The Name of the Rose is based on Umberto Eco's highly acclaimed novel which has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide since it was first published in 1980. The limited series is led by an all-star cast including Emmy(R) Award-winner John Turturro (The Night Of), Emmy Award-winner Michael Emerson (Lost, Person of Interest), Golden Globe(R) nominee Rupert Everett (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children), Damian Hardung (Red Band Society), Sebastian Koch (Homeland), James Cosmo (Game of Thrones), Richard Sammel (Inglourious Basterds), Fabrizio Bentivoglio (Human Capital) and Greta Scarano (In Treatment).

Set in Italy in 1327, The Name of the Rose follows the Franciscan monk William of Baskerville (Turturro) and his novice Adso von Melk (Hardung) as they arrive at a secluded monastery in the Alps. There they become witnesses to a series of mysterious murders. While Baskerville and Melk investigate and search for the killer, they are hunted themselves by the merciless inquisitor Bernard Gui (Everett), who prosecutes those who criticize the pope.

Filmed in Italy, The Name of the Rose is a co-production of 11 Marzo Film, Palomar and Tele München Group in collaboration with Rai Fiction and directed by Giacomo Battiato. Producers are Matteo Levi from 11 Marzo as well as Carlo Degli Esposti and Nicola Serra from Palomar. Executive Producers are Guendalina Ponti, John Turturro and Patrizia Massa; Herbert G. Kloiber and Herbert L. Kloiber from Tele München Group as well as Michele Zatta and Marta Aceto from Rai.