Netflix Announces 2 Book Adaptations, Renews Sweet Magnolias

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Netflix Announces 2 Book Adaptations, Renews Sweet Magnolias

Netflix has officially announced the Sweet Magnolias Season 5 renewal for its popular romance drama led by JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley. The long-time series is based on Sherryl Woods’ novel franchise of the same name. Since making its debut, it has continuously ranked among Netflix’s Global Top 10 list in over 60 countries.

Aside from the Sweet Magnolias renewal announcement, the streamer has also revealed the two new book adaptations coming to Netflix soon. This comes after the massive success of the TV adaptations of bestselling books such as You and Bridgerton.

What are the two new Netflix book adaptations?

Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Age of Innocence is officially receiving a limited series adaptation from writer and executive producer Emma Frost (Shameless). The latter is also set to serve as its showrunner. The story will center around forbidden love in 19th century New York. Prior to the Netflix adaptation, acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese previously directed Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Winona Ryder in the 1993 movie version of The Age of Innocence.

“It is a passionate and heart-rending will-they/won’t-they love triangle exploring themes of freedom, duty, identity and love in all its forms. This fresh take is true to Wharton’s novel but will speak to a new generation as we traverse the ballrooms and bedrooms of these young people, asking the question what is love — and what is lust? And should we ultimately be driven by our heads or by our hearts?,” reads the logline for the show.

In addition to The Age of Innocence, Netflix is also currently developing the series adaptation of Unaccustomed Earth, based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s internationally beloved and award-winning collection of short stories. The project will be written and executive produced by showrunner John Wells (The Pitt) and Madhuri Shekar (3 Body Problem), with Nisha Ganatra (Freakier Friday, Late Night) set to direct the first episode.

“The series is described as an epic, soapy, and culturally vibrant drama about a tight-knit Indian American community navigating love, desire, and belonging,” reads the logline. “Rich with nuance, passion and unforgettable characters, the eight-episode drama invites you into the elite and insular Indian-American community of Cambridge, MA. When a star-crossed romance between a devoted wife and her long-lost love comes to light, a scandalous affair is born and new battle lines are drawn in this intensely inter-connected immigrant community.”