Like its predecessor The Winds of War, this novel became the subject of a major television mini-series; the first half aired during the "sweeps week" in fall 1988, and the second half the following spring. Robert Mitchum continued in the role of Victor Henry, and many of the principals who had appeared with him in the earlier series reprised their roles for this adaptation.

However, some significant changes in cast were made: Jane Seymour took over the role of Natalie Jastrow, John Gielgud that of her uncle Aaron. Mike Connors appeared as Colonel Harrison Peters. The series did not receive the acclaim of its predecessor, but it, too, has appeared subsequently on cable networks and has been produced in videotape format for home use.