Merteuil is a dramatic and historical series, created by Jean-Baptiste Delafon and directed by Jessica Palud. Loosely inspired by Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Produced under the HBO Original label, the mini-series (6 episodes of 52 minutes each) has been streaming on HBO Max since November 14, 2025, with one episode releasing each week. Midway through the season, the platform unveiled a mid-season trailer and announced a new addition to the cast: Swann Arlaud, who will portray the King.
The story follows young Isabelle de Merteuil, a penniless orphan who is charmed then betrayed by the Viscount Valmont. This pivotal moment sparks her intense quest for revenge and the desire to reclaim her independence in a society dominated by male privilege. Under the guidance of the allureingly enigmatic Madame de Rosemonde, Isabelle plunges into a clandestine Paris where opulence and cruelty go hand in hand, ultimately earning her a new name and status: the Marquise de Merteuil.
From free-spirited initiation to the influence games within Louis XV’s court, the rise to power is portrayed as a delicate dance of survival and strategy. Yet, it encounters a grey area: the ambiguous feelings surrounding Valmont, who is sometimes an ally, sometimes an opponent. The series explores the tension between desire, revenge, and emancipation, all while grounding its drama in the moral dilemmas of the era.
This mid-season trailer, unveiled by HBO Max on December 10, 2025, emphasizes the escalating political and personal stakes. The introduction of Swann Arlaud as the King is portrayed as a turning point that could shift alliances and threaten an already explosive ascent, just as Merteuil cements her power and refines her strategies.
Around Anamaria Vartolomei (playing Isabelle de Merteuil), the cast also features Diane Kruger as Madame de Rosemonde, Vincent Lacoste as Valmont, and Lucas Bravo in the role of Gercourt. The ensemble is rounded out by Noée Abita as Tourvel, Julien de Saint-Jean as Louis de Germain, Fantine Harduin as Cécile de Volanges, Samuel Kircher as Danceny, and Sandrine Blancke as Madame de Volanges.
The series was filmed across France and several castles, with sets designed to plunge viewers directly into the 18th century. The costumes, created by Pascaline Chavanne, offer a modern, fluid take on the period, while the script reimagines Merteuil’s origin story: not as the established mythic figure, but as a gradual buildup of power, with all its compromises and costs.
Merteuil
Series | 2025
Season 1 now streaming on HBO Max since November 14, 2025
Drama, Historical | 6 episodes, 52 minutes each
Created by Jean-Baptiste Delafon | Directed by Jessica Palud
Starring Anamaria Vartolomei, Diane Kruger, Vincent Lacoste, Swann Arlaud
Country: France
Title
By reimagining Les Liaisons dangereuses from Isabelle’s perspective, Merteuil crafts a sweeping drama of power and freedom, where emotions become weapons and every social victory reshapes the balance of power. The mid-season trailer hints at a second half increasingly political, filled with new threats at the highest levels of power.
To go further, check out our selection of new HBO Max releases for November, our guide to streaming releases across all platforms, and today's selection of What to Watch Today on Streaming.
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