‘Captivating’ period drama on Netflix ‘much better’ than Bridgerton
The Netflix period drama has been hailed as a ‘captivating masterpiece’ by audiences — and fans of shows like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey won’t want to miss it.
Netflix’s ‘sublime’ Italian period drama has viewers in a chokehold(Image: NETFLIX)
A relatively underrated period drama on Netflix is being celebrated as a ‘sublime and exquisite masterpiece’, leaving viewers absolutely spellbound.
The historical series is giving established period drama favourites such as Bridgerton and Downton Abbey a serious run for their money, with audiences heaping praise on the breathtaking costumes, outstanding performances, and meticulous attention to detail throughout the adaptation.
The Leopard, originally titled Il gattopardo, is a television drama based on author Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s celebrated 1958 novel of the same name.
This Netflix hidden gem has been directed by Tom Shankland, Giuseppe Capotondi, and Laura Luchetti, and serves as the second official adaptation of the cherished novel, following Luchino Visconti’s 1963 film version.
The six-part Italian-language limited series made its Netflix debut in March 2025, instantly amassing a loyal and devoted following. With each episode running at approximately an hour in length, viewers simply cannot get enough of the show, reports Wales Online.
Audiences can’t stop raving about the ‘sublime’ period drama(Image: NETFLIX)
The Leopard features Kim Rossi Stuart and Benedetta Porcaroli in the leading roles, supported by a remarkable ensemble cast including Saul Nanni, Deva Cassel, Francesco Colella, Astrid Meloni, Paolo Calabresi and Gaetano Bruno.
The series’ official synopsis reads: “Amid the unification of 1860s Italy, a Sicilian prince grapples with the collision between his family’s ancient privilege and revolutionary change.”
The series was handed a staggering budget of €40 million and is widely regarded as one of the most opulent period dramas ever made. With filming getting underway in April 2023, the production was shot on location across Sicily, encompassing areas including Syracuse, Palermo, and Catania, with Turin also serving as a filming base.
Filmed across 105 days, The Leopard utilised 5,000 extras, 100 animals, 12 animal trainers, and 130 carriages, boats, and carts to authentically portray the era.
Audiences have labelled the show an ‘exquisite and captivating masterpiece’(Image: NETFLIX)
Viewers have been thoroughly captivated by the period drama, with one critic writing: “The series can feel like an exquisite Italian cake, created to perfection, a thing of beauty to behold and indeed devour.”
Another said of the show: “As testaments to the flux of history go, The Leopard manages to be beautiful, engaging and suitably elegiac.”
While one reviewer added: “Netflix’s The Leopard is a thrilling and dramatic watch with juicy twists and turns.”
Audiences have been left equally enthralled, with one IMDB user review saying: “A Stunning and Captivating Masterpiece. Netflix’s Il Gattopardo is a resounding masterpiece, realising the beauty and sophistication of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s great novel in breathtaking elegance.
“This is a gem of a show-a great surprise and absolutely wonderful. If you enjoy historical dramas or simply appreciate top-notch television, you will absolutely love “Il Gattopardo”. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone!”
The ‘exquisite’ period drama is based on Italian author Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel(Image: NETFLIX)
Another audience review even compared it to the cult classic The Godfather: “Everything about The Leopard is exceptional – we were hooked at the first episode, and it only got better. Not since The Godfather has there been such a great combination of drama and passion in an authentic Italian setting. A phenomenal cast and breathtaking costumes add to the fun of watching this show.”
One devoted fan of the series writes: “Piece of Art! I just read the book recently and the movie is just as beautiful. Cinematography is absolutely stunning. What a beautiful period piece; costumes magical. This is a stunningly visually crafted masterpiece of a series. But you have to watch it in Italian. Thank you, Netflix. The acting is incredible and spiritually enhancing with a handsomely beautiful cast.”
While one glowing review of the programme says: “Masterpiece! This is an absolute must-see series! As far as I am concerned, this is the best Netflix series I have watched so far. Do not miss it!”.
Another thoroughly satisfied viewer added: “I struggle to find words to express how perfect this production is. Sublime. Exquisite. Haunting. Thank you all so much for such a beautiful, beautiful program.”
The Leopard is available to stream on Netflix.