A new television adaptation of the classic story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is being hailed as the most provocative and sexually charged period drama to hit screens this festive season. The five-part series, a bold remake of the Oscar-winning 1984 film, began streaming on Sky and NOW on December 25, 2025.
A Modern, Raunchy Take on a Classical Rivalry
Created by writer Joe Barton, the show reimagines the intense rivalry between musical prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, played by Will Sharpe, and the envious court composer Antonio Salieri, portrayed by Paul Bettany. Set in 18th-century Vienna, it follows the 25-year-old Mozart as he builds his legacy, meets and woos his future wife, singer Constanze Weber (Gabrielle Creevy), and navigates the treacherous politics of royal court life, all while Salieri plots his downfall.
Forget the restrained romance of shows like Bridgerton; this drama establishes its steamy credentials from the outset. Sparks fly between Mozart and Constanze, leading to multiple sensual encounters. The series is packed with sexual innuendo, famously features what one critic called 'depressed wanks at his piano', and involves strawberries being used in decidedly unconventional ways.
Critical Acclaim for a Sensory Banquet
The series has garnered widespread praise for its audacious blend of history and modern sensibility, infusing the 18th-century setting with jazz and rock and roll. It currently holds a strong 82% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Reviews have described it as everything from 'sexy, quirky fun in wigs' to 'raunchy, vulgar and funny'. The Evening Standard celebrated its 'great characters, pulpy action — plenty of sex and jokes' and fast pace. The Financial Times labelled it 'sordid and ribald', while The Times called it 'an absolute riot, a sensory banquet', noting its blend of humour and darkness.
Other outlets have joined the chorus of approval. iNews termed it an 'arch, wry romp', and the New Statesman dubbed it 'highly enjoyable television: a success for delicate times'.
Viewer Praise and Actor Insights
The critical enthusiasm is mirrored by audience reaction on social media. One viewer on X, Gerry Moore, hailed it as 'the best thing on Sky in a long while', praising its deeper exploration of Mozart's relationships. Another fan, Prateek Tiwari, called it a 'brilliant and beautiful remake'.
In an interview with Metro, star Will Sharpe discussed his approach to portraying the legendary composer. "For me, it was sort of like approaching any other role," he said. "You start with what’s on the page... I did some research about Mozart’s life, but I felt like anything that I found there was to be taken or left because it’s such a famously fictionalised version of the story."
With its combination of historical intrigue, modern music, and unabashed sexuality, this new version of Amadeus offers a distinctly grown-up and binge-worthy alternative to traditional Christmas viewing.
