Bridgerton Got Burned Alive by John Wick — And What Rose From the Ashes Is the Bloodiest, Most Devastating Period ,Blood-Soaked Epic You’ll Watch All Year In the Most Addictive Revenge Drama of the Year, Viewers Say It’s “Better Than 10/10,” “Perfectly Cast,” and So Emotionally Brutal It’ll Leave You Breathless! This isn’t just period drama — it’s a brutal masterclass in betrayal, obsession, and cold-blooded revenge. Sam Claflin (Me Before You) leads the series fans are calling “Bridgerton with a body count” and “John Wick in a waistcoat.” After being destroyed by lies and locked away for years, one broken man escapes prison with a secret — and a fortune. What follows is no fairy tale: it’s a storm of vengeance that turns 19th-century Europe into a battlefield of elegance, ruin, and emotional reckoning. Lavish. Aching. Utterly savage. This series doesn’t just pull you in — it haunts you. If you thought Bridgerton was steamy, wait until you see what love looks like after betrayal. If you thought John Wick was violent, wait until revenge comes in velvet gloves. Cancel your weekend plans. This is the most powerful TV epic of the year — and it might just wreck you.

Better than 10/10”: Why the Perfectly Cast Period Drama The Count of Monte Cristo Should Be Your Weekend Watch

Me Before You’s Sam Claflin leads this epic tale of love, betrayal, and revenge.

Cancel your weekend plans—The Count of Monte Cristo is arriving this Saturday, and it’s set to dominate your screen with its sweeping narrative, intricate characters, and jaw-dropping drama. The much-anticipated eight-part period drama, airing on U&Drama, has already earned rave reviews and was hailed as “better than 10/10” when it premiered in Switzerland last year. With an all-star cast led by Jeremy Irons and Sam Claflin, this series promises to transport viewers back to the gritty grandeur of 19th-century Europe in a way few period dramas have done before.

A Classic Story, Brought Brilliantly to Life

Many of the best period dramas are adaptations of classic literature, and The Count of Monte Cristo follows suit, drawing from Alexandre Dumas’s 1846 novel of the same name. The story centers on Edmond Dantès (Sam Claflin), a young and promising sailor whose life is shattered when he is falsely accused of political treason by jealous rivals. Imprisoned on the grim island fortress of Château d’If, Edmond’s hopes of a bright future seem lost forever.

But fate intervenes when he meets fellow prisoner Abbé Faria (Jeremy Irons), who reveals the location of a vast hidden treasure. Armed with this secret, Edmond escapes and transforms himself into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo. With fortune and disguises at his disposal, he embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against those who betrayed him.

Stellar Cast and World-Class Production

The Count of Monte Cristo boasts an impressive ensemble cast:

• Sam Claflin as Edmond Dantès
• Jeremy Irons as Abbé Faria
• Ana Girardot as Mercédès
• Harry Taurasi as Fernand Mondego
• Mikkel Boe Følsgaard as Gérard de Villefort
• Blake Ritson as Danglars
• …and many more bringing depth and intensity to their roles.

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Bille August, the series was filmed across breathtaking locations in Paris, Turin, Rome, and Malta. This international backdrop provides authentic and immersive settings that perfectly capture the 19th century’s opulence and harsh realities. The production design, costumes, and cinematography all work in harmony to deliver a richly textured visual experience.

Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise

Audiences and critics alike have been blown away by the series’ fresh take on a timeless tale. Swiss and Swedish viewers praised the show’s nuanced portrayal of complex characters, calling it “a modern masterpiece” that brings new emotional layers to Dumas’s classic. When it premiered in Italy earlier this year, it became the country’s most-watched TV drama in three years, a testament to its widespread appeal.

Jeremy Irons noted in an interview with Variety that the series feels “rather topical” despite being set in the 1800s, adding, “I think it has something to say about modern society: we haven’t changed as people.”

How to Watch

If you’re ready for a gripping blend of history, drama, and revenge, mark your calendar. The Count of Monte Cristo premieres on U&Drama this Saturday, August 2nd, at 9 PM. After the premiere, every episode will be available on the U&Drama streaming apps, allowing you to binge at your own pace.

Looking for More Period Drama?

If The Count of Monte Cristo leaves you hungry for more, you’re in luck. There’s a rich world of period dramas to dive into:

• The Crown and Bridgerton remain fan favorites for their mix of political intrigue and romance.
• The Hardacres, a Yorkshire rags-to-riches family saga, just got renewed for a second season and is available on Channel 5.
• Belgravia: The Next Chapter offers Downton Abbey-style drama with a juicy, modern twist.
• Upcoming series like The Forsytes (from the creators of Poldark) and Dolly Alderton’s fresh take on Pride and Prejudice (starring Olivia Colman and Jack Lowden) promise even more historical storytelling to look forward to.