Netflix’s Newest Period Drama Is Garnering Comparisons To The Crown, And I’m All In

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In my experience with Netflix, there’s usually an overwhelming number of fresh TV shows being introduced each week, making it challenging for me to keep up. I find the “Top 10” feature on the app particularly useful as it showcases what other users are watching. While many are engrossed in Kate Hudson’s newly renewed series, I found myself drawn to a new period drama titled “The Leopard” when scanning the list.

It’s likely you’re aware that Netflix has achieved global acclaim with several foreign-produced series, including “Squid Game” (slated to conclude after Season 3) and the Spanish crime drama “Money Heist”. I was previously unaware of it, but it seems Netflix invested significantly in the lavish production of “The Leopard”, a rendition of a cherished Italian novel. According to The Independent, this is how they described it:

…the production of this show is extraordinarily well-crafted; the settings and wardrobe are lavishly done, and the accuracy in portraying the era is meticulous. This period piece rivals the grandeur typically associated with TV productions such as The Crown, surpassing smaller-budget dramas like Wolf Hall or The Gilded Age.

That’s not the only mention of The Crown either. Many reviews name-dropped the same show!

So, ‘The Leopard’ is a novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa published in 1958 that delves into the Corbera family, aristocrats of Sicily, during a period of significant change in Italy, particularly the emergence of Garibaldi’s Redshirt army. Although my knowledge of Italian history is limited, the comparisons to ‘The Crown’ and descriptions like ‘steamy’ and ‘luxurious’ have piqued my interest. As The Guardian’s review suggests:

However, this steamy, sensuous series offers much more than mere visual pleasure. Beneath its glamour and romantic intrigue lies a thought-provoking story about the decline of an aristocratic family, providing a socio-historical perspective.

Reminiscing about this show brings back memories of discovering Max’s “Like Water For Chocolate” series. I hastened to share it with fans of “Bridgerton”. It was a foreign-language series, an adaptation of a classic novel I wasn’t familiar with. However, the story captivated me instantly, and I found myself intrigued by another culture. It’s fascinating how deep the influence of American pop culture reaches in other countries, often through Hollywood productions, which we might not always realize in the U.S.

Despite mostly watching foreign TV shows and films, which typically require subtitles, they manage quite well without complaints, and consistently rank number one on Netflix’s global charts. According to The Telegraph…

The Leopard exudes an extravagantly opulent aura, almost comically so. It’s as if it were starring in a commercial broadcast simultaneously across all screens at Currys, highlighting the incredibly rich blacks featured in the latest series of Samsung OLED televisions.

It’s evident that Netflix invested significantly in the production of “The Leopard“. However, I have no plans to watch this adaptation as I’m not particularly drawn to the storyline of this classic work. Critics may appreciate it more than others, but even those who are not big fans say it is still worth a mention. As The Times puts it:

The series is reminiscent of a meticulously crafted Italian dessert, a visual delight and a treat to savor.

It seems that you’re referring to a fantastic Netflix series, particularly given the recent premiere of the final season of “The Crown” in December 2023, and the ongoing anticipation for the release of “Bridgerton” Season 4.

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2025-03-09 14:37