Game of Thrones, Bridgerton, Firefly Lane and The Queen’s Gambit are just a few of the books (or book series) that have found success and acclaim when adapted into television series by streaming services.
Back in January, two more beloved titles were announced to be headed to the small screen with the news that Harry Potter and The Great Gatsby were also getting the TV treatment.
Here’s what we know so far about each of the new series.
Firefly Lane
Firefly Lane, which has been adapted from the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Kristin Hannah, lands on Netflix on February 3.
According to a series synopsis from Netflix, “Over the course of three decades, best friends Tully and Kate turn to each other through their many ups and downs. As they navigate what comes next, they try not to lose sight of the promises they’ve made along the way. But now, their friendship will face “the ultimate test.” Is their unbreakable bond strong enough to endure any and everything? Or will some problems prove too complicated to solve? There’s only one way to find out.”
Firefly Lane stars Katherine Heigl, Sarah Chalke and our very own Ben Lawson.
Harry Potter
We all know and love the Harry Potter book, films, theme parks, apparel, video games, merchandise and, well, you get the point.
Now, we get to excitedly wait for a wonderful wizarding television show with the news that a Harry Potter TV series is in early development at HBO Max.
No writers or talent are currently attached to the project and, as yet, there is no word on what angle the show will focus on or where on the Potter timeline it will take place.
While HBO Max and Warner Bros told The Hollywood Reporter that, “There are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform”, a live action television iteration would make sense given that the Harry Potter films have grossed more than $7 billion worldwide.
The Great Gatsby
Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into multiple films and several stage shows.
Now, it is set to become a TV series too, with The Hollywood Reporter (THR) sharing the news that A+E Studios and ITV Studios America are teaming with writer Michael Hirst (Elizabeth, The Tudors, Vikings) to bring the beloved story to life once more.
According to THR, The Great Gatsby is being envisioned as a closed-ended miniseries, for which Hirst will write the script and serve as executive producer.
Fitzgerald’s estate is also involved as Blake Hazard, a great-granddaughter of Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and a trustee of the estate will serve as a consulting producer.
Described as a reimagining, Hirst’s iteration will explore New York’s Black community in the 1920s as well as the musical subculture.
Reports THR, “The series will dig deeper into the hidden lives of its characters through the modern lens of a fractured American dream while also capturing the full majesty of Fitzgerald’s timeless vision.”
Says Hazard, “I have long dreamt of a more diverse, inclusive version of Gatsby that better reflects the America we live in, one that might allow us all to see ourselves in Scott’s wildly romantic text.”
Bridgerton
The first season of the show, which stars Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton, was an unbridled success with viewers delighting in the decadent costumes and simmering sex scenes.
Adapted from the first novel in Julia Quinn’s hugely popular series, season one follows Daphne, the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family, as she enters Regency London’s competitive marriage market.
Hoping to follow in her parents’ footsteps and find a match sparked by true love, Daphne’s prospects initially seem to be unrivalled. But as her older brother begins to rule out her potential suitors, the high society scandal sheet written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) casts aspersions on Daphne.
When Daphne meets the elusive Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), their attraction is undeniable and sparks fly as they find themselves engaged in an increasing battle of wits while navigating society’s expectations for their future.
The Queen’s Gambit
Netflix drama series, The Queens Gambit, captivated audiences around the world.
An inspiring story starring rising actor Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma), the mini-series focuses on Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy, who struggles with addiction from the age of nine.
The seven-part series follows Harmon for nearly a decade and a half, beginning just after her mother dies in a car accident. Leading the young girl to an orphanage, it is here her addiction to tranquiliser drugs begins.
After a new friend tells her that the drugs are best taken at night, Beth unlocks a part of her brain, and subsequently a hidden talent, while learning to play chess with the orphanage’s custodian.
Beth’s dream is to become a chess grandmaster, however, she must deal with her drug addiction to get there. It truly is gritty and one to watch if you haven’t started streaming it yet.
Unfortunately, The Queen’s Gambit is not based on a true story as such, as there was no such child chess prodigy named Beth Harmon. The series is, however, adapted from a 1983 novel by Walter Tevis who drew much of his inspiration from his own experiences.
Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon
When Game of Thrones came to a dramatic conclusion in May 2019, fans around the world had very mixed feelings. And while there was much debate over the fate of some of our most beloved characters, if there’s one thing that GoT devotees could agree on, is they were already ready for more.
Back in January, the HBO president of programming, Casey Bloys, opened up about the fate of the franchise confirming the prequel, House of the Dragon was going ahead with a 2022 air date.
“My guess is some time in 2022,” he told Deadline at the time — and even though we’ve had a global pandemic since it is still on track. Bloys also said that George R R Martin and Ryan Condal were writing for the show which will be based on Martin’s Fire and Blood.