Watch Marco Polo

Marco Polo is a historical drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2014. It tells the story of Marco Polo, a young Italian merchant who travels to China along the Silk Road in the 13th century. Marco is initially taken prisoner by the Mongol Empire's ruler Kublai Khan, but he soon gains the favor of the emperor and becomes his confidant and intrepid explorer.

At the beginning of the series, Marco Polo (played by Lorenzo Richelmy) arrives in the court of Kublai Khan (Benedict Wong) in Khanbaliq (modern-day Beijing) after a long and perilous journey. Marco is supposed to be a gift for the emperor from his father, a wealthy merchant in Venice. However, Marco's father does not come to China to honor his promise, leaving his son stranded in a foreign land.

Kublai Khan, a powerful and charismatic leader, is fascinated by Marco's knowledge of the western world and his insights into European culture and politics. He sees in Marco an opportunity to learn more about the world outside of China and to expand his empire across Asia. Kublai Khan makes Marco his personal adviser, entrusting him with sensitive diplomatic missions and military campaigns.

Marco Polo quickly adapts to his new life in the court of the emperor, learning Mongolian, Chinese, and other Asian languages, as well as the customs and traditions of the people of the empire. He also becomes fascinated by the beautiful and enigmatic Kokachin (Zhu Zhu), a Blue Princess from the Mongol tribe, who becomes his love interest.

Throughout the series, Marco Polo and Kublai Khan embark on various adventures and battles, encountering factions vying for control of China, neighboring kingdoms and empires, and even the Pope in Rome. They face challenges of political intrigue, assassinations, rebellions, and betrayals, as well as personal struggles of love, loyalty, and honor.

The series also features a rich cast of supporting characters, including Joan Chen as Empress Chabi, Kublai Khan's wife and confidant, who wields great influence over her husband and the empire; Olivia Cheng as Mei Lin, a powerful concubine who harbors her own secrets and ambitions; Rick Yune as Kaidu, Kublai's ambitious cousin and rival, who seeks to overthrow him and claim the throne for himself; and Tom Wu as Hundred Eyes, a blind monk and legendary warrior who becomes Marco Polo's mentor and friend.

The show is known for its elaborate sets, costumes, and visuals, which recreate the splendor and majesty of the Mongol Empire in stunning detail. The fight scenes and battle sequences are also choreographed with great precision and intensity, featuring traditional martial arts styles and weaponry.

Overall, Marco Polo is an epic and engaging drama that combines history, adventure, and romance in a captivating way. With its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and striking visuals, it offers a unique and immersive experience that transports the viewer to a distant time and place.

Marco Polo is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (25 episodes). The series first aired on December 12, 2014.