Story perspectives

Starz’s “Amadeus” Debuts: Bettany’s Salieri Confesses Murder

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The miniseries “Amadeus” begins with an elderly Salieri attempting suicide and confessing to Constanze that he killed Mozart.
He swears he will destroy Mozart, while Emperor Joseph II orders him to revive an old opera.
The series premiered on Starz’s digital platforms on May 8 after a U.K. broadcast.
Critics praise Paul Bettany’s Salieri while costume feedback is mixed, noting his embroidered suits are praised but women’s dresses and Mozart’s wigs are inconsistent.

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Story summary

The miniseries “Amadeus” begins with an elderly Salieri attempting suicide and confessing to Constanze that he killed Mozart.
He swears he will destroy Mozart, while Emperor Joseph II orders him to revive an old opera.
The series premiered on Starz’s digital platforms on May 8 after a U.K. broadcast.
Critics praise Paul Bettany’s Salieri while costume feedback is mixed, noting his embroidered suits are praised but women’s dresses and Mozart’s wigs are inconsistent.