Domina

The extraordinary rise of Livia Drusilla, who overcame adversity to become the most powerful woman in the world. Follow Livia’s journey from a naïve young girl whose world crumbles in the wake of Julius Caesar’s assassination, to Rome’s most powerful and influential Empress.

Domina is a British historical drama created by Simon Burke for Sky Atlantic, following Livia Drusilla, played by Kasia Smutniak, through the turbulent years after Julius Caesar's assassination. Her world collapses when she is thrust into the imperial household, and she must master the cruel rules of Roman politics to survive. Matthew McNulty and Liam Cunningham appear among the figures entangled in shifting alliances, marriages, and rivalries. Each episode builds through conspiracies and family feuds, with Livia's ambition pressing against a senate and court that would rather see her fail. The series is one continuing story rather than a case-of-the-week format. Its tone is sweeping and sensual, blending courtly menace with raw political bloodshed in a lush ancient Rome. Viewers drawn to I, Claudius or Rome will recognize its portrait of power won through patience and cruelty. The show ended before its story was complete, leaving its central arc open and its final fate of its heroine unresolved.

Critics broadly appreciate Domina's lavish Roman setting and ambitious political intrigue, though they note historical liberties.

• I, Claudiusshared period drama palace intrigue and a woman's ambitious climb within ancient Rome's court
• Romeshared Roman political drama with dynastic scheming and sexual politics
• The Crownshared prestige historical drama about a woman navigating power among ruthless men

Created by

Simon Burke

Release Date

2021-05-14

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

7.3 / 10 (115)

What is Domina about?

A naive young woman, left exposed after Julius Caesar's assassination, learns the brutal rules of Roman politics and rises to become one of the most powerful women in Rome.

What is Domina like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Domina as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is Domina violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Domina as moderate.

What did critics think of Domina?

Critics broadly appreciate Domina's lavish Roman setting and ambitious political intrigue, though they note historical liberties.

Which shows are like Domina?

Shows with a similar feel include I, Claudius, Rome, and The Crown.

How long is Domina?

Domina: 2 seasons, 16 episodes.

Is Domina still running?

No, Domina was canceled.

Where can I watch Domina?

In United States, Domina streams on fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Philo, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Spectrum On Demand.