Netflix is developing a new TV show based on Ann M. Martin’s bestselling children’s book series The Baby-Sitters Club, which was previously adapted for TV by HBO in 1990. The books follow a group of best friends living in Stoneybrook, Connecticut, who form a club dedicated to providing baby-sitting services for local parents.
The first book in the series, Kristy’s Big Idea (in which B.S.C. President Kristy Thomas comes up with a plan for the club) was published in 1986, and since then more than 200 books have been released with more than 180 million copies sold worldwide. A movie based on the Baby-Sitters Club books was released in 1995, directed by Melanie Mayron and featuring Schuyler Fisk and Rachael Leigh Cook among its main cast.
In a press release, Netflix has announced that The Baby-Sitters Club has been given a 10-episode series order as a new Netflix Original TV show. Walden Media is producing the show in collaboration with De Luca Productions, with Michael De Luca (Fifty Shades) and Lucy Kitada (Embeds) executive producing. An excellent creative team has already been assembled, with GLOW writer Rachel Shukert serving as showrunner and Broad City’s Lucia Aniello directing and serving as executive producer.
The press release also confirms the main line-up of characters: Kristy Thomas, Mary Anne Spier, Claudia Kishi, Stacey McGill, and Dawn Schafer. The first four are part of the original meeting to found the Baby-Sitters Club, with Cluadia Kishi serving as vice-president, Mary Anne as the secretary, and Stacey McGill as the treasurer. Dawn joined the club in the fourth book, Mary Anne Saves the Day, and served as alternate officer, filling the others’ roles when they were absent.
The Baby-Sitters Club books captivated young readers’ attention with their take on the day-to-day drama of girls in their pre-teen and early teen years. While a lot of the adventures were mundane and light-hearted, they also explored difficult issues like divorce, romance, disability, and racism. Quoted in the press release, Martin said, “I’m very excited about the forthcoming series on Netflix, which I hope will inspire a new generation of readers and leaders everywhere.” The show is described as a “family-friendly” adaptation, so should be suitable for all ages.
Netflix has big plans for original content this year, including both movies and TV shows, and between nostalgic adults and a new generation of potential fans, The Baby-Sitters Club has the potential to be a major hit for the streaming service. No release window has yet been revealed, but hopefully we’ll be able to bring you further news soon.
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Source: Netflix
