Netflix Announces Lemony Snicket Original Series
After building its lineup of original programming by making a deal with Marvel, Netflix has reached into a different literary smash for its next original series.
Netflix has reached an agreement to create an original series based on the best-selling A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, the pseudonym of author Daniel Handler.
The novel series, which has sold a whopping 65 million copies worldwide, centers on three orphans looking to get to the bottom of their parents' tragic deaths, all while overcoming the obstacles presented by the treacherous Count Olaf. It's ostensibly a series for kids, but it's such a darkly atmospheric series that it proves really hard to put down. I didn't pick up the first book until I was well into my 20s, but it didn't take long for me to get hooked.
The books were already adapted into a big screen adventure in 2004, as Paramount released Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events starring Jim Carrey, to pretty decent reviews and over $200 million at the box office (off of a budget of $140 million). However, plans to turn the books into a Harry Potter-esque film franchise never materialized.
But hey, that doesn't mean Paramount doesn't still want to be in the Lemony Snicket business: Paramount Television will co-produce A Series of Unfortunate Events with Netflix.
“On the search for fantastic material that appeals to both parents and kids, the first stop for generations of readers is ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events,'” said Cindy Holland, VP of original content for Netflix, in the official press release. “The world created by Lemony Snicket is unique, darkly funny, and relatable. We can’t wait to bring it to life for Netflix members.”
“I can’t believe it,” said 'Mr. Snicket', in a statement. “After years of providing top-quality entertainment on demand, Netflix is risking its reputation and its success by associating itself with my dismaying and upsetting books.”
No word just yet on when the show is expected to debut, but we're already pretty stoked for it. No, seriously. Not even kidding a little bit.
Credit: Paramount