Watch a Preview of Showtime's 'The Borgias'

Power, sex, and lots of red velvet. Showtime found success with the royal saga of 'The Tudors' and will now reach back a few decades to examine another dysfunctional ruling family. 'The Borgias' is slated for a 2011 debut and will replace 'The Tudors' in Showtime's lineup.

Whether you're 20 years old, or 420, you may have heard "Lucrezia Borgia" used as an insult. Lucrezia's reputation as a promiscuous murderess has endured since the 15th century. But the centerpiece of Showtime's drama will be Lucrezia's father, Rodrigo. Played by Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons ('Reversal of Fortune'), the scheming Rodrigo is elected Pope in 1492.

During his papacy, Rodrigo -- who calls himself Alexander VI -- appears to eschew charity and chastity, and his three children, including Lucrezia, take full advantage of their clout in Rome.

Showtime just released an alluring if slightly frustrating trailer for the epic mini-series. Since 'The Borgias' started production only this spring, the trailer actually features more scenes from 'The Tudors' (whose audience it would like to entice). Irons refers to the Borgias as a "bloodthirsty, immoral bunch," while creator Neil Jordan talks about the "flamboyant cruelty" of these rascals of the Renaissance, which we take to mean that Henry VIII will seem grounded by comparison.

The trailer does not skimp on close-ups of a glowering Irons, or shots of writhing bodies, so we assume the mini-series will deliver pain and passion. And the involvement of the fearless Jordan is truly exciting. As a director, he has been able to shock even the most jaded audiences, with films such as 'The Crying Game', 'Interview with the Vampire' and 'The Brave One'.

'The Borgias'


The cable network has ordered an initial 10-episode run of 'The Borgias.' Michael Hurst, the writer/creator of 'The Tudors' will be on board the new series as a writer and executive producer. The great Colm Feore ('24') has reportedly joined the cast, and as Borgia heirs Cesare, Lucrezia and Juan, expect three hotties to be named later.