2021–2023 · Based on 2 seasons through August 13, 2023 ·
Domina is a historical drama TV show about the rise of Livia Drusilla to become the first Empress of Rome. The story follows her as she navigates dangerous family and political rivalries to gain power for her sons. The show is told from a strong, modern female perspective. It features prominent girl-power themes where women manipulate the men in power. It also features modern diversity casting in ancient Rome, as well as an explicit plotline about a gay character.
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Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Domina.
Woke representation / casting
The show uses modern diversity casting in its ancient Roman setting. Prominent, highly competent characters such as Livia’s closest ally Antigone and the character Tycho are played by black actors. The casting choices highlight modern representation priorities, which feel out of place in a historically set European story world for some viewers.
65%
Woke political dialogue
The characters often use modern-sounding dialogue regarding female agency, power, and survival. While there are no overt modern partisan speeches, the conversations frequently emphasize the oppression of women under Roman patriarchy and the need for women to manipulate men to survive, framing historical conflicts using present-day concepts of gender inequality.
45%
Production
Identity-driven story themes
The series is explicitly built around feminist themes, showcasing female characters subverting the male-dominated power structures of Rome. Because the show features a confirmed, explicit LGBTQ+ storyline—focusing on Marcellus’s exclusive homosexuality and his sexual relationship with his male slave - added heavier scoring.
85%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show presents a sharp critique of traditional Roman society, focusing heavily on toxic masculinity, patriarchal control, and the systemic oppression of women and slaves. Male characters are frequently portrayed as power-obsessed, violent, or weak, while traditional family structures and marriage are depicted as inherently flawed tools of male dominance.
68%
Woke character or canon changes
The series makes major changes to historical figures for thematic purposes. Marcellus is fictionalized as a purely gay man who cannot bed his wife, a change made to introduce queer representation. Livia is also rewritten as a secret Republican trying to restore democracy, reframing a ruthless historical figure into a modern-style political activist.
55%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some history enthusiasts and conservative viewers complained about the show's historical inaccuracies, modern feminist tone, and the injection of 21st-century values. However, overall public backlash was relatively quiet compared to major network releases, with much of the online noise actually belonging to an unrelated video game of the same name.
25%
Creator track record context
While creator Simon Burke has a neutral profile, lead director Claire McCarthy is known for feminist storytelling. Additionally, executive producers like Patrick Spence and Lucy Bedford have a documented history of supporting diversity-driven and feminist projects, resulting in a moderate overall creative track record score.
42%
