Peacock's latest venture into ancient Rome, Those About to Die, is struggling to find a foothold with audiences. The series draws inspiration from the novel that served as the basis for the film Gladiator, focusing on the gritty lives of charioteers and soldiers.
The Gladiator novel's struggle to translate to Peacock
Despite its pedigree, Those About to Die has failed to make a significant mark on the current streaming landscape. According to the report, the series attempts to capture the visceral energy of films like 300 and Gladiator by centering its narrative on the "unsavory characters" of the Roman empire, including soldiers and charioteers.
However, the transition from page to screen has not yielded the expected results. The source suggests that the show lacks a clear and compelling narrative, which has hindered its ability to attract a loyal viewership in an era where viewers have a plethora of high-budget options.
How Steven S. DeKnight's Spartacus set the Roman standard
The struggle for Peacock's new series is highlighted by the enduring legacy of the Starz series Spartacus. Premiering in 2010 and developed by Steven S. DeKnight, Spartacus established a blueprint for the genre by blending political corruption with stylized combat. As the report notes, the Starz series is currently available to stream on Netflix, providing immediate, high-quality competition for any new Roman-themed drama.
The production of Spartacus was marked by both triumph and tragedy, notably the passing of lead actor Andy Whitfield after the first season. The role was subsequently taken over by Liam McIntyre for the second and third seasons, while a prequel season was filmed to expand the lore. This depth of character development and visual spectacle has created a benchmark that Those About to Die has yet to meet.
Competing with Game of Thrones and The Last Kingdom
The failure of Those About to Die to gain traction is part of a broader trend of "over-saturation" in the historical drama market. Modern audiences have been conditioned by the massive scale and intricate world-building of hits like Game of Thrones and The Last Kingdom. these shows have set a high bar for production value and storytelling that makes it difficult for new entries to stand out.
When a market is crowded with established epics, a show cannot rely solely on a familiar setting. The report indicates that only the most well-made and compelling narratives can survive this environment, suggesting that Peacock's offering may simply be too similar to what has already been done to pique the interest of a sophisticated audience .
The contradiction of the three-season cancellation
There remain significant questions regarding the actual status of the show.. While the report describes Those About to Die as a "new show" that Peacock has released, it simultaneously claims the show "was eventually cancelled after three seasons." This is a stark contradiction that leaves the show's current production status unverified.
Furthermore, it remains unclear whether Peacock has provided any official viewership data to support the claim of a "failed impact," or if this assessment is based on critical reception and market comparison. The source provides no statement from Peacock executives regarding the show's performance or its future.
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