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Season 1 – The New Pope

Play trailer 1:36 Poster for Season 1 – The New Pope Jan 2020 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 48 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
As Pope Pius XIII hangs between life and death in a coma, charming and sophisticated moderate English aristocrat Sir John Brannox is placed on the papal throne and adopts the name John Paul III.
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The New Pope — Season 1

The New Pope — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Though its predecessor's shadow looms large, devout fans will still find much to like in The New Pope's exploration of power dynamics and sumptuous strangeness.

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Critics Reviews

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Paul Kalina Sydney Morning Herald Apr 14, 2020
Sorrentino's stylish mash-up of Holy See intrigue, rock music, neon lights and Roman splendour combines to create a singular work: there's simply nothing like it. Go to Full Review Bridget McManus Sydney Morning Herald Apr 14, 2020
5/5
An orgy of power, lust and poetic justice, Paolo Sorrentino's theatrical masterpiece is Madonna's Like a Prayer times a thousand. Go to Full Review Debi Enker The Age (Australia) Apr 6, 2020
Sorrentino's stylish mash-up of Holy See intrigue, rock music, neon lights and Roman splendour combines to create a singular work: there's simply nothing like it. Go to Full Review Kaleem Aftab Cineuropa Jun 15, 2020
Law seems to be having much more fun with his character. It is likely that fans of The Young Pope will not be disappointed. Go to Full Review Diego Batlle Otroscines.com Apr 23, 2020
3.5/5
The second season is less stimulating, but the brilliant bursts of the provocative and creative artist that is Sorrentino make the new season a valuable and gratifying experience. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Erin Schwartz The Nation Mar 26, 2020
Sorrentino's shows are about the limits to our perceived freedoms and the hindrances to understanding life's baffling mysteries. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Myles H @myleshungerford Jan 6, 2026 Very surreal and fun. See more Thomas D @Solearch Mar 30, 2025 Brilliant 👏 I was at the edge of my seat chanting during the speeches... I never felt so proud to be Catholic. This is some brilliant writing, story and acting... just a brilliant show. See more Amir S @RT70696713 Mar 25, 2025 That's fine - that's what I have to write about the series. See more Arya S @AnyaS Dec 29, 2024 The wit and vision of The Young Pope series has descended into some uncontrolled weirdness here. Flashes of visual brilliance are marred by the inexplicable objectification of the women and gratuitous nudity throughout this series, starting with opening credits of the nuns gyrating beneath the large cross in their dorm room. Perhaps the choice of accused sexual abuser Marilyn Manson's cameo is a hint of the director's approach to women. The epitome of this nonsense is the scene in episode 9 in which, as the three men are discussing possible war with the Islamic terrorists, the American general is distracted by cutaway shots of a semi nude woman gyrating and fondling herself on a bed in the room next door. Whaaat? The over-heavy soundtrack has many segments playing like music videos. See more David W @RT91245001 Jul 2, 2024 Fans of The Young Pope will enjoy The New Pope’s familiar direction and cast of characters navigating through a second season that arcs and ties into the first very well. I would definitely watch it again. See more Oct 21, 2021 Outstanding sequel. John M. joins the wonderful cast and made a great job. Is this series blaspheming? No! Is it accusing to the Catholic Church ? Yes! See more Read all reviews
The New Pope — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Paolo Sorrentino

Director

Jude Law

Lenny Belardo

John Malkovich

Giovanni Paolo III

Silvio Orlando

Cardinal Angelo Voiello

Javier Cámara

Monsignor Bernardo Alonso Gutierrez

Cécile de France

Sofia Dubois

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 13, 2020 First Episode Following his sudden heart attack, Pope Pius XIII lies in a coma; as the threat of terrorism and the potential risks of Pius' idolatry loom, Secretary of State Cardinal Voiello makes a hasty move that throws the church into even greater chaos. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 20, 2020 Second Episode Voiello, Gutierrez, Assente, Aguirre and Sofia travel to the U.K. estate of Sir John Brannox, hoping to convince him to return with them to the Vatican and accept the holiest of roles; Ester shares her son's story with the press to make ends meet. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 27, 2020 Third Episode After being elected pope and taking the name John Paul III, Brannox preaches the importance of family, truth and love in his first public homily and to the cardinals; Ester bonds with widower Fabiano, who offers an unusual solution to her money woes. Details Episode 4 Aired Feb 3, 2020 Fourth Episode Brannox decides to pay a visit to Pius XIII and is confronted with the intensity of his predecessor's followers; Voiello prepares for a long war with the defiant Sister Lisette after the nuns go on strike; the church faces the prospect of bankruptcy. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 10, 2020 Fifth Episode A brutal act of terrorism in France leads to an unconventional response from the pope that strikes a chord with the public; Sofia reaches out to Brannox; Pius XIII's followers flock to Venice when there's a sudden change in his condition. Details Episode 6 Aired Feb 17, 2020 Sixth Episode A confrontation with Spalletta leads Brannox to deliver some unwelcome news to Voiello; Sofia learns what her husband has been keeping from her; Voiello ties up loose ends; Ester expands her business; Brannox agrees to a live TV interview. Details Episode 7 Aired Feb 24, 2020 Seventh Episode In Venice, a papal doctor and his wife struggle to care for their sick son and witness a miracle; Pius XIII's devotees grow resigned; an attack on Vatican soil shakes Brannox to his core; Sofia comes to Voiello for advice on how to handle the pope. Details Episode 8 Aired Mar 2, 2020 Eighth Episode Sofia sets out to bring an ashamed Brannox back to the Vatican; warned by Bauer of the Church's demise, Voiello is called upon to make things right and, later, mourns a tragic loss; the nuns appeal to an unaccommodating Assente. Details Episode 9 Aired Mar 9, 2020 Ninth Episode John Paul III addresses his followers with a message of love; a historic meeting of the minds occurs after six children and their teacher are taken hostage; as the Church prepares for battle, Voiello receives a visit from a man close to the caliph. Details

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The New Pope — Season 1

The New Pope: Season 1 Featurette - John Malkovich The New Pope: Season 1 Featurette - John Malkovich 3:24 Now Playing The New Pope: Season 1 Teaser The New Pope: Season 1 Teaser 1:36 Now Playing The New Pope: Season 1 Episode 2 Clip - The Middle Way The New Pope: Season 1 Episode 2 Clip - The Middle Way 1:35 Now Playing The New Pope: Season 1 Episode 3 Clip - How Are We To Love? The New Pope: Season 1 Episode 3 Clip - How Are We To Love? 4:02 Now Playing View more videos
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The New Pope — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Paolo Sorrentino
Screenwriter
Paolo Sorrentino, Umberto Contarello, Stefano Bises, Stefano Rulli
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 13, 2020
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