During the premium cable network's presentation at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour, Starz gave a series order to the original drama series Dangerous Liaisons based on the classic 18th century novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The first season will produce eight episodes.
The new series will tell the origin story of the early years of infamous lovers Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont in the slums of 18th century Paris. It will be told from Merteuil's perspective and is inspired by her line from the novel, "Born to avenge my sex and conquer yours, I have succeeded in inventing strategies for doing so that before me had never been conceived.
Harriet Warner (Tell Me Your Secrets) developed the drama. She will executive produce with Colin Callender, Tony Krantz, Christopher Hampton, Bethan Jones and Scott Huff. Coline Abert, James Dormer and Rita Kalnejais are also writing. Lionsgate Television, Playground Entertainment and Flame Ventures will produce.
The novel has previously been adapted into a play Les Liaisons Dangereuses as well as a 1988 feature film starring Glenn Close, John Malkovich and Michelle Pheiffer.
