The new television series Dracula made its debut Oct. 25 and much to NBC's delight, the first episode was a success.

A whopping 5.3 million viewers tuned into the new TV series, making it the network's highest rating in the 10 p.m. timeslot since Jan. 4.

The fresh new take on Bram Stoker's novel introduces viewers to Alexander Grayson (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a handsome and boastful American industrialist who is new to 1890's London. Upon his arrival, the city's high society is drawn to Grayson immediately. Unfortunately for London's upper class, appearances are deceiving.

Grayson is actually a 16th-century warrior, Vlad Tepes. Not only was Terpes cast in purgatory by the ancient order of the Dragon, but his wife was killed by the order as well. Tepes spent centuries rotting in a grave, until being rescued by Abraham Van Helsing.

Helsing was formally a foe of Tepes and In this version of Dracula, the former has a problematic history with the order.

With intelligence and years of pent up rage, Grayson plots to take out the order. While dispatching his first victims, it becomes abundantly clear that the former Tepes is now Dracula.

Despite the story's gruesome theme, there is romance in this tail. Grayson's becomes almost human again when he encounters medical student Mina Murray (Jessica De Gouw).

Grayson is convinced that Murray is the reincarnation of his dead wife. Murray also feels a strong connection to London's conceited newcomer.

To make matters even trickier Mina has a fiancé, Jonathan Harker (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), who is a reporter.

Meanwhile, Grayson gets involved in a relationship with Lady Jayne (Victoria Smurfit). We learn that Jayne is pretty high up the order and very anti-vampire. Both are unaware of each other's true identities.

TV Guide released the synopsis for episode 2, A Whiff Of Sulfur.

Grayson and Lady Jayne become lovers, although he suspects she's involved with the Order of the Dragon. Meanwhile, Mina accepts Grayson's help with a challenge; Van Helsing continues to work on a solar vaccine; and Harker enters into a devil's bargain.

Dracula airs Friday, Nov. 1, at 10 p.m. ET on NBC. Be sure to keep checking back for more of the latest info on this series.

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Dracula, Nbc, Television