What post-Rome setting would be a good focus for a show like house of cards?

Is this thread supposed to be one of those generic "what era of history do you want a movie or tv show about?" threads, but with a post-Rome filter? Because save for two or three posts, almost all the responses make literally no reference to the premise "House of Cards" is based on.
 
The OP gave literally no guidance, so we are just naming eras and places with dirty politics. There's no requirement it match the plot of House of Cards or the lame remake.
 

WhoaHeavy

Banned
A british dark comedy of the events leading up to WW1 would be pretty good. Something in the vein of "The Death of Stalin" but with an even darker subject matter.
 
A few Frenchies coming to mind :

Paris from 1789 to 1799 (Nappie's Coup d'Etat) : the whole French Revolution era definitely has its loads of upsets and betrayals... not perfect for a character-led show since the body count is quite high (unless you take Talleyrand who is playing on God Mode). It would also be interesting from a historical point of view because up to this day, there is still disagreement on the influence and reach of the major stakeholders at each stage (Good luck getting an actually accurate potrayal of Danton or Robespierre).

1870 Franco-Prussian War and Paris Commune : quite a masterclass in mixing warfare, international and domestic politics (From Nappie 3 facing domestic unrest in Paris and being advised to go to war, to Adolphe Thiers doing his best to prevent Gambetta from reaching Paris, along with all the posturing and the secret negociations with Bismarck).
 
The nation from whom the word “byzantine” derives is definitely the best option here—their long, long history of intrigue and cutthroat politics is fascinating and IMO pretty gripping at times.

A TV show about Byzantium is long overdue.

Second place would probably go to the merchant republics, yeah, or even possibly a Muslim state.
I've always wanted a Justinian II serie.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justinian_II
Emperor, exiled to Crimea, he came back with an army of Slavs to reconquer the City.

I’d like to see somebody do something with Maurice Druon’s Accursed Kings novels. Sex and violence and dynastic plots against the backdrop of France on the eve of the Hundred Years War.
There was a serie of movies on this, "Les Rois Maudits" I believe
 
A miniseries following the power struggle after the murder of Leo V “the Armenian” in the 9th century would be quite fascinating. It has everything a Game of Thrones fan would enjoy: murder, political intrigue, a heroic leader fighting the Machiavellian villain (and ultimately failing), epic battles (and a siege), etc.

It would also show some cool moments like Thomas the Slav’s dealings with the Abbasid Caliph, the great host of Thomas assaulting the walls of Constantinople, the cleanup of the rebellious holdouts, etc.

Another wonderful Byzantine dream show (and now my personal favorite) is the tale of Justinian II and his struggle to regain and hold his throne. It would definitely make an a great story. The Paris Commune would be good too. Also the October Revolution. Come to think of it, there’s some many historical moments I would kill to have an HBO series produced for.
 
The Ottoman Empire, with its harem politics, has been a good setting for political soap operas. Have you lot seen Muhteşem Yüzyıl? It's a bit like House of Cards, except they play up the romantic side of political intrigue. I haven't seen the sequel series, Muhteşem Yüzyıl: Kösem, but I think Kösem Sultan would make a pretty good Francis Urquehart.

I have. What a great series! Its called "Magnificent Century" on Netflix. One can certainly enjoy watching Meryem Uzerli for many hours. I mean, she is rather pleasing to the eyes.

I can't believe Mahidevran was able to get away with all the things she did out of jealousy to Hurrem. And the dastardly king of Hungary... What a wicked character! I'm just waiting to the moment when he will get his comeuppance... man I need to continue watching that series
 
I have. What a great series! Its called "Magnificent Century" on Netflix. One can certainly enjoy watching Meryem Uzerli for many hours. I mean, she is rather pleasing to the eyes.

I can't believe Mahidevran was able to get away with all the things she did out of jealousy to Hurrem. And the dastardly king of Hungary... What a wicked character! I'm just waiting to the moment when he will get his comeuppance... man I need to continue watching that series


But Mahidevran loved Suleyman! And she loved Mustafa, too. Hurrem was a homewrecker. #TeamMahidevran
 
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