6 Reasons to Watch The Count of Monte Cristo
If you’re a fan of epic revenge stories, classic literature adaptations and drama with spectacular visuals, you will be swept away by The Count of Monte Cristo. This new TV adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ iconic French novel follows Edmond Dantès, a young man falsely accused of treason. From the incomparable cast including Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons, to the unforgettable story that has captivated generations, here are reasons not to miss the upcoming series coming to MASTERPIECE on PBS.
Stream The Count of Monte Cristo starting March 1, 2026 when you watch with PBS Passport and on PBS MASTERPIECE on Prime Video. Watch the U.S. broadcast premiere of The Count of Monte Cristo beginning March 22, 2026, 10/9c, only on MASTERPIECE on PBS.
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A Worthy and Faithful Adaptation
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the greatest revenge stories ever told. Since the novel’s publication in the 1840s, the classic 1200-page French tale has received countless adaptations — from theater productions to radio plays, silent films, movies, and television series.
With MASTERPIECE’s stunning new adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo, viewers will get to experience the all the drama, complex characters, and epic moments through eight immersive episodes. “What I love about our production is the fact that we have the opportunity to sit with these characters and get to know them. I think we do a pretty good job of staying true to the book,” said Sam Claflin, who portrays Edmond Dantès, the titular Count of Monte Cristo.
And while revenge may be at the center of the story, there is more to this epic tale. “It’s not hard to fall in love with [The Count of Monte Cristo] — with the characters, with the time, with the essence of what the story it about,” Claflin said while doing press at Canneseries Festival in France. “Because even though it is a revenge thriller, if you will, there is so much love at the heart of it.”
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Star-Studded Cast
If you come to this MASTERPIECE adaptation for the story, you’ll also want to stay for the spectacular cast. You’ll recognize some famous faces starring in The Count of Monte Cristo, namely, Sam Claflin (Daisy Jones and the Six, The Hunger Games, Me Before You) as Edmond Dantès, Jeremy Irons (The Borgias) as Abbé Faria, Ana Girardot (The Returned) as Mercedes and Blake Ritson (The Gilded Age, The Crown, Indian Summers, Emma) as Danglars.
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Based on a True Story
This epic revenge story isn’t all fiction — in fact, the novel is based on a combination of two true stories.
The first comes from a published account of betrayal and revenge titled “Le Diamant et la Vengeance,” found in “Memoirs from the Police Archives.” In this true story, a man named Francois “Pierre” Picaud was wrongly imprisoned after accusations of treason. Upon his release from prison, Picaud exacted revenge on all who had wronged him. It is no coincidence that the Count of Monte Cristo himself, Edmond Dantès, goes on a similar journey.
Alexandre Dumas’ inspiration also came from the experiences of his father, who shared the same name. The elder Dumas, born to an aristocratic father and a Black enslaved mother, was a French general. Because of his success in the military and his rivalry with Napoleon, he was left in a Naples prison for several years after the war. He was never the same after his release, and faced negative effects for the rest of his life. Alexandre Dumas, the author, drew from the true stories of his father’s adventures and his interest in prison conditions in order to craft The Count of Monte Cristo, as well as The Three Musketeers.
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Unforgettable Filming Locations
Alexandre Dumas originally published The Count of Monte Cristo in French, and much of the story takes place in France, Italy and at locations around the Mediterranean. This lush new adaptation was filmed on location in Europe across five months in Italy, Malta, and France.
The Château d’If, where Dantès is imprisoned for much of the story, is a real place off the coast of Marseille and is open to tourism. To stay true to the novel, the production filmed the prison scenes in a building the same age as the Château d’If, according to a Variety interview with Jeremy Irons.
Is Monte Cristo a real place? It is, in fact, a real island off the coast of Italy; however, it is a biologically protected location, highly restricted to visitors.
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Something for Everyone
Whether you’re already a fan of the book or enjoying the series on screen for the first time, The Count of Monte Cristo has something to entice every viewer. From epic fight scenes, to sweeping romance, to profound philosophical moments, MASTERPIECE is bringing you a vast story that sheds light and hope on humanity’s darkest moments. Director Bille August affirms that Edmond Dantès’ relentless drive for revenge will “[restore] our belief in the enduring power of love.”
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First Look Images
Sam Claflin as Edmond Dantes
Sam Claflin as Edmond Dantes and Ana Girardot as Mercedes
Jeremy Irons as Abbe Faria
Need a sweeping French historical epic with an all-star cast while you wait for The Count of Monte Cristo? Stream Les Misérables starring Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Lily Collins, Josh O’Connor and Olivia Colman with PBS Passport now. Watch online and on the free PBS app.
