Everything We Know About The Count of Monte Cristo TV Adaptation
Get ready to be swept away in an epic tale of revenge with the upcoming TV adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo. Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons star in the highly anticipated series coming to MASTERPIECE on PBS. Find out everything we know so far about the airdate, the plot, who’s in the cast and how to watch and stream full episodes. Plus, watch a trailer from the series.
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What The Count of Monte Cristo is About
With the stunning new TV adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo on MASTERPIECE on PBS, viewers will get to experience the all the drama, complex characters, and epic moments across eight immersive episodes directed by Bille August.
Adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ classic French novel, The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the greatest revenge stories ever told. Edmond Dantes, a young sailor, is falsely accused of treason and imprisoned in a grim island fortress off Marseille, France. After many years of captivity, Dantes escapes and discovers treasure, making him remarkably wealthy. Under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plots his revenge on his accusers.
“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," Sam 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.”
The Count of Monte Cristo Airdate
Watch the U.S. broadcast premiere of The Count of Monte Cristo on MASTERPIECE on PBS beginning March 22, 2026, 10/9c.
Stream all eight episodes of The Count of Monte Cristo prior to broadcast starting March 1, 2026 when you watch with PBS Passport, an added member benefit.
The Count of Monte Cristo Cast
The Count of Monte Cristo features remarkable talent, including some familiar faces and iconic actors. Sam Claflin (Daisy Jones and the Six, The Hunger Games, Me Before You) stars as Edmond Dantès, the titular Count of Monte Cristo. He is joined by award-winning English actor Jeremy Irons (The Borgias) as Abbé Faria.
Other cast includes Ana Girardot (The Returned) as Mercedes and Blake Ritson (The Gilded Age, The Crown, Indian Summers, Emma) as Danglars.
How to Stream and Watch The Count of Monte Cristo
New episodes of The Count of Monte Cristo will be available to stream starting at 10/9c the night of each national broadcast for 14 days. [General streaming available in the U.S. only.] Watch online and on the free PBS app. All eight episodes will be available to stream with PBS Passport starting March 1, 2026. You will also be able to watch The Count of Monte Cristo with PBS MASTERPIECE on Prime Video.
The Count of Monte Cristo Episodes
Broadcast: March 22, 2026, 10/9c
In the midst of disaster, first mate Edmond Dantès takes over command of his late captain’s ship, navigating safely home to his beloved fiancée, Mercedes. But just as Edmond is officially promoted to captain and he and Mercedes prepare for their wedding, a trio of unforeseen enemies derail his plans, sending him to prison on a false charge.
Broadcast: March 29, 2026, 10/9c
As Edmond loses hope in his island prison, an unexpected visitor enters his cell: the Abbé Faria, an imprisoned priest who has tried for years to escape. As time passes and the men develop a strong bond, Faria reveals to Edmond the location of a legendary treasure hidden on the island of Monte Cristo.
Broadcast: April 5, 2026, 10/9c
Edmond, having escaped from the Castle d’If, arrives in Marseille only to learn that Mercedes has gotten married and left the city. While there, he meets Jacopo, an Italian smuggler on the run, and the two escape to Italy. With the use of his new friend’s ship, Edmond sails to Monte Cristo to seek the rumored treasure, transform himself into the Count, and plot his revenge.
Broadcast: April 12, 2026, 10/9c
Five years have passed since Edmond reinvented himself as the Count of Monte Cristo, and his plans for revenge have been set in motion. When he tracks down the men that betrayed him, none of them suspect deception and allow him into their social circle. But his beloved Mercedes, who is now married to one of these men, Fernand, feels uneasy in his presence.
Broadcast: April 19, 2026, 10/9c
As Edmond continues to infiltrate the lives of his betrayers, he discovers more dark secrets that could destroy their reputations. Meanwhile, Mercedes, trapped in the middle of his revenge plot, begins to suspect his true identity.
Broadcast: April 26, 2026, 10/9c
Now deeply involved in the inner workings of Paris high society, Edmond meddles in the lives of those he wishes to destroy. But the stakes change when poison is stolen from his lab and is used in a murder. All the while, Edmond struggles to conceal his identity from Mercedes.
Broadcast: May 3, 2026, 10/9c
As Edmond’s campaign of revenge continues, Fernand’s misdeeds are made public. Outraged by his father’s downfall, Fernand and Mercedes’ son Albert challenges Edmond to a duel. But with such high stakes, it may be time to reveal the truth before it’s too late.
Broadcast: May 10, 2026, 10/9c
With one enemy out of the way, Edmond works to ensure that the remaining two pay for their crimes against him. A possible future with Mercedes awaits, but after years of deceit, is he still the same man?
The Count of Monte Cristo Trailer
