'Masterpiece' period drama with Peaky Blinders star will set pulses racing this summer

Bridgerton fans are in for a treat as a classic period drama will be available to stream soon, starring none other than Peaky Blinders heartthrob, Sam Claflin.

The adventure drama follows a wrongly imprisoned sailor who escapes after years of captivity and takes on a new identity as a rich Count.

The young sailor, Edmond Dantes, seeks revenge on those responsible for his false incarceration after he was accused of treason.

The series in question is The Count of Monte Cristo, and it is coming to U&Drama this summer.

Edmond Dantes is played by Claflin, as the synopsis adds: "Falsely accused of treason, Edmond Dantes, a young sailor, is imprisoned without trial in the Château d'If, a grim island fortress off Marseille.

"After many years of captivity, he finally escapes and assumes the identity of the wealthy and enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo.

"With his newfound resources, he embarks on a journey of revenge on those who have wrongly accused him."

The cast also includes House of Gucci star Jeremy Irons, The Gilded Age star Blake Ritson and The Royals actress Poppy Corby-Tuech.

The show originally aired in Switzerland in 2024 and made its debut in Italy earlier this year, garnering positive reviews.

Reacting to the show's official poster, one fan wrote: "This series is a masterpiece indeed!"

@RayanMAljohani1 said on X, formerly Twitter: "Finally, a worthy adaptation of the novel masterpiece -The Count of Monte Cristo. This mini-series truly satisfies."

Kurtis the Quant added: "Just finished the 2024 8-episode Count of Monte Cristo series. The best adaptation of this book and one of the best pieces of cinema I have seen."

ClaireThisTime shared: "Sam Claflin is beyond exceptional...this will be a phenomenal show!"

The Count of Monte Cristo comes to U and U&DRAMA on August 2.