Fans of the iconic Cruel Intentions movie, get ready—a new TV series inspired by the cult classic is set to premiere, and it’s juicier than ever. With a fresh storyline, a fierce new cast, and all the betrayal, scandal, and social warfare we loved from the original, this Prime Video series is reimagining Cruel Intentions for a modern audience.
Set 25 years after the original, the show introduces a fresh cast of ruthless characters at Manchester College, an elite university near Washington, D.C., where reputation is everything, and manipulation is the key to power.
Below, we answer all your burning questions on what’s sure to be the most addictive show of the year.
Where can I watch Cruel Intentions in Australia?
If you’re itching to watch Cruel Intentions, all eight episodes will be available to stream on Prime Video worldwide starting November 21, 2024. This release format means fans around the world can dive in and binge-watch the entire season without waiting for weekly drops. Prime Video’s backing gives this remake a big-budget feel that promises high production value, incredible locations, and an impressive cast.
The series consists of eight episodes, all of which drop simultaneously on Prime Video on November 21, 2024. This means you can binge-watch the entire season in one go—a perfect setup for a weekend of suspense and drama!
While you wait for the new show, you can also catch the original ’99 movie on Prime Video from $9.99/mth, with a 30-day free trial.
Is Cruel Intentions a remake or a sequel?
The Cruel Intentions TV show isn’t exactly a remake or a sequel but more of a modern reimagining of the original 1999 film. It draws inspiration from the cult classic’s themes and characters, yet it dives into fresh territory. While the original film followed the notorious step-siblings Kathryn Merteuil and Sebastian Valmont in their twisted games, the series introduces two new characters: Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont. These two are just as ruthless, manipulating their way to the top of the social ladder at the elite Manchester College.
What Is the Cruel Intentions TV Show about?
The Cruel Intentions TV series is set at Manchester College, an elite university near Washington, D.C., where influence and reputation are everything. Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess) are step-siblings and power players in the college’s Greek life. Their mission? To protect their status and control the cutthroat social hierarchy at any cost.
When a dangerous hazing scandal jeopardizes Greek life, Caroline and Lucien devise a new plan to keep their influence intact. They set their sights on Annie Grover (Savannah Lee Smith), the daughter of the Vice President of the United States, and decide to seduce her into their world. But as their schemes unfold, alliances shift, secrets are exposed, and everyone’s reputation is at stake.
Who are the main characters in Cruel Intentions?
The series has introduced a whole new roster of characters who bring fresh intensity to the Cruel Intentions universe. Here’s a look at some of the primary players:
- Caroline Merteuil (Sarah Catherine Hook): The cunning step-sister who knows how to pull the strings.
- Lucien Belmont (Zac Burgess): Caroline’s ambitious step-brother, willing to go to any lengths to stay on top.
- Annie Grover (Savannah Lee Smith): The daughter of the Vice President, she becomes a target in Caroline and Lucien’s game.
- CeCe Carroway (Sara Silva): Another key player in the social world of Manchester College.
- Blaise Powell (John Harlan Kim): A member of the college’s elite, likely to be involved in the social power struggles.
- Professor Hank Chadwick (Sean Patrick Thomas): Returning from the original film, Sean Patrick Thomas takes on a new role, adding a nostalgic link to the movie.
How does the new series compare to the original Cruel Intentions movie?
The 1999 Cruel Intentions movie set the tone with its dark, seductive themes, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack. The TV show stays true to that edgy tone but updates the narrative to suit a college setting in 2024. While the original followed high schoolers embroiled in twisted romances, this series takes place in a university where power is closely tied to reputation, Greek life, and elite connections.
In addition to the step-sibling duo’s schemes, there’s an exploration of deeper power struggles, fueled by intense hazing practices and privileged students willing to sacrifice anything to stay at the top. Like the original, expect to see betrayal, manipulation, and power plays—but amplified for today’s audiences.
If you loved the original film’s mix of drama, seduction, and scandal, this TV adaptation will likely hit all the right notes. The new series updates the setting and characters but preserves the intensity and moral ambiguity that made the original film so captivating. Plus, with a storyline that dives into contemporary issues like hazing, social influence, and the power of reputation, the show feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
