Whether you’ll tune into the new Showtime series Patrick Melrose will largely depend on how interested you are in watching Benedict Cumberbatch shoot up heroin. Of course, that’s not all he does. In fact, the actor’s performance in the series is something of a tour de force, allowing him to run the gamut of emotions as Patrick, both while he’s under the influence and otherwise.

Patrick Melrose might not be for everyone, but it most certainly is for those that would quite enjoy bathing in what is nothing less than a Benedict Cumberbatch thirst trap. Unlike previous roles that found him disappearing into very specific real people (The Fifth Estate, The Imitation Game), or such defined characters as Sherlock, or his recent on-screen appearance as Dr. Strange, Melrose is one of the more modern characters we’ve seen him step into, as the show kicks off in the 1980s. This allows for Cumberbatch to put a lot on display: his comedic talents, his body, his American accent, his full range of emotional work, and yes, those very blue eyes. Oh, and his butt. That’s there too.

Let’s state again here, before we get a bit superficial, that his acting here is tremendous and probably the best reason to watch the show. Cumberbatch is putting in work, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was recognized with awards or nominations for it. But let’s also agree that the show is a vehicle to remind us all what a unique specimen we’re dealing with here — you know, just in case the internet forgot for a few minutes.

First of all, Cumberbatch’s comedic abilities are unlike those of his peers. As Sherlock, he’s refined that bratty brashness that he takes to a new level with Melrose, throwing tantrums and trashing his hotel room. He’s also able to slip into various accents and affectations as he deals with the voices in and out of his head. That cheeky, dry humor certainly gets its screen time, as do the fast-talking monologues he’s so good at rattling off.

But perhaps it is the physical performance that really sets Cumberbatch apart here. The first episode boasts a quaaludes scene which rivals that of Leonardo DiCaprio’s in The Wolf Of Wall Street, with Cumberbatch sliding down walls and crawling on the ground while slurring his speech. And while the outbursts and withdrawals and writhing from drugs isn’t necessarily always fun to watch, it’s certainly a performance he’s giving.

A bit more fun to take in is the image of Cumberbatch in modern-day clothing – well, when he’s wearing it. The show is sure to pack in deliberate scenes of him dressing piece by piece, and undressing for that matter, along with shower scenes and yes, even a coveted, albeit very brief, butt shot. Even lounging around in his boxer shorts gives the show an opportunity to show off those long legs. His clothes here, including button down shirts and expensive suits are a suave swap from the garments we’re used to seeing the actor in.

Patrick Melrose is both very aware of what might interest its viewers, while also daring them not to lust after the show’s star. There are no missed opportunities to highlight his blue eyes, even when he’s passionately swearing or doing drugs, or sweating through his shirt, or even wearing an eyepatch. The circumstances might not be glamorous, but they’re hard to look away from.

The Showtime series is clearly living by the “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” motto, and they know they’ve got an actor the internet is consistently clamoring for, so they were sure to make the most of it. It’s not that this feels exploitative either, as it makes sense for who this character is. But if you weren’t feeling even a little bit thirsty for BC before you started watching this show, you definitely will after.

Patrick Melrose premieres Saturday, May 12th at 9pm ET/PT on Showtime.

Where to watch Patrick Melrose