A drama with a stellar cast and 'terrific acting' is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

A drama viewers have said is the "one of the greatest TV events ever" is available to stream now.

I, Claudius, which was unveiled in 1976 and is an adaptation of Robert Graves' books I, Claudius and Claudius the God, is on BBC iPlayer.

Described by the BBC as "an epic drama of madness, murder and debauchery", the series is told from the perspective of the elderly Emperor Claudius and covers the year 24 BC to his death in AD 54, chronicling the history of the early Roman Empire.

It features a starry cast, with Derek Jacobi as Claudius and John Hurt, Brian Blessed, Siân Phillips and Patricia Quinn also part of the series.

I, Claudius has been hugely popular with viewers, with many declaring it "a masterpiece".

"If you could only see one more piece of TV in your life - watch this," one person posted on IMDb.com. "I first saw this BBC series in the 1970s - it was stunningly good. In the following 40+ years I have seen NOTHING to compare with this, while the average TV output has just become more sensationalised/lurid, trivial and lower quality."

Someone else said it was "truly one of the greatest TV events ever", adding: "I can't agree more with all those who rated this 10 stars. I'd add an extra one for classic. The subject matter is so engrossing and well directed and paced... I have watched the entire series at least four times and that may total a whole day or more of my life, but well worth it."

"Among the finest TV has had to offer," said another impressed viewer, saying it was "due to terrific acting, a very engaging script and the time to properly tell the story of the first four Roman emperors".

"Before CG, before high definition, and concerning the antics of a 2000 year old family, I Claudius made television history as one of the most magical and truly stunning pieces dramas ever created," remarked another viewer. "Watching it all again fifty years later, it has lost none of its appeal."

Somebody else posted a review online saying it was "the best TV programme ever made".

"The best miniseries ever made," commented someone else on review site Rotten Tomatoes.

"Possibly the best show ever made, certainly in terms of script and acting, which are of the highest level you will ever see on TV," agreed another fan of the series.

I, Claudius is available on BBC iPlayer.