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On Sunday 15 June 2025, Channel 4 broadcasts Sunday Brunch!

Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Sunday Brunch” promises to be an exciting mix of food, conversation, and music. Airing on Channel 4, the show will feature a lineup of interesting guests, including singer Josh Groban, actor Gabriel Howell, and actor Tom Hughes. Yinka Bokinni, known for her vibrant personality, will also join the hosts, Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer.

Viewers can expect lively discussions as the guests share their experiences and insights. With a variety of backgrounds, the conversations are likely to touch on different topics, from music and acting to personal stories. The chemistry between the guests and hosts often leads to fun and engaging moments.

In addition to the chat, the episode will showcase a performance by Aj Tracey, adding an energetic musical element to the show. His performance is sure to be a highlight, bringing a lively atmosphere to the brunch setting.

This Sunday at 10:00 Am, Channel 4 will air a fresh episode of “Sunday Brunch.” The show promises a delightful mix of food, conversation, and entertainment. Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer will be back in the kitchen, ready to whip up some delicious dishes while chatting with an exciting lineup of guests.

This week, the show welcomes singer and songwriter Josh Groban, known for his powerful vocals and charming personality. He will join actors Gabriel Howell and Tom Hughes, both of whom are sure to bring interesting stories and insights to the table. Yinka Bokinni, a popular presenter and DJ, will also be part of the lively discussions. The mix of talent guarantees a fun and engaging atmosphere.

In addition to the conversations, viewers can look forward to a special musical performance by Aj Tracey. His energetic style is sure to add a vibrant touch to the show. With great food,...

This fall, PBS Masterpiece is going for The Gold. The acclaimed BBC series, which stars Jack Lowden and Hugh Bonneville in the true story of one of the biggest crimes in British history, is coming to public television this fall. A new trailer reveals the series will premiere on Masterpiece on Sunday, October 5.

The trailer kicks off in 1983, when a group of six masked robbers invade Heathrow International Trading Estate, a warehouse operated by Brink's and Mat Transport. The sextet make off with one of the largest hauls in the history of crime: three tonnes of gold bullion. Catching the thieves becomes the top priority for the police, led by Brian Boyce. Meanwhile, the robbers, led by Philip Noyce, are busy melting down the gold and selling it, a process that sends them to surprising places and involves surprising people. The police may be too late, thanks to the fungible...

There may not be any guests on this week's Pilot TV Podcast, but there's still stars in abundance across the shows James Dyer, Boyd Hilton, and Kay Ribeiro are casting their critical eye over here. For starters, Alan Alda’s The Four Seasons gets a modern glow-up with Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and Colman Domingo on Netflix this week. There's also Season 2 of Rian Johnson’s Sky and Now bound murder mystery Poker Face, which sees Natasha Lyonne's bullshit detecting amateur sleuth Charlie Cale return alongside a stacked guest star line-up — including multiple Cynthia Erivos, John Mulaney, Awkwafina, Taylor Schilling, and Justin Theroux. And last but by no means least, Malpractice returns with more embattled medics on ITV, bringing us a new leading trio comprising Tom Hughes, Selin Hizli, and Zoë Telford.

Elsewhere, back in the podbooth, Kay manages to completely hijack the listener question with a stealthy soap...

Tom Burke (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Steve Coogan (Philomena) and Hayley Squires (Beau Is Afraid) have on boarded Netflix thriller series Legends.

Inspired by one of the most remarkable criminal investigations ever conducted, the six-part drama follows a group of British Customs employees sent undercover to infiltrate some of the country’s most dangerous criminal drug gangs.

Aml Ameen, Jasmine Blackborow, Douglas Hodge, Tom Hughes, Johnny Harris, Gerald Kyd and Charlotte Ritchie have also joined the cast.

A plot synopsis reads: “In the early 1990s, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise was losing its battle with illegal drug smuggling across Britain’s borders. The solution was extraordinary. In a top-secret operation, a small team of Customs employees were sent undercover.”

“Their task? To infiltrate Britain’s most dangerous drug gangs. But these were not trained spies. They were normal men and women, plucked from ordinary lives around the U.K.

Tom Burke and Steve Coogan are among the lineup of British stars joining Netflix’s upcoming thriller series “Legends.”

Created and written by Neil Forsyth, the series is inspired by a real-life criminal investigations following a group of British Customs employees sent undercover to infiltrate some of the U.K.’s most dangerous criminal drug gangs.

Also joining the cast are Hayley Squires, Aml Ameen, Jasmine Blackborow, Douglas Hodge, Tom Hughes, Johnny Harris, Gerald Kyd, Charlotte Ritchie.

“Legends” is set in the early 1990s, when Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise was losing its battle with illegal drug smuggling across Britain’s borders. Their solution was to send a small team of employees undercover. As per the synopsis: “But these were not trained spies. They were normal men and women, plucked from ordinary lives around the UK, put through a basic training regime and tasked with building new identities in the criminal underworld.

Steve Coogan, Tom Burke and Hayley Squires have boarded Netflix’s upcoming heist series Legends.

From the creator of BBC One’s The Gold, Legends is inspired by one of the most remarkable criminal investigations ever conducted, following a group of British Customs employees sent undercover to infiltrate some of the country’s most dangerous criminal drug gangs.

Burke, Coogan and Squires are joined by Aml Ameen (A Man in Full, Rustin), Jasmine Blackborow (The Gentlemen, Marie Antoinette), Douglas Hodge (G20, Joker), Tom Hughes (The English, Victoria), Johnny Harris (A Gentleman in Moscow, Great Expectations) , Gerald Kyd (The Assassin, Love Rat) and Charlotte Ritchie (You, Ghosts).

Show is set in the early 1990s, when Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise was losing its battle with illegal drug smuggling across Britain’s borders. In a top-secret operation, a small team of customs employees were sent undercover. Their task was to infiltrate...

ITV’s Big London TV Screenings

ITV Studios has announced a series of international sales for the hit detective comedy “Ludwig,” which will air in 85 markets worldwide. Produced by Big Talk Studios and co-produced with That Mitchell and Webb Company, the series was the BBC’s biggest new scripted show of 2024, attracting over 9.5 million viewers. The show has been acquired by major broadcasters, including Zdf in Germany, Svt in Sweden, and BBC First in Africa. In the Asia Pacific region, “Ludwig” will premiere in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, among other territories. Season one will debut in the U.S. and Canada on BritBox on March 20.

ITV Studios and Zhejiang Media Group have partnered to co-develop unscripted content for local and global markets. With Zhejiang’s expertise in high-end non-scripted shows and ITV’s global reach through hits like “The Voice” and “Hell’s Kitchen,” the collaboration aims to create fresh formats.

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American Primeval is a Western thriller drama series created by Mark L. Smith. The Netflix series is set in 1857 during the Utah War, and it revolves around the violent feuds and schemes to gain control over the American West. American Primeval stars Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Derek Hinkey, Joe Tippett, Jai Courtney, Preston Mota, Shawnee Pourier, and Shea Whigham. So, if you loved the gritty Western backdrop, thrilling story, and compelling characters in American Primeval, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Hell on Wheels Credit – AMC

Hell on Wheels is a Western thriller drama series created by Joe and Tony Gayton. The AMC series follows Cullen Bohannon, a former Confederate soldier who joins the railroad construction to find the Union soldiers who killed his wife and son during the Civil War.

In the years since he was first cast as Starfleet officer William T. Riker on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Jonathan Frakes has become an integral part of the "Star Trek" franchise not only as an actor but also as a director, shaping things behind-the-scenes. Back when the role was being cast in the late 1980s, however, Frakes wasn't the first pick for the roguishly handsome first officer. In fact, he was actually up against some other very talented performers.

In the end, though, it all worked out and Frakes ended up playing the guy who simply cannot sit in a chair the way it was designed (as "Star Trek: Lower Decks" once poked fun at). Still, things could have been very different on "The Next Generation" if one of the other actors in the running had secured the part. In fact, the person who almost took the role and...

Roland Emmerich, the US-based German director of The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day,is teaming with The Theory Of Everything and The Two Popes writer Anthony McCarten for what he hopes will be his next feature, Exodus, a Sudan-set action title.

New Zealand-born McCarten’s credits also include Darkest Hour and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Emmerich described Exodus as set in the not-so-distant future where the population is battling climate catastrophe and brutal militia.

“Two fearless kids, armed with a smartphone and unyielding courage, team up with a rogue pilot and a defiant doctor to expose a global conspiracy, racing through...

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The Empress is a German historical romantic drama series created by Katharina Eyssen. Based on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the Netflix series follows Elisabeth of Bavaria as she falls for and marries the Emperor Franz of Austria. This marriage pushes Elisabeth into the stressful life of an Empress. What started as a love story becomes so much more as time goes on, and the duties of the Emperor and Empress begin to create distance between Elisabeth and Franz. We see Elisabeth fall in love, deal with the consequences of being an Empress, and put Royal duties first to become a beloved Royal figure among her subjects. The Empress stars Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Johannes Nussbaum, and Elisa Schlott. So, if you loved the royal intrigue, historical drama, and compelling characters in The Empress,...

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The Agency is a spy thriller drama series created by Jez and John-Henry Butterworth. Based on the French series The Bureau by Eric Rochant, the Showtime series follows Martian, a covert CIA agent who had been undercover for six years but is suddenly ordered to abandon his cover and return to London station to continue his work. When the love he left behind with his cover reappears in London, suspicions arise. The Agency stars Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, Jodie Turner-Smith, Katherine Waterston, Harriet Sansom Harris, Richard Gere, and John Magaro. So, if you love the intensely thrilling plot, nail-biting drama, and compelling characters in The Agency, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Game (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – BBC America

The Game is a Cold War spy thriller drama series created by Toby Whithouse.

A Discovery of Witches is taking on a new life after its addition to Netflix in the U.S, with its fantastical story prompting many viewers to wonder about the real history behind the series. The show offers a dramatic look at a world that has a secret supernatural underbelly, complete with longstanding political battles between witches, vampires, and daemons on their governing board, The Congregation. The show tackles very human themes through a supernatural lens, occasionally shedding some light on actual historical events. A perfect example of this is the School of Night.

The School of Night in A Discovery of Witches is explored when the show's story travels back to Elizabethan England. After tragically losing her parents as a child (and being spellbound) prevents her magic from awakening until adulthood, Diana realizes she needs to learn to wield her powers wisely. As it turns out, she is one...

Those About to Die director Roland Emmerich discusses what season 2 would explore. Those About to Die is an action-packed historical comedy drama that explores Ancient Rome through the lens of the entertainment business. The series has one season, and has released 10 episodes on Peacock. Those About to Die features a leading cast including Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Tom Hughes, and Dimitri Leonidas.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Emmerich envisions what Those About to Die season 2 might look like. Likening the prospective second season to Godfather II, the director explained that he would like to tell stories using a "present timeline" and "past timeline." The flashback periods would explore The Year of Four Emperors, set 10 years before the events of Those About to Die season 1. These moments include Emperor Nero's suicide and the resulting struggle for power. The season would alternate between this history and the present-day timeline.

Those About to Die Season 1, Episode 7, "Death's Bed," is one of the busiest episodes of the Peacock gladiator series. It's also significant for writer Jill Robi, because it represents her first major TV writing credit. From being hired on the show to actively campaigning to write this specific hour, Jill had a memorable journey throughout the first season.

In an interview with Cbr, Jill spoke about how she felt joining the writing staff of Those About to Die. She also spoke about the process of writing Episode 7 and what she considers the episode's most important moments. Plus, Jill discusses what else motivates her -- both on and off-screen.

Cbr: How did you become involved with Those About to Die? Was doing a historical drama TV show something that interested you as a writer, or were you drawn to the opportunity to work with this particular group of people?

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Those About to Die ranks as the sixth most popular TV show on streaming for July 18 24. The show stars Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon, with Roland Emmerich directing multiple episodes. Those About to Die has earned mixed to negative reviews for its unfocused narrative and under-developed characters.

Those About to Die has become a hit on streaming despite having a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by Robert Rodat and featuring Roland Emmerich as the director of multiple episodes, the new epic explores the dark underbelly of how the masses were entertained in Ancient Rome, including bloody gladiator battles. The show, which stars Anthony Hopkins and Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon, released its entire 10-episode season 1 on Peacock on July 18, but Those About to Die's reviews weren't overly positive out of the gate.

New data from Reelgood now reveals that Those About To Die ranks as the sixth most...

At the San Diego Comic-Con today, Peacock took attendees behind the scenes of the gladiator epic Those About to Die. All ten episodes of the series are now streaming on Peacock.

The behind-the-scenes video dives into the Roman Empire’s explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties, as featured in Those About to Die. You can watch the video here.

If you are at the San Diego Comic-Con, you can immerse yourself in the glory of Ancient Rome with Those About to Die: The Chariot Race. Step inside the betting tavern, join one of the coveted factions and experience the adrenaline thrill of the chariot race itself.

Inspired by the new Original series, Peacock’s in-world activation will bring the ancient “Circus Maximus” to life right in the Gaslamp District. Upon entry, guests will be divided into the 5 factions from the show and given the chance to whip a pair...

Spoilers are ahead for Those About to Die's season 1 finale.

Those About to Die takes creative liberties with historical figures' lives, making it a sometimes-entertaining but inaccurate portrayal of ancient Rome. The series prioritizes sensationalized realism over historical accuracy. Characters like Tenax are purely fictional, adding drama but undermining the show's accuracy in depicting how Roman history actually unfolded.

Based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 book of the same name, Those About to Die is far from the most historically accurate portrayal of ancient Rome. Like its source material, Peacock's epic swords-and-sandals series prioritizes sensationalized realism over straight-forward historical accuracy, which isn't necessarily a shock for a big-budget Hollywood production. Set during the fledgling decade of the Flavian empire, Those About to Die's 10-episode first season cost a staggering $140 million to make, and is much more akin to a Game of Thrones replacement than a painstaking account of Rome's bread and circus days.

Those About to Die is an epic sword-and-sandal historical drama series created by Robert Rodat. Based on the 1958 novel of the same name by author Daniel P. Mannix, the Peacock series revolves around the lives of the gladiators and citizens of the Roman Empire in Ancient Rome, where violence, greed, and lust run rampant. Those About to Die stars Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins-Court, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, and Emilio Sakraya. So, if you loved the epic fights, brutal violence, and historical drama in Those About to Die here are some similar shows you could watch next.

Rome (Max & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – HBO

Rome is a historical drama series created by John Milius, William J. MacDonald, and Bruno Heller. The HBO series is set in the 1st century BC during Ancient Rome’s transition from Republic to Empire,...

Quick Links Tough Training Regime: You Need to Lose Weight Iwan Rheon Says Game of Thrones Has Nothing on This Show's Spectacle Those About to Die Shows 'A Side of Rome We Barely Saw' Gabriella Pession Unpacks the Character of Antonia

Its very epic, beamed Dimitri Leonidas of Peacocks sweeping ancient Rome saga, Those About to Die. Leonidas plays Scorpus in the series, one of the series many pivotal roles the character is the preeminent charioteer able to join any chariot team. For the right price. The epic saga features acting legend Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, the head of the Flavian bloodline, and a man grooming his two very different sons, Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), for the Imperial throne. The show is created by Robert Rodat with revered director Roland Emmerich directing about five episodes.

Hes tough and tender, Leonidas noted of working with Emmerich, who...

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Jojo Macari plays Domitian and Tom Hughes plays Titus in Roland Emmerich's epic new historical action series, Those About to Die. Macari and Hughes spoke with MovieWeb's Greg Archer about the gladiatorial show set in Ancient Rome, which also stars Anthony Hopkins. All episodes of Those About to Die are streaming on Peacock.

Those About to Die is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want mostblood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.

Too many characters make for a messy and disjointed story, lacking focus and coherence. The writing is inconsistent and the graphics can be comically bad at times. Despite its flaws, the show can still be entertaining and engaging for viewers.

Those About To Die (2024) is inspired by the 1958 non-fiction novel by Daniel P. Manni, which focuses on Ancient Rome and the era of gladiators and chariot racing. Roland Emmerich's latest project delves into the corrupt politics of these dangerous games and the cast of nefarious characters who stand to gain or lose a lot as the citizens of Rome struggle with poverty. Those About To Die is a grand spectacle bathed in blood, sweat and derivative writing. Anthony Hopkins certainly drew me in, and even if the show was extremely messy and couldn't keep my full attention, I still had fun watching.

Those About To Die (2024)

Cast Moe Hashim,...

Those About to Die, Peacock’s latest extravaganza, has a stacked cast led by none other than the legendary Anthony Hopkins, along with Iwan Rheon (who played the infamous Ramsay Bolton in HBO’s Game of Thrones). The sword and sandal epic pits its colorful characters against each other, with them having different sets of ambitions and motives. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the cast and the characters they’re playing.

Vespasian

Hopkins plays the ailing emperor Vespasian with all his charisma. He doesn’t have much to do other than waving at the crowd, announcing the commencement of the games, and showing his disappointment at the state of Rome. The most important thing he does in the show is choose his successor, which happens to be his elder son, Titus. Vespasian’s death comes sooner than you expect, which only means Hopkins’ screen time is very limited.

A corrupt Roman underworld surrounds Emperor Vespasian's gladiatorial spectacles in Peacock's Those About To Die. Emperor Vespasian's sons, Titus and Domitian, vie for power with schemes and betrayal as tensions rise in Rome. Characters like gladiator Kwame, trader Cala, and crime boss Tenax navigate power shifts in a bloody finale.

Peacock's new historical drama Those About To Die introduces viewers to the corrupt and violent underworld that surrounded Rome's gladiatorial spectacles during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and his sons. Those About To Die stars an ensemble cast led by Sir Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, and includes story lines that cover each level of Roman society, from the gladiator and slave trade to the machinations of the highest political powers.

Set in the year 79 Ad, Emperor Vespasian is at the end of his life at the opening of Those About To Die. His sons Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian...

Peacock's new gladiator series Those About to Die has garnered some comparisons to HBO's Game of Thrones. Iwan Rheon, who appears in both shows, has commented on the inevitable comparisons.

Rheon and one of his co-stars, Sara Martins, opened up about Those About to Die in a new interview with Cbr's Kevin Polowy. As Roland Emmerich has also shared with Cbr how Game of Thrones was a big influence, it was only natural for the comparisons to come up. Rheon commented on how one major difference is a lack of dragons on Those About to Die along with how the new Peacock series is more directly inspired by Ancient Rome.

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Related Peacock's Poker Face Gets Exciting Update as Fans Wait for Season 2

Natasha Lyonne's acclaimed Peacock series gets an exciting update.

"There's less dragons in our show, but obviously there's...

In Those About to Die, Anthony Hopkins plays real-life Roman emperor Vespasian. Vespasian is notable in real life for uniting Rome after the Year of Four Emperors. After his death (which is depicted accurately), he was succeeded by his son.

Real-life Roman emperor Vespasian's life is depicted in Peacock's Those About to Die, to a certain degree of accuracy. The streaming show is a swords-and-sandals epic that brings history to life in the same vein as classics such as Spartacus, Gladiator, and HBO's Rome. In fact, the show is based on the Daniel P. Mannix book of the same name (which was later retitled The Way of the Gladiator) that originally inspired the screenplay for Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning Gladiator, which was adapted by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholson.

The show features a robust ensemble cast that includes The Monuments Men's Dimitri Leonidas, Masters of the Air's Jojo Macari,...

Those About to Die, which was filmed in Rome's Cinecitt Studios, offers a gritty look at Ancient Roman gladiators' harsh lives. Producers aimed for authenticity, collaborating with Italian museums to create accurate period replicas. Peacock's epic series displaced Gladiator 2 by booking Cinecitt Studios for its production.

Peacock's newest series, the sword-and-sandal epic Those About to Die, has marathon viewers wondering where the 10-episode gladiator show was filmed. Directed by Hollywood's so-called "master of disaster" Roland Emmerich (Independence Day) and penned by BAFTA winner Marco Kreuzpaintner (Bodies), Those About to Die adapts Daniel P. Mannix's bestselling 1958 book of the same name. Funnily enough, Mannix's Those About to Die novel (later retitled The Way of the Gladiator) was one of the key inspirations for Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000), which makes the adaptation's debut mere months before Gladiator 2 a fun bit of serendipity.

Those About to Die chronicles the rather...

Those About to Die stars a talented cast led by Anthony Hopkins, and is an intriguing swords-and-sandals epic set in ancient Rome. The series explores the seedy underworld of crime surrounding the Roman Empire's sports industry, impacting the political dealings of Emperor Vespasian and his sons. The stand-alone historical series is a blend of action and political drama with recognizable faces from Game of Thrones and Ted Lasso, among other noteworthy TV series and movies.

Iconic action director Roland Emmerich is behind Peacock's new swords-and-sandals epic series Those About to Die, which introduces a new host of characters vying for position and wealth in ancient Rome. The stand-alone historical drama is based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 book Those About to Die, and is set during the reign of the real Roman Emperor Vespasian circa 79 Ad. The series focuses on the seedy underworld of crime surrounding the Roman Empire's sports industry,...

Every streamer gets the “Game of Thrones” copycat it deserves. HBO, the original house of the dragons, can lay claim to an official prequel series that’s slavishly devoted to its predecessor. Prime Video, which would be the Scrooge McDuck of streaming if not for Apple TV+, can spend all of McBezos’ money rebooting “The Lord of the Rings,” yet still end up with a naggingly laborious “Rings of Power.” Netflix, always happier to buy talent than develop good ideas, hired “Game of Thrones” showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss to turn a “3 Body Problem” into a three-season snooze (replete with problems that plagued their last few seasons in Westeros).

There are others — some, even, quite successful — but let’s steer our dragons toward the latest attempt: Peacock’s “Those About to Die” leans on epic political machinations, brutal violence, and cold, calculating characters to sell its saturated vision of...

The Flavian dynasty saw power struggles, brutality, and dramatic twists - a significant era for ancient Rome detailed in the epic. The show offers insight into historical figures like Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, capturing their ambitions, flaws, and fateful decisions. From Nero's chaos to Vespasian's stability, and Titus's reign followed by Domitian's controversial rule, the series delves into Roman history.

Peacock's ancient Roman epic Those About to Die surprisingly gets a lot of the true story and real history of the Flavian dynasty right. Those About to Die, with its mixed Rotten Tomato score, opens in 79 Ad during the last weeks of Emperor Vespasian's (Anthony Hopkins) reign. While things have been largely peaceful for a long time, it's clear tensions are brewing in Rome. The grain shipment from Egypt has been delayed and the people are restless. Vespasian himself is not long for the world and he must choose which of his sons,...

"It was a very sweaty day for me under the toga, and quite a nervous day," admitted Jojo Macari of shooting his first scenes with Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins in Peacock's fascinating new epic series, Those About to Die. "Obviously, you know, this guy's a blooming legend. But also in my head, I'm like, 'Okay, I've got to go and do a scene with this guy, and he's an actor, and he wants to do a great scene too, so it's going to be okay.' At which point, Anthony walks in and comes immediately up to me and gives me a fist bump, [saying], 'How's it going, Jojo? How's it going... what's happening?'"

That's enough to set somebody at ease. Macari and Tom Hughes are among a massive all-star cast in the massive drama set in the corrupt world of spectacle-driven gladiatorial competitions. The duo play brothers Domitian and Titus,...

Rome is starving. Early into Those About to Die, as the Roman Empire reels from civil war and rebellion in Judea, running its grain stores scarce, the people’s hunger for food swells into an appetite for revolt. Rome’s rulers turn to entertainment to pacify their citizens, eventually enlisting Tenax (Iwan Rheon), the rare self-made man who’s managed to claw his way toward the city’s elite, to orchestrate arena spectacles for the public. “I grew up in those stinking stands. I know what the mob wants to see,” Tenax tells his crew toward the end of the show’s first season. “Remember: Enough is good. More is better. Too much is perfect.”

Tenax’s directive encapsulates the ethos of Those About to Die, which treats viewers to excess and indulgence befitting ancient Rome. Created by Robert Rodat and based on Daniel P. Mannix’s book of the...

Episodes viewed: 10 of 10

Streaming on: Prime Video

Ancient Rome is a screenwriter’s dream. Constantly murdering, overthrowing and cheating on each other, they lived as if conscious of supplying plot for future entertainment. This expensively trashy swords-and-sandals effort is stuffed with potential melodrama — often based on fact — but sadly it seems most interested in its dullest elements.

Developed by Robert Rodat, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s book, it’s set in 79 Ad, a time when the Roman empire is looking shaky. To distract from grubby living standards and streets filled with violence, Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins) entertains his people with chariot-racing and gladiatorial battle. The arena, the Circus Maximus, is also where the city’s most powerful wrestle for control, and betting-shop owner Tenax (Iwan Rheon) manipulates everyone. As Roman society fragments, Vespasian is fretting about which son will succeed him: militarily decorated but cerebrally mediocre Titus (Tom Hughes...

Gianluca Bombardone was a beloved Italian producer and camera operator in the film community. 2.He tragically passed away at just 44 while filming a documentary in Sardinia. His work on "Those About to Die" as a camera and steadicam operator was honored with a dedication.

At the end of Peacock's Those About to Die episode 1, there's a title card dedication to someone named Gianluca Bombardone, and the story behind it is sad. Those About to Die and its cast of characters follow multiple plot lines. One follows Tenax (Iwan Rheon), a master of the criminal underground and businessman bent on bettering his plebian lot in life. Another follows Cala (Sara Martins) and her children, a Nubian family who become enslaved as servants and gladiators. Still another follows the battle of Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), two brothers vying for their father's throne.

Those stories all intertwine with smaller subplots,...

For the glory of the Emperor! Peacock is set to roll out its latest original drama series, and for this one it’s turning back the clocks to ancient Rome. Its show “Those About to Die,” featuring an ensemble cast including Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari and more debuts on Thursday, July 18. The show will take viewers beyond the Coliseum for a closer look at the lives of gladiators, and the masters who owned them. You can stream it with a Subscription to Peacock.

How to Watch ‘Those About to Die’ Series Premiere When: Thursday, July 18 TV: Peacock Stream: Watch with a Subscription to Peacock. Sign Up $7.99+ / month peacocktv.com About ‘Those About to Die’

“Those About to Die” is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses,...

It was murderous, acclaimed director Roland Emmerich shared about what it was like shooting Peacocks stunning new epic series, Those About to Die. More on Emmerichs murderous comments later. For now, lets just say and its not every day we can say this Those About to Die is unlike any series weve ever seen. (Although Gladiator and Game of Thrones come close.) Bold, epic, and surpassing expectations both visually and narratively, the action-packed 10-episode series is inspired by Daniel Mannixs non-fiction book of the same name. It hits the streamer July 18.

Set in Rome in 79 Ad, the undertaking marks Emmerichs television directorial debut. Peacock is lucky to have him. He is, after all, the man behind crowd-pleasers like The Day After Tomorrow and The Patriot. Emmerich, who has long been a fan of the Roman Empire, also serves as supervising director here, and the series is yet another feat for the filmmaker.

Set at the height of the Roman Empire, Those About To Die is historical drama series from director Roland Emmerich. Created by Robert Rodat, and inspired by the nonfiction book of the same name by Daniel P. Mannix, the series will immerse viewers into the spectacular, complex, and corrupt world of chariot racing and gladiatorial fights in ancient Rome.

The cast includes multi-award winning cinema legend Sir Anthony Hopkins as Emperor Vespasian, Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) as Tenax, Tom Hughes as Titus Flavianus, Sara Martins as Cala, and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson (Game of Thrones) as Viggo, Jojo Macari (Sex Education) as Domitian, Gabriella Pession (Crossing Lines) as Antonia, Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, Emilio Sakraya as Xenon, Moe Hashim Kwame, Rupert Penry Jones (Whitechapel) as Marsus.

HeyUGuys chatted to the cast about their experience working on the hotly anticipated series on set in Italy and about how much they all knew about that particular era.

I went into Those About To Die, the latest big-budget effort by Peacock to convince people to watch something other than The Office on it, not really knowing what to expect; though I certainly had my hopes. Given the Ancient Roman setting, I hoped to see epic gladiator battles and chariot races and a fresh take on this particular period in history. And given the involvement of Roland Emmerich, I was hoping said fresh take would be enjoyably nonsensical a la his 2011 film Anonymous.

The end result is only about half of what I was hoping for. While the production values and action sequences are impressive and often entertaining, the actual story and characters that make up a bulk of the show’s runtime leave something to be desired. There isn’t much of a narrative hook or character dynamics to latch onto; and as such, it often ends up...

In most promos for Peacock’s new 10-part drama Those About to Die, Anthony Hopkins gazes out like a gnarled marble bust brought partially to life. Even the commercials that acknowledge that the series is perhaps a bit more of an ensemble piece feature the multiple Oscar winner in a badly photoshopped human pyramid, the recognizable pinnacle atop a promotional Eye of Providence.

It is more a service than a spoiler to decry this blatant bait-and-switch. While there may or may not be other reasons to watch Those About to Die, I can clarify: For a small number of episodes, Hopkins is perhaps the 10th or 12th most important part of the ensemble and for the rest of the series he doesn’t even rise to that level.

There is surely a story of some sort that explains or justifies how Hopkins came to be involved in the first place.

Plot: An epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.

Review: The recent release of the Gladiator II trailer proves that the spectacle and grandeur of the Roman Empire make for fascinating storytelling. Influenced by epics like Spartacus, Cleopatra, and Ben-Hur, the arenas and gladiatorial combat have rarely been as good as they have been on the big screen. Returning to the book that inspired David Franzoni’s initial script for Ridley Scott’s 2000 Best Picture-winning feature film, Those About To Die takes a deeper dive into the politics and machinations of Rome during the first century.

The runaway success of HBO’s Game of Thrones inspired a flood of big-budget epics from History’s Vikings to Amazon’s Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but few of those shows have been able to match its combination of awe-inspiring action and Shakespearean drama. The latest to try is the Roman gladiator drama Those About to Die, premiering this Thursday on Peacock, which is clearly going for an ancient Rome-meets-Westeros vibe. (I’ve seen the first three episodes.) It seems to have learned all the wrong lessons from Thrones, though, leaning heavily on violence and nudity...

Those About to Die explores ancient Rome's brutal gladiatorial world through diverse characters and high production value. The series features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon, promising a gripping narrative. Premiering on Peacock, this ten-episode series with a budget of $150+ million will drop all episodes for a binge-worthy experience.

Those About to Die's epic story of blood and sport is fast approaching. Adapted from Daniel P. Mannix's 1958 novel of the same name, the series sets out to uncover ancient Rome's brutal business of gladiatorial competition. Co-directed by Roland Emmerich and Marco Kreuzpaintner, Those About to Die will explore this facet of Roman entertainment, which comprises complex notions of sport, politics, and dynasties, through the perspective of characters from all walks of Roman life. The ensemble will feature TV notables, such as Game of Thrones' Iwan Rheon and Vikings: Valhalla's Jhannes Haukur Jhannesson, two-time Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins,...

Your browser does not support the video tag. All 10 episodes of Those About to Die drop on Peacock on July 18, offering a gritty look at Rome's gladiator competitions. Stars like Anthony Hopkins and Iwan Rheon bring characters with diverse backgrounds and impressive skills to life. Real animals feature in the show, offering a unique experience for actors Hashim and Jhannesson who formed a strong friendship on set.

All 10 episodes of Peacock's historical drama, Those About to Die, will drop on the streaming service on Thursday, July 18. The series is set during 79 Ad and centers around Rome's infamous gladiator competitions, as well as the fortunes the city spent on funding them. It stars Anthony Hopkins, Game of Thrones' Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jhannes Haukur Jhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, and Emilio Sakraya.

Hashim is most well known for portraying Moe Bumbercatch in Ted Lasso,...

Your browser does not support the video tag. Emmerich's TV debut explores the financial side of ancient Rome's brutal competitions, shocking reveal about sports spending. Emmerich's interest in Roman Empire led to new perspectives on modern sports spending, reflecting on the Roman influence. Watch "Those About to Die" on Peacock for a gripping drama on rivalries, politics, and the dark side of Roman entertainment.

Roland Emmerich's television directional debut, Those About to Die, will be available to stream on Peacock beginning Thursday, July 18. The series is an epic drama set in ancient Rome and zeroes in on the financial motivation behind some of history's most brutal competitions. Anthony Hopkins, Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Jhannes Haukur Jhannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, and Emilio Sakraya are all included in the ensemble cast.

Emmerich is most well-known for blockbuster films...

Your browser does not support the video tag. All 10 episodes of Those About to Die will be available to stream on Peacock starting July 18. The series explores the violent competitions hosted by the Roman Empire in 79 Ad. Tom Hughes and Jojo Macari play brothers with a complex dynamic as they vie for power in the Flavian bloodline.

Those About to Die is a new historical drama inspired by Daniel Mannix's non-fiction book of the same name. All ten 60-minute episodes will be available to stream on Peacock starting Thursday, July 18. The series serves as Roland Emmerich's (Independence Day) television directorial debut and follows the violent competitions hosted by the Roman Empire in 79 Ad.

Among the all-star cast are Jojo Macari (Morbius) and Tom Hughes (A Discovery of Witches), who play Domitian and Titus. Both brothers hope to succeed their father, Emperor Vespasian, and become the new head of the Flavian bloodline.

Peacock invites you to take a behind-the-scenes look at Roland Emmerich’s Those About to Die and an exclusive Sneak-Peek at Atomic Monster’s Teacup to take place during Peacock’s Back-to-Back Panel Block on Thursday, July 25 in Ballroom 20!

Thursday, July 25 – Sunday, July 28:

Those About To Die: The Chariot Race

Immerse yourself in the glory of Ancient Rome at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 with Peacock’s “Those About To Die: The Chariot Race.” Step inside the betting tavern, join one of the coveted factions and experience the adrenaline thrill of the chariot race itself. Inspired by the new Original series, Peacock’s in-world activation will bring the ancient “Circus Maximus” to life right in the Gaslamp District. Upon entry, guests will be divided into the 5 factions from the show and given the chance to whip a pair of reins to power their team’s chariot to victory.

The activation...

ITV’s medical thriller “Malpractice” is set to return with a second series, introducing new faces while welcoming back familiar ones. Helen Behan and Jordan Kouamé reprise their roles as Dr. Norma Callahan and Dr. George Adjei, members of the Medical Investigation Unit (Miu), who find themselves investigating a doctor facing malpractice allegations. Tom Hughes joins […]

ITV’s “Malpractice” Returns for a Second Series, Tom Hughes Joins Cast...

One of the most interesting parts of Roland Emmerich’s new Ancient Rome-set series Those About To Die is the Succession-like struggle for power at the center of the Empire. The two main forces in this are Titus (Tom Hughes) and Domitian (Jojo Macari), two brothers who are the sons of Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins).

We at FandomWire spoke with Hughes and Macari about their characters in Those About To Die, and how they brought to life some of the more complicated arcs in the show. Check out the full interview here:

Those About To Die Interview

FandomWire: Both of your characters in Those About To Die are very morally ambiguous, and we’ve seen a lot of popular shows explore characters that aren’t traditionally “likable.” Why do you think audiences are interested in these morally complex stories like Those About To Die?

Jojo Macari: Wow, good question. I...

"Enough is good. More is better. Too much is perfect." Peacock has unveiled the second official for an epic Roman Empire series Those About To Die, a riff on the classic Roman phrase "Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you" or "Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant." It'll be streaming on Peacock starting in a few more weeks. The series chronicles the world of gladiators in Ancient Rome. It may not be connected to Ridley Scott's Gladiator movie, or its upcoming sequel Gladiator 2 due out later this year (huzzah!), but it's definitely something they want you to feel is connected. Some of the episodes are directed by Roland Emmerich and it was shot at the Cinecittà studio in Rome. Anthony Hopkins stars as the Roman Emperor Vespasian, with a massive cast: Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus, Jojo Macari, Gabriella Pession, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins-Court, Moe Hashim, David Wurawa,...