The Cleopatras (1983): cast, story & where to watch
1983 · Series · ★ 3.8

Released in 1983, The Cleopatras is a drama series.
What it’s about. The Cleopatras is a 1983 BBC Television historical drama serial created and written by Philip Mackie. Set in Ancient Egypt during the latter part of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, the eight-part series follows the lives of a series of queens belonging to the Ptolemaic Dynasty of ancient Egypt, culminating in its final active ruler Cleopatra VII. Intended to be the I, Claudius of the 1980s, The Cleopatras met with a decidedly negative critical reaction, and was regarded and portrayed as a gaudy farce. It also produced a number of complaints due to scenes of nudity.
Who’s in it. The Cleopatras stars Michelle Newell as Cleopatra, Graham Crowden as Theodotus, Richard Griffiths as Pot Belly and Robert Hardy as Julius Caesar, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 3.8/10, The Cleopatras has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Cleopatras page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Cleopatras tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Cleopatras (1983)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Cleopatras change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Cleopatras worth watching?
- The Cleopatras holds an audience score of 3.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Cleopatras?
- The Cleopatras stars Michelle Newell, Graham Crowden, Richard Griffiths, Robert Hardy and Christopher Neame.
- When was The Cleopatras released?
- The Cleopatras was released in 1983.