The BEST Episodes of I, Claudius
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: May 23, 2020
Network: BBC Two
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 Dec 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.
8.81 
#2 - A God in Colchester
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired Nov 29, 1976
Messalina's behaviour becomes ever more outrageous and it seems that Claudius is the only one who is unaware of this.
8.65 
#3 - Poison is Queen
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired Oct 11, 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.
8.56 
#4 - Queen of Heaven
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired Oct 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.
8.53 
#5 - Reign of Terror
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired Nov 1, 1976
Livilla's passion for Sejanus brings his Reign of Terror to a horrific climax.
8.51 
#6 - Fool's Luck
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired Nov 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.
8.47 
#7 - Hail Who?
Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired Nov 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?
8.41 
#8 - Some Justice
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired Oct 18, 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.
8.34 
#9 - Zeus, By Jove!
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired Nov 8, 1976
Caligula takes over as Emperor. At first he is hailed as a savior. But eventually the monster is revealed.
8.22 
#10 - What Shall We Do About Claudius?
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired Oct 4, 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.
8.02 
#11 - A Touch of Murder
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired Sep 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.
7.90 
#12 - Waiting in the Wings
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired Sep 27, 1976
Child Claudius, stammering and appearing foolish, is an embarrassment to his family, but is fated to rule. Tiberius, in exile for mistreating his well connected but unfaithful wife Julia, is recalled to Rome to be co-heir with Augustus' grandson Postumus.
7.80