everything I loved about season 1 is back! All the opulent historical detail, the slow-burn performances, and the intrigue and backstabbing make a return. But on top of that, the pacing has been improved. The story moves at a more deliberate pace, and the Borgia family itself seems closer to the scandalous family that we've all read about in history. It is this change in the characters that is the absolute highlight of this new season. Whereas Juan was a spoiled playboy before, this year he descends to a much darker and violent place. And where Lucrezia was an innocent girl dreaming of true love, this year what little is left of her idealism is extinguished quickly. And these are just a few of the characters that undergo some profound change. Hopefully the rest of the season stays as strong as the early episodes!… Full Review »
  2. SwordsmanofS
    10
    Everything about this show is good: the political intrigue, the chemistry between the actors, the costumes and set. Whether you are a fan of history, you like political drama, or just are looking for something good to watch, The Borgias can meet your every need. Excellent show.… Full Review »
  3. foxcott
    10
    Neil Jordan and company kicked it up a notch from pretty good season 1 to a near perfect historical drama. Elegant and dark, its main characters are ambitiously wicked but with some charmingly likable, even heroic traits. This is especially true of eldest son, Cesare, played with an arresting sincerity by Francois Arnaud. Although there were significant improvements in cohesiveness, action and intrigue from its freshman season, The Borgias is still The Borgias. It does not grab the viewer with sensationalist excess or cheap thrills. Its addictiveness is the slow burn character-driven kind. You have to have a little patience with this series to appreciate how sublimely good it is.… Full Review »
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