Starz is exploring some classic literature. Deadline reports the network has ordered a TV series based on the novel Dangerous Liaisons.
A prequel series, the historical drama “explores the world of the French aristocracy shortly before the French revolution.” Christopher Hampton, who previously adapted Dangerous Liaisons for the 1988 film, will executive produce the Starz series.
Starz has ordered eight episodes of Dangerous Liaisons. Harriet Warner will write and serve as showrunner while Flame Ventures and Playground Entertainment will produce.
From Starz:
“Dangerous Liaisons”
Inspired by the novel of the same name, the STARZ Original series “Dangerous Liaisons” tells the origin story of the early years of the iconic characters Merteuil and Valmont when they meet as passionate young lovers in the slums of 18th century Paris.
Written and reimagined by Harriet Warner (“Tell Me Your Secrets”, “Call the Midwife”), who also serves as executive producer and showrunner, this is “Dangerous Liaisons” for a 21st century audience told from the perspective of Merteuil, informed by her line from the novel: “Born to avenge my sex and conquer yours, I have succeeded in inventing strategies for doing so that before me had never been conceived.” Thrilling, sexy and provocative, this story of seduction and betrayal follows the dangerous liaisons of the rich and powerful in the court of Louis VXI, as they wreak havoc on society, and each other along the way.
The series is executive produced by Playground’s Colin Callender (“Wolf Hall,” “Howards End”), Tony Krantz (“24,” “Blood & Oil”), Bethan Jones (“Les Misérables,” “Sherlock”) Scott Huff (STARZ Original series “The Spanish Princess,” “The Missing”), and Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons, Atonement). Coline Abert (“Les Revenants”), James Dormer (“Medici”) and Rita Kalnejais (Babyteeth) will also write for the series.
“Dangerous Liaisons” will be available on STARZ in the U.S. and Canada, as well as on the STARZPLAY international streaming service via the Apple TV app in Europe and Latin America. The eight episode season will also be available locally on STARZPLAY in the UK via Prime Video Channels and Virgin Media; Germany and France via Prime Video Channels; and in Spain via Vodafone and Orange TV.
Senior Vice Presidents of Original Programming Kathryn Tyus-Adair and Karen Bailey are the Starz executives in charge of production.
What do you think? Are you familiar with the story of Dangerous Liaisons? Will you watch the Starz series/
