Kit Harrington leads new 'A Tale of Two Cities' miniseries on MGM+
MGM+ has released a trailer for its upcoming four-part adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel. Kit Harrington stars as Sydney Carton, with François Civil and Mirren Mack also featured. The series begins streaming on September 6.
The four-part miniseries marks a notable placement for a period drama, landing on MGM+ rather than traditional prestige outlets. The streaming service, owned by Amazon but operating separately from Prime Video, will carry this BBC co-production beginning September 6. Harrington's casting as the dissolute barrister Sydney Carton follows his prominent television work, while Civil and Mack round out the central love triangle.
The adaptation condenses Dickens' lengthy novel into a compact format, centering on Darnay's treason charge and Lucie's search for her presumed-dead father. The trailer emphasizes the revolutionary backdrop and personal stakes of the source material, though the series likely won't substitute for academic study of the novel.
This adaptation could introduce Dickens' work to viewers who might not seek out traditional period dramas, particularly through MGM+'s streaming platform. Harrington's casting may draw audiences familiar with his fantasy television work, potentially broadening the demographic for literary adaptations. The miniseries format could also influence how streaming services approach classic literature, though its impact will depend on viewership and reception.