The four-hour miniseries was broadcast in two parts on CBS starting on November 9, 1986.[1] John J. O'Connor of The New York Times wrote that "Monte Carlo gives us the beginnings of World War II as they might have been conceived and executed by a couturier." He noted that Collins has "more than three dozen costume changes", and that she "is convinced that her fans want only romantic adventures and beautiful people in gorgeous clothes".[1]
Collins also produced and starred in the CBS miniseries Sins earlier the same year.