I don’t know why they want to focus on sex. These historical dramas are good without it. It just slows them down. I can’t believe that someone who isn’t already attracted to this genre would tune in just for the sex. I’ve watched “The Tudors”, “The Borgias” and “The Medicis” on Netflicks and liked them all. The did have a little sex but it was soft and generally not gratuitous, and what they did have hurt rather than helped the production by slowing down the narrative.
I don’t mind it because it makes for a less sanitized historical drama when it reminds that people of earlier times were just as randy and irresponsible about sex as they are now. But it can drag no doubt. Rome was the best at it.
“I don’t know why they want to focus on sex. These historical dramas are good without it.”
It’s “Game of Thrones” syndrome. The story might get niche fans on its own, but throw in hot young actors and actresses, and at least one guaranteed nude scene per episode, and you expand the audience and get bigger ratings.