The BEST episodes of I, Claudius
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
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.
#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.
#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.
#3 - 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.
#4 - 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.
#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.
#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.
#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?
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.