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I’ve been on the ultimate classic book reading kick lately. The two books that have captured my attention most ardently (Jane Austen fans, see what I did there?) are Les Misérables by Victor Hugo and The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. While both novels were written in the 1800s, they’ve somehow managed to capture my attention and blow me away more so than any contemporary book I’ve ever read (and I’ve read quite a bit).
While, unfortunately, the Les Mis 2012 movie was a major (major) bust, and the Broadway musical is not currently running in my city, I still held out hope that Monte Cristo would one day receive the sweeping cinematic adaptation it so rightfully deserves. While they’ve made movie and TV adaptations of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel before, none remotely compare to the new PBS remake with Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons as the leads. With just the first look, I was blown away by the stunning color palette and cinematography.
But what is the classical story about, for those who haven’t gotten around to devouring this epic? Let's break it down.
Here's everything you need to know about The Count of Monte Cristo, coming to PBS in 2026.
Where can I watch The Count of Monte Cristo TV series?
The Count of Monte Cristo will be coming to PBS in 2026. Stay tuned for an official release date!
Who's in The Count of Monte Cristo cast?
M Entertainment/PBS
The Count of Monte Cristo cast includes:
- Sam Claflin as Edmond Dantes
- Ana Girardot as Mercédès
- Jeremy Irons as Abbé Faria
- Mikkel Boe Følsgaard as Gérard de Villefort
- Blake Ritson as Danglars
- Karla-Simone Spence as Haydée
- Nicolas Maupas as Albert De Morcerf
- Lino Guanciale as Vampa
- Michele Riondino as Jacopo
- Gabriella Pession as Hermine
What is The Count of Monte Cristo About?
M Entertainment/PBS
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas tells the dark, twisted tale of justice and revenge. (And since it's in the 1800s, it's perfect for anyone who's still not over the Gilded Age finale). It’s a story of empowerment, proving that everyone is capable of transforming themselves from another average Joe into the most enlightened and powerful person in any room they enter.
It all begins with Dantes, a happy-go-lucky sailor, who's about to marry the love of his life. Everything is just peachy for the 19-year-old, until he is wrongfully accused by a supposed “friend” of a crime he didn't commit. As a result, he’s sent to prison for a whopping 15 years! This prison is no ordinary jail, either. It’s deserted, eerie, decrepit, and all around unlivable.
It seems like a situation where one would lose their minds, right? Well, fortunately for Dantes, he’s able to use the traumatic experience to change his life for the better. He uses all that time locked up to educate himself, with the help of a fellow inmate. It’s here that he reads every novel under the sun, develops fluency in multiple languages, and learns philosophies and histories of the world that he would have never gotten around to knowing without this period of solitude and isolation.
Furthermore, his fellow inmate tells him of a buried treasure trove that he's to dig up once he gets out of prison. This way, he can use the money, as well as his recent wealth of knowledge and education, to become the most powerful man in Paris. Thus, the unassuming Dantes morphs into The Count of Monte Cristo! But will he use his newfound power for good or evil?
How many episodes are in The Count of Monte Cristo?
M Entertainment/PBS
We'll get eight episodes in The Count of Monte Cristo, according to Town & Country.
Where did The Count of Monte Cristo film?
M Entertainment/PBS
The show filmed in Europe (specifically Paris, Rome, and Malta, to name a few locations).
Love all things historical? Check out 14 Period Dramas To Watch If You Love The Gilded Age.
