Gladiator Meets Game Of Thrones In Peacock’s Underrated 10-Part Historical Epic

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Peacock’s series is a bold attempt to capture the magic of iconic shows and films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, but it hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves. Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, remains a hugely influential historical epic, largely thanks to Russell Crowe’s award-winning performance as a man seeking revenge in the Roman arena. Game of Thrones was equally groundbreaking, reinventing the fantasy genre by combining classic fantasy elements with the quality of high-end television in a way that hadn’t been done before.

When Peacock released its new historical epic, Those About to Die in 2024, many viewers and critics immediately noticed similarities to other popular shows. The connection to Gladiator is particularly strong, as both are set in ancient Rome and center around the brutal contests held in the Colosseum, alongside themes of political corruption and slavery. While Game of Thrones isn’t known for historical accuracy, it shares some surprising parallels with Those About to Die, especially in its shocking moments and focus on deadly family conflicts.

Early on, the series Those About to Die was often compared to Game of Thrones, imagining the same dramatic storylines but set in ancient Rome. As the show progressed through its ten episodes, it developed its own distinct character. The intense competition between Titus and Domitian to inherit their father’s empire was a major highlight, and the story of their mother, Cala, and her fight to protect her children, added a surprising emotional depth to the show’s usual violence and intrigue. Sadly, because people kept comparing it to Game of Thrones, the show’s best qualities often didn’t get the attention they deserved.

Those About To Die Was Underrated Upon Release

Peacock’s Bold Take On Roman History Was Massively Underestimated

While the show Those About to Die didn’t receive great reviews, that wasn’t the only reason it struggled to gain popularity. Constant comparisons to popular shows like Game of Thrones and the movie Gladiator created a difficult situation. Being associated with well-known titles can attract viewers, but it also encourages people to unfairly compare the new show to those already-successful works – a comparison it was likely to lose. Ultimately, Those About to Die wasn’t trying to be a copy of either Gladiator or Game of Thrones.

As a total movie and history buff, I was really surprised by this Peacock series. It wasn’t trying to be a documentary, but it clearly put a lot of effort into weaving in some really cool, obscure details about ancient Rome – everything from the chariot races to the incredibly detailed sets. Honestly, even the biggest history nerds would appreciate the work they put in! It definitely takes some liberties with historical accuracy, but those changes always felt like they were there to serve the story. It’s a shame more people didn’t give it a chance, because the performances were fantastic – especially from Martins and the always amazing Anthony Hopkins as Vespasianus. I was completely captivated!

Those About To Die Was Overshadowed By Gladiator 2

The TV Landscape Wasn’t Big Enough For Two Colosseum Tales

One big reason the show Those About to Die struggled was the timing of Gladiator 2. Starring Paul Mescal as the son of the original film’s hero, Gladiator 2 came out just a few months after Those About to Die first aired on Peacock. The new Gladiator movie quickly overshadowed the historical drama, making it impossible for the show to gain a large audience. Because all the attention shifted to Gladiator 2, Those About to Die hasn’t been officially canceled, but it also hasn’t been renewed for a second season and remains in a sort of holding pattern.

The new Gladiator movie was expected to boost interest in the Peacock series Those About to Die – the idea was that the epic battles and Roman setting of the film would get viewers excited for a similar show. The series and the movie even complemented each other well, offering a fitting double feature. However, despite its flaws, the popularity of the well-known Gladiator franchise ultimately overshadowed the new series at a crucial time, and Those About to Die has struggled to find an audience ever since.

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2026-05-03 15:18