Dustin Hoffman stars in the story of the Italian Medici family This epic drama, set in 15th century Florence, centres on the House of Medici, one of the most powerful Florentine families and bankers to the Pope. The series charts the rise of Cosimo de Medici (Richard Madden), who became head of the Medici family after his father Giovanni (Dustin Hoffman) was murdered. As the audience are plunged back in time through flashbacks and memories, we learn how Giovanni schemed his way to power and manipulated his sons into becoming a part of the familys corrupt business.