‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ Miniseries Adaptation Sets Release Date on PBS Masterpiece!!

PBS Masterpiece has officially acquired rights to The Count of Monte Cristo, a high-profile new TV series adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ legendary revenge tale. A collaborative production between Italy’s Palomar and France’s DEMD Productions, the internationally ambitious project was shot entirely in English. It stars British actor Sam Claflin (Daisy Jones and the Six) in the lead role of Edmond Dantès, along with EGOT winner Jeremy Irons (The Borgias) as Abbé Faria, Edmond’s friend and confidante. The series originally premiered at the 19th Rome Film Festival in October 2024 and aired in Switzerland, Sweden, and Italy. Now, PBS Masterpiece is set to bring this fresh take on the iconic tale to American audiences.

Masterpieces Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer Susanne Simpson announced at the PBS Annual Meeting that The Count of Monte Cristo was acquired alongside the British film The Great Escaper, saying in a statement, “I couldn’t be happier to be bringing these special programs to our audience. British acting royalty and an adaptation of a classic piece of literature – The Great Escaper and The Count of Monte Cristo are both perfect Masterpiece fare.” The announcement revealed the eight-episode series will arrive in 2026 with an exact premiere date to be revealed later.

The series is directed by Oscar-winner Bille August, famous for his Palme d’Or, Academy, and Golden Globe-winning 1987 film Pelle the Conqueror, as well as Les Misérables. August‘s iteration puts a slightly modern twist on the tale with Claflin stepping into the shoes of Edmond Dantès, the wrongfully imprisoned sailor who transforms into the enigmatic Count. After many years of captivity, he finally escapes and discovers treasure, making him one of the richest men in the world. Under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plans to take revenge on those who wrongly accused him. Joining Clafin in the cast are Ana Girardot (The Returned), Mikkel Boe Følsgaard (A Royal Affair), and Blake Ritson (World Without End). Other cast members include Karla-Simone Spence, Nicolas Maupas, Lino Guanciale, Michele Riondino, and Gabriella Pession. Production for The Count of Monte Cristo took place in Paris, Torino, Rome, and Malta.

Another ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ Adaptation Is in the Works

The 1844 novel has seen more than two dozen screen adaptations, with the likes of Robert Donat, Richard Chamberlain, and Jim Caviezel all playing Edmond Dantès over the years. Bridgerton breakout Regé-Jean Page is the latest to take on this role in a new adaptation currently in production, with a release date yet to be decided. Page will also produce the film alongside Emily Brown via their Mighty Stranger banner, alongside Mike Larocca and Michael Schaefer. However, a director has yet to be attached to the project.