‘Cruel Intentions’ TV Remake Release Date Revealed: Everything to Know

Cruel Intentions fans are finally getting their long-awaited TV remake. (Seriously, it’s actually happening!)

Prime Video confirmed in December 2023 that a TV series based on the original 1999 cult classic was in the works. Consisting of eight episodes, season 1 of the YA drama will serve as an update to the original film, which was based on the 1781 novel Dangerous Liaisons, and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon.

“Cruel Intentions defined an era and is still a centerpiece in popular culture. We are excited to have [showrunners] Phoebe [Fisher] and Sara [Goodman] bring this new adaptation to life, as this has been a passion project of ours since I got to Sony,” Lauren Stein, head of creative for Sony Pictures Television, shared in a statement at the time. “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.”

Described as the “next chapter” to Cruel Intentions, the series will take place in Washington D.C. where “two ruthless step-siblings will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy,” per the official description. Sarah Catherine Hook, Zac Burgess and Savannah Lee Smith will star in the lead roles as Caroline Merteuil, Lucien Belmont and Annie Grover, respectively.

Prime’s iteration of Cruel Intentions is not the first attempted remake. Fox filmed three episodes of a prequel series in the early 2000s, which were combined into the direct-to-video 2001 film titled Cruel Intentions 2. Three years later, Sony released Cruel Intentions 3 as a direct-to-video project. In 2016, a pilot for an NBC revival series was filmed featuring Gellar reprising her role as Kathryn Merteuil, but the drama ultimately never made it to air.

“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!“ showrunners Goodman and Fisher said in a December 2023 press release. “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.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know about the Cruel Intentions TV remake:

Is There a Trailer for the ‘Cruel Intentions’ TV Show?

The first trailer was released in October 2024 and featured a cover of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” a nod to the original film’s use of the iconic song. However, the trailer makes it clear that this is a different story — with all the elements fans love.

Caroline offers herself to stepbrother Lucien as a prize for seducing the vVice pPresident’s daughter, Annie, and the imagery all looks familiar: a romantic pool scene, a rosary with a hidden compartment, a black vintage car.

“You do what you have to do,” Cece (Sara Silva) tells new sorority pledges in the trailer. “Sabotage is encouraged. Resourcefulness counts.”

When Does ‘Cruel Intentions’ Premiere?

All eight episodes of the first season will be released on Thursday, November 21.

Where Can I Watch ‘Cruel Intentions’?

Season 1 will be available to stream on Prime Video, Amazon’s streaming service.

Who Is in the ‘Cruel Intentions’ Cast?

In addition to Hook, Burgess, Smith and Silva, the cast also features Khobe Clarke as Scott Russell, John Harlan Kim as Blaise Powell and Brooke Lena Johnson as Beatrice Worth. Claire Forlani, Nikki Crawford, Isabella Tagliati, Zeke Goodman and Jon Tenney are set to appear in recurring roles.

What Is ‘Cruel Intentions’ About?

Described as the “next chapter” of the original 1999 film, the series will take place at a college in Washington, D.C. 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.”

Who Is Writing ‘Cruel Intentions’?

Goodman and Fisher will serve as writers and executive producers. Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty from the OG film will also executive produce alongside Roger Kumble, who wrote and directed the 1999 movie.

Is Anyone From the Original Movie Involved in ‘Cruel Intentions’?

Sean Patrick Thomas, who portrayed cello teacher Ronald will return for the series. However, he will play a new character, Professor Hank Chadwick.

“Do I need to brush up on my cello? In the spirit of the great Sidney Poitier – let’s do it again👊🏿#CruelIntentions #OG,” he wrote via Instagram in December 2023.

Other than Thomas, Prime has not yet revealed whether any stars of the movie will be making an appearance on the TV series.