A fresh look at the life and legacy of the iconic artist Leonardo da Vinci, positing that he was a gay outsider who used his work as a way of hiding his true self. Each episode will examine one of da Vinci’s artworks for hidden clues about a tortured artist struggling for perfection.
France · Italy · Spain · United Kingdom · United States
Studios
Rai 1 · Big Light Productions · Lux Vide · Sony Pictures Television · France Télévisions · TVE · RAI
Runtime
50 min/ep
Age rating
TV-14
ViolenceSexStrong LanguageDrug Use
Release
23/03/2021
Score
7.3 / 10 (175)
Where to watch
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Seasons and episodes
Season 1
8 episodes · 2021
Episode 1. Episode 1
2021-03-23 · 53 min
In Milan, in 1506, Leonardo da Vinci is arrested on charges of having poisoned Caterina da Cremona. After declaring his innocence to Stefano Giraldi, an official of the Podestà, Leonardo recalls his days as an apprentice in the workshop…
Episode 2. Episode 2
2021-03-23 · 52 min
As Leonardo's achievements are recognized and his reputation grows, one risky decision could destroy everything he has worked for. When an unforeseen situation further undermines his reputation as an artist, he sets his sights on the…
Episode 3. Episode 3
2021-03-30 · 47 min
Leonardo moves to Milan, determined to obtain the patronage of the Regent Duke Ludovico Sforza. When reality proves to be less attractive than expected and Leonardo is asked to devote himself to a great theatrical performance instead of a…
Episode 4. Episode 4
2021-03-30 · 51 min
When Ludovico asks Leonardo to create an equestrian statue in honor of his father, it stimulates his ambition even more, and the artist strives to exceed the expectations placed on him. While working on the work, Da Vinci places his trust…
Episode 5. Episode 5
2021-04-06 · 48 min
Following the death of Ludovico's wife, Leonardo is assigned a new commission but struggles to deal with his inner turmoil; after taking on board some wise words from Fr. Luca Pacioli, Leonardo seeks assistance.
Episode 6. Episode 6
2021-04-06 · 51 min
Returning to Florence, an uninspired Leonardo accepts to paint the portrait that will become the Mona Lisa; after failing to repair his relationship with Caterina, Leonardo goes to Imola, where he receives much praise from his employer.
Episode 7. Episode 7
2021-04-13 · 46 min
Having found Caterina, Leonardo continues his work, but is frustrated by the growing success of a younger artist, Michelangelo Buonarroti. Putting his feelings aside, Leonardo allows himself to be persuaded to accept a new commission.
Episode 8. Episode 8
2021-04-13 · 52 min
With time running out, Stefano races to save Leonardo and finally discovers the truth behind his biggest kept secret; armed with the facts but lacking the evidence, an unexpected revelation leaves Stefano turning to an unlikely source for…
Now I did quite enjoy this rather loose interpretation of the life of Leonardo Da Vinci, but somehow the thing seemed very uncertain as to whom it's audience is/was. It certainly lacks the creative punch of the first season of Tom Riley's "Da Vinci's Demons" (2013) or the familial charm of "Bridgerton" man of the moment Jonathan Bailey's 2011 television series. This seems just too gentle a reflection on the lives and loves of this creative genius. It dwells not on his presumed hedonistic lifestyle; it focuses little on his engineering and artistic prowess and his interesting relationships with the Medici are ignored almost entirely. To be fair, much of the "history" surrounding this man is glorified fable, we actually know a lot less than we assume about his life, but somehow this iteration is little better than an outing for Turner (and his ever changing beard) with little emphasis on his genius - indeed, little enough emphasis on anything substantial, really. Eight parts tell us very little about what made this undoubtedly complex man tick and whilst I wasn't expecting a Showtime sex-fest; I was expecting something a little more interesting/educational/entertaining. Production standards are high but the writing and overall direction condemn it to mediocrity. Shame, it reminded me a little of "Reign" (2013) - the equally sterile depiction of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.
