British Netflix subscribers are discovering a gripping Italian gangster drama that has sparked a wave of enthusiastic praise, despite the series concluding several years ago. Suburra: Blood on Rome, the platform's inaugural Italian-language original, debuted in 2017 and ran for three seasons until 2020, yet is currently enjoying a remarkable surge in viewership.
A Late Surge for a Critically Acclaimed Series
Viewers are flooding review sites with acclaim for the 24-episode saga, awarding it an impressive 7.9/10 score on IMDb. Many describe it as essential viewing, with one fan stating it offers 'epic storytelling at its finest' and just keeps improving. Another reviewer celebrated the 'amazing acting' and 'addictive plot', calling it 'Rome as you've never seen it before'.
Comparisons to the revered Italian series Gomorrah are frequent, with one viewer admitting initial scepticism. 'Having seen the amazing Gomorrah, I started this saying it can never be as good,' they wrote, before concluding, 'It will be a long time before I can forget about this series.' Others have labelled it 'truly great television' and 'just about perfect', highlighting the 'great actors' and complex, intertwining character stories.
Inspired by Real-Life Roman Corruption
The series is a prequel to the 2015 film Suburra, which itself was based on a 2013 novel by Carlo Bonini and Giancarlo De Cataldo. Its narrative is rooted in real-life corruption scandals, weaving a tale where organised crime, corrupt politicians, shady businessmen, and the Church clandestinely collaborate.
The core plot follows young men from disparate worlds: a gangster from a crime family and a police officer's son. It delves into the violent power struggle between two mafia dynasties, the Anacletis and the Adamis. As they ascend the criminal ladder, the protagonists confront relentless betrayal, shifting alliances, and profound moral dilemmas.
The cast features standout performances from Alessandro Borghi as Aureliano Adami and Giacomo Ferrara as his rival, Alberto Anacleti. Francesco Acquaroli plays the fearsome mob boss Samurai, while Filippo Nigro portrays the corrupt politician Amedeo Cinaglia.
More Than Just a TV Show: A Cultural Phenomenon
The popularity extends beyond the screen. The original source novel is described on Amazon as a 'fast-paced crime thriller set in Rome: Gomorrah meets House of Cards'. One reader's review underscores its depth, calling it 'an important exposé of Italy's criminal underbelly' that portrays the 'staggering and horrifying' scale of societal corruption.
This renewed interest in Suburra: Blood on Rome highlights the enduring appeal of well-crafted, international drama on streaming platforms. It proves that a compelling story about power, loyalty, and betrayal, told with authenticity and top-tier acting, can find a passionate audience long after its final episode has aired. All three seasons of this 'must-watch' series are available for streaming on Netflix now.
