If you’ve been listening to our podcast, the Ohio Sports Radio Show then you know that I’ve been slowly going through the television series A Gentleman in Moscow on Showtime.

The series is based off of the 2016 novel of the same name by author Amor Towles. Listeners of our podcast will also know that Towles is one of my favorite current authors. I’ve mentioned a few of his books in our What’s Good segment of the show.

When I found out that they were making a show about this book I was excited, but also apprehensive. I’ve not had the best of luck with books that I love being adapted properly into shows and/or movies. Just ask any Stephen King fan and they will agree with me.

A Gentleman in Moscow takes place in post-revolutionary Russia and follows Count Alexander Rostov, who is stripped of his title and wealth and sentenced to live out the rest of his life under house arrest in The Metropol hotel in Moscow. Count Alexander Rostov is played by Ewan McGregor, who absolutely knocks the role out of the park.

People come in and out of the hotel over the years and in return, in and out of Count Rostov’s life.

I don’t want to get too into the story and ruin things for somebody who either plans on reading the book or watching the show, but I really did enjoy this show. Is it better than the book? No, but movie and tv adaptations very rarely are. However, this was a very enjoyable experience. The fans and critics seem to agree as well. The show has done very well on Rotten Tomatoes.

The show has eight episodes and each episode is about an hour a piece. It was a great experience that got better with each episode. If you enjoy reading I highly suggest checking out the book first.

While you’re at it, check out the rest of Amor Towles’ work. Rules of Civility and The Lincoln Highway are both equally as fantastic.

If you’re looking for a good show to watch, you can stream A Gentleman in Moscow on Showtime via Paramount+.