I, Claudius (DVD)(1976)

Rated one of the '100 Best TV Shows of All Time' by Time magazine, this epic BBC series spans the history of the Roman Empire from Augustus through Claudius, a stuttering scholar who learns early to play the fool and stay alive. Based on the novels by Robert Graves, it stars Derek Jacobi (The King's Speech, Cadfael) in a career-defining role. SiGn Phillips (The Age of Innocence) is 'exquisitely wicked' (Los Angeles Times) as the lethal Livia, wife to Augustus (Brian Blessed, Hamlet), while John Hurt (The Elephant Man) is 'decadence personified' (USA Today) as the depraved Caligula, whose reign of terror paves the way for Claudius's ascension. Winner of an Emmy and numerous other awards, this riveting tale of ambition, debauchery, and intrigue remains one of the most popular and acclaimed dramas in Masterpiece Theatre history. Patrick Stewart (X-Men), George Baker (The Ruth Rendell Mysteries), Margaret Tyzack (Cousin Bette), and James Faulkner (The Bank Job) also star.