‘Cruel Intentions’ TV Series Set at Amazon’s Prime Video

Joe Otterson
·3 min read
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The “Cruel Intentions” TV series is officially going to Amazon’s Prime Video.

The series was initially ordered at Amazon back in April, though at the time it was unclear if it would stream on Prime Video or Freevee, Amazon’s AVOD platform. The first season will consist of eight episodes.

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Amazon has also confirmed the cast members for the series, many of whom Variety reported exclusively in June. The main cast will include: Sarah Catherine Hook (“First Kill”), Zac Burgess (“Totally Completely Fine”), Savannah Lee Smith (“Gossip Girl”), Sara Silva (“American Horror Stories”), Khobe Clarke (“Firefly Lane,” “Yellowjackets”), John Harlan Kim (“The Last Thing He Told Me,” “9-1-1”), Brooke Lena Johnson (“You”), and Sean Patrick Thomas (“Till”). Claire Forlani, Nikki Crawford, Isabella Tagliati, Zeke Goodman and Jon Tenney will appear in recurring roles.

“From the ‘90s cult-classic film to the 18th-century novel from which it was adapted, Cruel Intentions has captivated audiences with a story that transcends time,” said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD originals, unscripted, and targeted programming, Amazon MGM Studios. “We are beyond thrilled to share the next chapter of ‘Cruel Intentions’’ intriguing interplay of deception, wit, and reckoning with Prime customers and couldn’t be more appreciative of the commitment, dedication, and talent from this entire team – our incredible cast, endlessly clever writers, led by Phoebe and Sara, our fantastic partners at Sony and Original Film, and the executives that led the way at Amazon MGM Studios.”

The show is meant to serve as a TV update to the 1999 film, which is based on the classic novel “Dangerous Liaisons.” The series is said to take place at an elite Washington, D.C. college, “where two ruthless step-siblings will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy,” per the official description. “After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Panhellenic system at their school, they’ll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation, even if that means seducing the daughter of the vice president of the United States.”

Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher serve as writers and executive producers on the series. Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film also executive produce along with Roger Kumble. Moritz produced the original film, which was written and directed by Kumble. Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi of Iervolino & Bacardi Entertainment are producers. Sony Pictures Television produces with Amazon MGM Studios.

“We are so excited to get to work together to continue the legacy of ‘Cruel Intentions,’ a film that remains beloved by so many—including us!“ said Goodman and Fisher. “We promise to make this next iteration as fun, irreverent, and boundary-pushing as the original, and are grateful to our partners at Original Film, Sony, and Amazon MGM Studios for trusting us to keep it Cruel.”

The TV adaptation is a long time coming. As Variety previously reported, a TV show based on the film was set up at IMDB TV (now Freevee) in 2021. In 2016, NBC ordered a pilot for a followup to the film with Sarah Michelle Gellar, one of the film’s original stars, attached to reprise her role as Kathryn Merteuil. However, it ultimately didn’t make it to series. Prior to that, Fox’s attempted a “Cruel Intentions” prequel series, which was canceled before making it to air. Three episodes of that show were eventually assembled to become the direct-to-video film “Cruel Intentions 2” in 2001. In 2004, Sony Pictures produced a second direct-to-video sequel, “Cruel Intentions 3.”

“Cruel Intentions defined an era and is still a centerpiece in popular culture. We are excited to have Phoebe and Sara bring this new adaptation to life, as this has been a passion project of ours since I got to Sony,” added Lauren Stein, head of creative for Sony Pictures Television. “We are grateful for our partners at Prime Video, Amazon MGM Studios and Original Film, who brought the movie to life over 20 years ago.”

(Pictured, from left to right: Sarah Catherine Hook, Zac Burgess, Savannah Lee Smith)

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