The Count of Monte Cristo
PBS Masterpiece, March 1
based on The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1846)
Sam Claflin stars as Edmond Dantes in this 2024 TV adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic revenge novel, now coming to American audiences on PBS. Jeremy Irons, Ana Girardot, and Blake Ritson also star.
Young Sherlock
Prime Video, March 4
based on the Young Sherlock Holmes series by Andrew Lane (2010-present)
Guy Ritchie has returned to the well with a new Holmes “origin story,” following the 19-year-old pre-detective at Oxford, where he does not, in fact, stay out of trouble. Hero Fiennes Tiffin (nephew of Ralph and Joseph) stars as Holmes, with Zine Tseng, Dónal Finn, Joseph Fiennes, and Natascha McElhone. There’s even a glimpse of man-about-town Colin Firth in this trailer.
Vladimir
Netflix, March 5
based on Vladimir by Julia May Jonas (2022)
One of the most delicious recent campus novels—in which a female English professor, whose husband is under investigation for inappropriate behavior, natch, becomes increasingly unhinged by her obsession with a new hire, a young novelist named, you guessed it—is now an eight-part limited series, created by Jonas herself (always a good sign). Also good signs: Rachel Weisz as the professor, John Slattery as the husband, and Leo Woodall as the eponymous Vladimir. Looks like fun.
Outlander (Season 8)
Starz, March 6
based on Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series (1991-2021)
Outlander fans don’t need to be told that this season, the eighth, will be the last season of the beloved, sexy time travel show. Other people may take the news as reason to start watching (or indeed reading) from the beginning…
Scarpetta
Prime Video, March 11
based on Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series (1990-present)
Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis produce and star in this adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s long-running crime series, with Kidman as medical examiner Kay Scarpetta and Curtis as her sister Dorothy. . . solving mysteries!
Imperfect Women
Apple TV, March 18
based on Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall (2020)
Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington star in Annie Weisman’s adaptation of Hall’s psychological thriller about three friends who find their secrets exposed after one of them is murdered.
Wicked: For Good (streaming debut)
Peacock, March 20
based on Wicked by Gregory Maguire (1995)
For Good came and went with very little drama compared to the first installment. If you, like me, were not moved to see it in theaters, you’ll get another chance this month when it hits the small, portable screen.
The Forsytes
PBS Masterpiece, March 22
based on The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy (1922)
This six-part adaptation of Galsworthy’s classic series, written by Debbie Horsfield (Poldark), premiered in the UK last year; soon it will slake that lavish period drama thirst for American viewers too.
