The BEST episodes of I, Claudius

Every episode of I, Claudius ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of I, Claudius!

Based on Robert Graves' epic novels about the decline of Roman civilisation in the first century AD, this award-winning drama redefined the boundaries of television when it was broadcast in 1976. Jack Pulman's brilliant script conveys the unrelenting depravity during the reigns of the four Emperors who succeeded Julius Caesar: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius. The star-studded cast includes Derek Jacobi as Claudius, John Hurt as Caligula and Brian Blessed as Augustus.

Last Updated: 3/10/2024Network: BBC TwoStatus: Ended
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Old King Log
star
8.73
92 votes

#1 - Old King Log

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/6/1976

Claudius remarries and makes his new step-son Nero his heir. His attempts to restore the Republic fail, but his scandalous written history survives.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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Reign of Terror
star
8.48
85 votes

#2 - Reign of Terror

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/1/1976

Livilla's passion for Sejanus brings his Reign of Terror to a horrific climax.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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Queen of Heaven
star
8.46
81 votes

#3 - Queen of Heaven

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/25/1976

As Tiberius's chief advisor, Sejanus rules Rome with an iron hand, moving himself toward the throne. Meanwhile, an aged Livia asks to meet with Claudius.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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Fool's Luck
star
8.43
83 votes

#4 - Fool's Luck

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/22/1976

Claudius has been appointed Emperor by the Praetorian Guard. He quickly proves himself capable of handling the role. But danger lurks in his own household.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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Poison Is Queen
star
8.39
85 votes

#5 - Poison Is Queen

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/11/1976

Tiberius, aided by Sejanus and Germanicus, becomes Emperor. However, Germanicus dies under mysterious circumstances with Tiberius ally Piso accused of the crime. Claudius' young nephew Caligula already causes concern.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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A God in Colchester
star
8.35
80 votes

#6 - A God in Colchester

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 11/29/1976

Messalina's behaviour becomes ever more outrageous and it seems that Claudius is the only one who is unaware of this.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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Hail Who?
star
8.29
84 votes

#7 - Hail Who?

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/15/1976

Caligula's behavior becomes more and more erratic. Claudius works hard to control him but a conspiracy is growing among the soldiers. How can they rid themselves of their mad Emperor? And who will replace him?

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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What Shall We Do About Claudius?
star
8.26
96 votes

#8 - What Shall We Do About Claudius?

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/4/1976

Claudius' brother Germanicus returns to Rome a war hero. But he, tipped off by an exiled Postumus, tells an unsuspecting Augustus of the schemes against him. Augustus attempts to restore Postumus and protect himself from Livia's designs, and finds in Claudius an unexpected confidante.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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Zeus, By Jove!
star
8.07
86 votes

#9 - Zeus, By Jove!

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/8/1976

Caligula takes over as Emperor. At first he is hailed as a savior. But eventually the monster is revealed.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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Some Justice
star
7.88
56 votes

#10 - Some Justice

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/18/1976

Tiberius, aided by Sejanus, is proving to be a harsh ruler with only Germanicus able to keep him under control. However, whilst he is in Syria Germannicus is mysteriously poisoned.

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A Touch of Murder
star
7.77
145 votes

#11 - A Touch of Murder

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/20/1976

Augustus Caesar is at the height of his power. He favors Marcellus but his wife Livia schemes to have her son Tiberius succeed him. Grandson Claudius, narrator and future Emperor and historian, is born.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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Waiting in the Wings
star
7.74
110 votes

#12 - Waiting in the Wings

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/27/1976

Livia enlists Claudius' sister Lucilla to discredit Postumus. Now a young adult, Claudius is advised to play up his foolish appearance to protect himself.

Directors: Herbert Wise
Writer: Jack Pullman
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