Imperium (TV series)

Imperium (ᛙᛘᛈᛂᛡᛁᚢᛘ) is a   series about Zusian imperial politics, created and principally written by Hasso Farber and produced by Linkenbaum Kino and Pegasus. Farber developed it from his film Rex (2006) and especially his stage play Die Audienz (2013). The show is a fictionalized account of Zusian imperial politics from the Endwar to the present day, beginning with Arkadius the Great. The first season covers the period from the conclusion of the Endwar to the death of Arkadius in 1961. The second season covers the period from the election of Basilikar Alixander XVI to the end of the Second Kyrossic War in 1984, dealing principally with the Zusso-Arshavati rivalry in Amphia. The third season spans from 1984 to 1994, covering the Amphian Thaw, the Fourth Kyrossic War, and the formation of the Amphian Compact. The fourth season spans from 1995 to the early 2000s and includes the House of Scharbach's return to power, the reign of Sindolph XIV, and the election and early reign of Raphael VIII. The fifth and sixth seasons, which will close the series, will cover the later 2000s and early 2010s, and will conclude at the end of the Fifth Kyrossic War.

The show stars an of prominent Zusian actors, including, , , , and , in addition to Redonian actress. Filming takes place at Iften Studios in Salzerborn, Nerotysia, with location shooting throughout Zusea and Amphia. As of 2020, the estimated production budget of Imperium has been reported to be ₰260 million, making it one of the most expensive television series ever made.

Imperium has been praised by critics for its acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production values, though its historical inaccuracies have received some criticism, particularly within the fourth season, as the show touches on more contemporary issues. The show takes its name from the ancient term , meaning the authority to command a military or political entity. The title also evokes the term used by the Basilikar in his formal style: "Vordic ," also derived from Latin.