Is It Bloody Brilliant or Totally Dead? ‘The Vampire Lestat’ Just Got Its Rotten Tomatoes Score!

Anne Rice’s vampire universe is entering a new chapter with The Vampire Lestat, the next series in AMC’s growing adaptation of The Vampire Chronicles.

The new show continues the story that began with Interview With the Vampire, but this time the spotlight shifts away from Louis de Pointe du Lac and focuses fully on the charismatic and dangerous vampire Lestat de Lioncourt.

The Vampire Lestat will follow Lestat as he rises to fame in the 1980s. Unlike previous seasons, which centered on Louis’ memories and experiences, the new story explores Lestat’s own journey and his life as both a vampire and a global rock star.

The series is based on Anne Rice’s second Vampire Chronicles novel, which was first published in 1985. In the story, Lestat leaves the shadows and embraces fame, using music to reveal himself to the world. As his popularity grows, he attracts attention from both humans and vampires, creating new dangers and conflicts.

The official description of Anne Rice’s novel describes Lestat as a character who moves between different eras while searching for answers about his existence. The synopsis states, “Once an aristocrat in the heady days of pre-revolutionary France, now a rock star in the demonic, shimmering 1980s, he rushes through the centuries in search of others like him, seeking answers to the mystery of his eternal, terrifying existence.”

Early reactions from critics have been extremely positive. Based on the first reviews, many critics believe the series successfully expands the world introduced in Interview With the Vampire while giving Lestat a stronger and more personal story.

Writing for Winter is Coming, Federica Bocco praised the show and called it “the most layered – and yet raw – form of storytelling.” She also wrote that no other current series comes close to what the show is achieving.

Lacy Baugher of Den of Geek described the adaptation as “darkly magical” and praised its ambitious style. Rachel Leishman of The Mary Sue highlighted actor Sam Reid’s performance, saying his version of Lestat takes the character to an entirely new level compared to previous portrayals.

Several reviewers also praised the show’s willingness to embrace the stranger and more unusual elements of Anne Rice’s novels. Kayleigh Donaldson of TheWrap called it a bold and daring piece of work, while Rotem Rusak of Nerdist described the series as “a riveting, chaotic, and incredible ride.”

Other critics focused on the emotional side of the story. Judy Berman of TIME wrote that the series presents Lestat as an immortal monster who still struggles with very human emotions and desires. Daniel Kurland of Bloody Disgusting went even further, calling it “the best Anne Rice adaptation to date.”

With strong reviews already arriving and excitement building among fans, The Vampire Lestat looks set to become one of AMC’s biggest genre releases. For viewers who have followed Anne Rice’s world for years, the series promises a deeper look at one of fiction’s most famous vampires.

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