Premieres Tuesdays, July 8 - 22, 2025 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / PBS app
The greatest artworks in western civilization emerged from one of the bloodiest periods in history. This series explores the lives of three of the greatest artists in history – Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael – as they craft beauty from chaos.
With contributions from contemporary artists such as Antony Gormley, Alison Lapper, and David LaChapelle, as well as historians and biographers, this thrilling three-part series explores the lives of three rival artists – Michelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael, who produced seductively beautiful works of art in the midst of violence and upheaval.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: "Rise" Premieres Tuesday, July 8 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV - Experience Michelangelo and Leonardo clash and compete in the fierce world of Renaissance Italy, as they navigate a deadly world of powerful patrons, violent warfare and artistic rivalry.
Episode 2: "Rivalry" Premieres Tuesday, July 15 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV - Amid the political upheaval in Florence, Michelangelo and Leonardo vie for artistic supremacy. The arrival of a young prodigy, Raphael, ignites the flames of their fierce and growing rivalry.
Episode 3: "Redemption" Premieres July 22 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV - Michelangelo's rivalry with Raphael reaches new heights as they battle for Papal favor while a violent religious schism engulfs Europe and forces the artist to question everything.
Watch On Your Schedule: RENAISSANCE: THE BLOOD AND THE BEAUTY will be available to stream with the PBS app. Extend your viewing window with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
Credits: A BBC Studios Specialist Factual production for BBC Arts and PBS. Executive Producer: Alexander Leith. Series Director: Emma Frank. Producer/Directors: Richard Pearson and Eddie Knox. Production Manager: Emma Hyland. Commissioning Editor for BBC Arts: Suzy Klein and Alistair Pegg. Commissioning Executive for PBS: Zara Frankel
