Netflix Greenlights Adaptation of Curtis Sittenfeld's Debut Novel Prep
Netflix has officially ordered a straight-to-series adaptation of Curtis Sittenfeld's bestselling debut novel Prep, with Nicole Taylor serving as writer, showrunner, and executive producer.
Published 3 November 2026
Netflix Orders Bestselling Novel Adaptation
Netflix has given a formal straight-to-series green light to an adaptation of Curtis Sittenfeld's acclaimed 2005 debut novel, Prep. The streaming platform developed the project internally before granting it a series order, turning to the well-known coming-of-age title in search of its next major young adult hit.
The upcoming project will adopt a half-hour format. However, despite the shorter runtime per episode, creators clarify that the show is structured as a drama rather than a traditional comedy.
The Plot and Setting
The narrative centers around Lee Fiora, a scholarship student attending Ault, an elite and prestigious New England boarding school. As a newcomer from a different background, Lee must navigate the intricate social hierarchies, intense friendships, and romantic crushes among her wealthy and confident peers.
The story examines themes of social mobility, teenage isolation, and the distinct anxieties of adolescent self-consciousness. Sittenfeld's original book has long been celebrated for its sharp and perceptive exploration of these formative high school years.
Creative Team and Production
The series is spearheaded by Nicole Taylor, who takes on the roles of writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Taylor previously served as head writer and executive producer for Netflix's limited series adaptation of One Day.
Production is backed by Gloria Sanchez Productions. Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Alix Taylor are on board as executive producers alongside author Curtis Sittenfeld and showrunner Nicole Taylor. A dedicated writers room for the series is scheduled to open in January.
Long Journey to the Screen
Bringing Prep to television has been a long time coming, arriving roughly 22 years after Random House first published the novel in January 2005. The book previously attracted Hollywood interest a decade ago when HBO attempted to develop it as a comedy series with writers from 30 Rock and Game of Thrones, though that earlier version ultimately did not move forward.
For showrunner Nicole Taylor, adapting the material fulfills a personal ambition spanning two decades. She noted that she first read the novel twenty years ago and immediately found a deep, uncanny reflection of her own adolescent experiences within its pages.
Expanding the YA Slate at Netflix
Prep joins an expanding lineup of young adult programming at Netflix. Other upcoming titles slated for the platform include The Sticks, The Body, Poser, and Sid Zoey.
Young adult content has proven to be a massive draw for the streaming service. Since Netflix began releasing comprehensive viewership data in the first half of 2023, YA titles have accumulated over 10.4 billion global views, anchored by blockbuster hits like Wednesday and Stranger Things.
Author and Showrunner Backgrounds
Nicole Taylor brings notable accolades to the project, having won a BAFTA TV Award for her work on the BBC series Three Girls. Her credits also include the miniseries The Nest and the feature film Wild Rose starring Jessie Buckley.
Curtis Sittenfeld has seen several of her other literary works pursued for screen adaptations as well. Her novel Romantic Comedy is currently being developed as a film by New Line and Hello Sunshine, while her book Rodham previously spent time in development as a TV series at Hulu.
News Overview
Netflix has officially given a straight-to-series order to an adaptation of Curtis Sittenfeld's 2005 debut novel Prep. Nicole Taylor will serve as the writer, showrunner, and executive producer for the half-hour drama focusing on a scholarship student at a New England boarding school.
Key facts
- Netflix ordered Prep as a straight-to-series adaptation.
- Prep is based on Curtis Sittenfeld's 2005 debut novel.
- The book was published by Random House in January 2005.
- Nicole Taylor is the writer, showrunner, and executive producer.
- A writers room for the series is slated to open in January.
- YA titles on Netflix have generated over 10.4 billion global views since H1 2023.