Leonardo
Born the illegitimate son of a notary in the rural town of Vinci, Leonardo's lonely childhood leaves him with a relentless, near-superhuman drive to understand everything. Under questioning by a Milanese investigator who holds Leonardo's life in his hands, we come to see the terrible personal sacrifice that led him to create masterpieces that changed the way we see the world forever.
- Metascore47
- 2021-2021
- 1 season
- The CW
- Documentary, Drama
- TV-PG
Born the illegitimate son of a notary in the rural town of Vinci, Leonardo's lonely childhood leaves him with a relentless, near-superhuman drive to understand everything. Under questioning by a Milanese investigator who holds Leonardo's life in his hands, we come to see the terrible personal sacrifice that led him to create masterpieces that changed the way we see the world forever.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2021
Episode 1
Episode 1
Tue, Aug 16, 2022 54 mins
In Milan in 1506, as a teen, Leonardo is arrested for poisoning Caterina de Cremona (Mathilda De Angelis). After protesting his innocence to Stefano Giraldi (Freddie Highmore), Leonardo remembers back to his days as the brightest apprentice of master artist Andrea Del Verrochio (Giancarlo Giannini) where he first meets Caterina. He often wanders through Firenze (Florenze) with street gang leader Machiavelli (Davide Invernizzi) and young nobleman Lorenzo, son of mighty magnate Piero da' Medici. Leonardo also comes up with original inventions, like a bicycle, which he documents only in a largely coded notebook. Leonardo takes pity on clumsy but somewhat gifted would be-apprentice Tomaso (Tammaso Masini), even after learning it's a girl, Lisa, who got a fake letter of recommendation from a dark brotherhood in the catacombs. He learns only too late that their price is she must steal for them his notebook.
Episode 2
Episode 2
Tue, Aug 23, 2022 53 mins
With Leonardo's successes recognised and his reputation growing, a risky decision sets to destroy everything he has worked for. Leonardo receives support through new commissions (the Portrait of Ginevra de Benci and The Adoration of the Magi), but pays the price for his actions.
Episode 3
Episode 3
Tue, Aug 30, 2022 48 mins
Leonardo ventures to Milan with a determination to claim an offer of patronage from the Duke Regent, Ludovico Sforza. When the reality of the situation turns out to be less appealing and he is assigned to produce a big theatrical entertainment instead of a painting, a newfound relationship helps liberate Leonardo's imagination.
Episode 4
Episode 4
Tue, Sep 6, 2022 52 mins
When Ludovico asks Leonardo to create a sculpture in honour of his father, Leonardo's ambitions rise as he tries to outperform. During the work, Leonardo finds himself in Gian Galeazzo Sforza, the young duke of Milan and puts trust in an unexpected source, Salaì, a resourceful thief. As he gets distracted from Caterina, Leonardo ends up in a race against time with a costly decision to make.
Episode 5
Episode 5
Tue, Sep 13, 2022 49 mins
After the death of Ludovico's wife, he is given a new art commission but struggles with inner turmoil. After reflecting on wise words from Father Luca Pacioli, Leonardo seeks assistance from friends and presses on with the work, despite tensions in the city. Putting his creativity to the test and experimenting with a new technique, he must deal with the consequences of his actions and results.
Episode 6
Episode 6
Tue, Sep 20, 2022 52 mins
Returning to Florence, an uninspired Leonardo accepts to paint the portrait of Lisa Gherardini, that will become the Monna Lisa. After failing to repair his relationship with Caterina, Leonardo goes to Imola, where he receives much praise from his employer, Cesare Borgia.
Episode 7
Episode 7
Tue, Sep 27, 2022 48 mins
Reunited with Caterina, Leonardo perseveres with his work but is frustrated by the growing success of a younger artist, Michelangelo. Putting his feelings aside, Leonardo is persuaded to accept a new commission, a giant fresco of the Battle of Anghiari, but faces competition from his newfound rival.
Episode 8
Episode 8
Tue, Oct 4, 2022 55 mins
Time is short as Stefano races to save Leonardo and uncovers his secret. With facts and no evidence, an epiphany leads Stefano going to a remote source for help. As the execution nears, Leonardo's life hangs by a thread. His guilt is upheld, and hope seems lost. Holding the fate of Milan's greatest artist in his hands, Stefano realises the answer he seeks lies in the man he is striving to save.
