Starz Sets Premiere for Period Drama 'Amadeus,' Starring Will Sharpe and Paul Bettany

The new adaptation of Peter Shaffer's play will debut on May 8 with new episodes available weekly.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:03pm

Starz has announced that 'Amadeus,' its new adaptation of Peter Shaffer's 1979 play, will premiere on May 8. The period drama stars Will Sharpe as Mozart and Paul Bettany as Salieri, and follows the rivalry between the two composers in 18th-century Vienna.

Why it matters

The original 'Amadeus' play and film were critically acclaimed, and this new adaptation will bring the story to a new generation of viewers. The series explores themes of creativity, ambition, and the nature of genius, which continue to resonate today.

The details

The series follows the young, 25-year-old Mozart as he arrives in Vienna, seeking creative freedom. His world collides with the court composer Antonio Salieri, who becomes increasingly obsessed with bringing down the prodigy. The 'Amadeus' cast also includes Gabrielle Creevy, Rory Kinnear, and Jonathan Aris.

  • The 'Amadeus' series will premiere on Starz on May 8, 2026.
  • New episodes will be available to stream weekly on the Starz app and on-demand platforms.
  • On the linear Starz channel, 'Amadeus' will air on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET following the May 8 premiere.

The players

Will Sharpe

British actor who will portray the role of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the series.

Paul Bettany

English actor known for roles in 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'WandaVision,' who will play the court composer Antonio Salieri.

Starz

The American premium cable and satellite television network that is producing and airing the 'Amadeus' series.

Peter Shaffer

The acclaimed British playwright whose 1979 play 'Amadeus' is the basis for the new Starz series.

Two Cities Television

The production company behind the 'Amadeus' series, which is part of STV Studios.

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What’s next

Viewers can tune in to the 'Amadeus' premiere on Starz on May 8, 2026, with new episodes airing weekly on Fridays.

The takeaway

The new 'Amadeus' series on Starz promises to bring the classic story of rivalry and genius to a modern audience, exploring timeless themes of creativity, ambition, and the human condition.