In the ever-expanding world of limited series, Starz has found a gem with its five-part historical epic Amadeus, which premiered on the platform in May 2026 after a successful run on Sky Atlantic in the UK. The show, created by Joe Barton (known for Netflix's Black Doves), reimagines the classic 1984 film that won eight Oscars, but with a modern twist: anachronistic dialogue set in 18th-century Vienna.
Starring Will Sharpe as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Paul Bettany as his rival Antonio Salieri, the series has quickly climbed the streaming charts. According to FlixPatrol, Amadeus debuted at #2 on Starz's leaderboard, trailing only the fan-favorite Outlander. This success comes despite a wave of review-bombing on Rotten Tomatoes, where the audience score sits at a disappointing 35%, while critics have awarded it a Certified Fresh 88%.
The controversy stems from the casting of Sharpe, who is of Japanese heritage, as the titular composer. Some viewers have taken issue with this choice, leading to coordinated negative reviews. However, the critical consensus praises the series for its "sensational storytelling and divine performances," with Sharpe and Bettany earning particular acclaim.
Sharpe, who previously appeared in The White Lotus season two and directed the dark comedy Landscapers, brings a unique energy to the role. Bettany, known for his work in WandaVision and A Beautiful Mind, delivers a compelling turn as the jealous Salieri. The series was directed by Julian Farino and Alice Seabright, ensuring a polished visual and narrative experience.
For fans of historical dramas with a twist, Amadeus offers a fresh take on a familiar story. It joins a lineup of Starz hits like Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried's twisted thriller 'The Housemaid' and the upcoming Woody Harrelson's magical heist sequel 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't', which also hits Starz in May 2026.
While review-bombing has become a troubling trend in the streaming era—as seen with Netflix's 'Apex'—the strong critical reception and strong viewership suggest that Amadeus is a series worth watching. Whether you're a fan of historical epics or just curious about the controversy, this five-part series is a must-stream on Starz.
