From page-to-screen: August 2023’s biggest book adaptations

Meg 2: The Trench hits theaters August 4, 2023

Action movie mainstay Jason Statham returns as Jonas Taylor in the follow-up to 2018's The Meg, a sci-fi thriller about the surprising reemergence of Megalodon, an enormous prehistoric shark species thought to be extinct. In the novels, Taylor is not a diver but a paleobiologist, and in this sequel, he finds himself face-to-face with the monstrous creature yet again. When the Meg reappears, he alone can put a stop to the danger and death gripping the California coast.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart premieres August 4, 2023 on Prime Video

If you're searching for a captivating story of family, grief, and what it means to build a life of your own, look no further than The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. When Alice Hart is nine years old, her turbulent home life turns tragic, and she's forced to move to Thornfield, her grandmother June's native flower farm. As she grows up, Alice, kept in the dark about difficult family secrets and choked by grief, leaves Thornfield behind for the Australian desert, determined to find her own way. The Prime Video adaptation of this worldwide bestseller couldn't have a more talented principal cast, with acclaimed big screen veteran Sigourney Weaver starring as June.

Love in Taipei premieres August 10, 2023 on Paramount Plus

When Ever Wong foregoes a summer of strict educational regimen and sets out for Loveboat, a summer study program in Taiwan with zero supervision and a reputation for a nightlife scene unlike any other, her life is set on a crash course with a host of other teens, including her Yale-bound rival Rick Woo and the swoon-worthy Xavier Yeh. Emily Woo Zeller enlivens this thrilling adventure of overachieving teens who are more than ready to let loose, while rising star Ashley Liao leads the adaptation.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter hits theaters on August 11, 2023

No, you're not seeing double—Bram Stoker's classic vampiric tale inspired two major theatrical releases this year, though this adaptation is far different in tone and scope than April's horror comedy, Renfield. The seventh chapter of Stoker's Dracula recounts the strange voyage of the Demeter, a ship that arrived to shore manned by a dead guy tied to the wheel. The captain's log serves as the inspiration for this spooky film adaptation directed by Norwegian horror maestro André Øvredal, recounting the final journey of the doomed ship and its crew.

Red, White and Royal Blue premieres August 11, 2023 on Prime Video

It doesn't get more irresistible than Casey McQuiston's chart-topping Red, White & Royal Blue. When charming Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of the president of the United States, finds himself at odds with Henry, the Prince of Wales, the young men need to reconcile publicly to save face for their families. But the more time the pair spends together, the more undeniably electric their connection becomes. Experience their romance anew with the highly anticipated film adaptation, releasing August 11 on Prime Video, starring Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex and Nicholas Galitzine as Henry.

Shelter premieres August 18, 2023 on Prime Video

Newcomer Jaden Michael stars as high school student and amateur detective Mickey Bolitar in the Prime Video adaptation of mystery and thriller phenom Harlan Coben's Shelter. Mickey's only 15 but he's already been dealt a rough lot in life—his father is dead, his mother is in rehab, and now his girlfriend, Ashley, has disappeared. Determined to find and protect her, he soon becomes entangled in an unthinkable conspiracy.

Last Call premieres July 9, 2023 on HBO

HBO's latest true crime docuseries is rooted in Elon Green's 2021 account of the "Last Call Killer," a serial murderer who targeted gay men in NYC during the '80s and '90s. Rejecting sensationalism, Last Call neither aggrandizes nor glorifies in its exploration of the case. Instead, this heavily researched work contemplates the failures of the criminal justice system, the looming specter of the HIV crisis, and, above all, the stories of the victims.

Season two of The Summer I Turned Pretty premieres July 14, 2023 on Prime Video

The breezy summer nostalgia of Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty turned out to be a natural fit for the screen. Audiences swooned for the love triangle and the dreamy, sandy setting of Cousins Beach when the first season dropped last June. Whether you're #TeamJeremiah or #TeamConrad, tune in to season two this July as Belly contends with all those big feelings—and resultant dramas—that define and color our adolescence.

Justified: City Primeval premieres July 18, 2023 on FX

One of the 2010's fan favorite television programs, Justified introduced viewers to Deputy US Marshal Raylan Givens with all the stylish flair of classic Western filmmaking. But before he entered the pantheon of small screen cowboy lore, Raylan was a prominent character in the stories of Elmore Leonard. The latest spinoff takes its inspiration from Leonard's City Primeval, a thriller set against the backdrop of the American Midwest.

Oppenheimer hits theaters on July 21, 2023

The highly-anticipated, epic biopic Oppenheimer, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan and led by frequent collaborator Cillian Murphy, is based on this 2006 Pulitzer Prize winner. The culmination of about 20 years of research conducted by historian Martin J. Sherwin and compiled by writer Kai Bird, this listen covers everything from Oppenheimer’s early life and childhood to his career beginnings to the Manhattan Project itself, along with the bomb’s impact and Oppenheimer’s positioning within the greater discourse about nuclear warfare.

The Beanie Bubble premieres July 28, 2023 on AppleTV+

You might not know billionaire Ty Warner by name, but you're no doubt familiar with the toy that delivered such fortune. Beanie Babies, cute, cuddly beanbag plushies in the shape of critters ranging from calicos to crocodiles, captured the hearts—and wallets—of millions. They also spurred waves of greed, based on the public perception that these collectibles were not merely adorable gifts but veritable investment strategies. The film, based on this biography of the enigmatic Warner and the business he built, stars Zach Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks, and Sarah Snook.

Season two of Good Omens premieres July 28, 2023 on Prime Video

According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, the world is ending imminently. And so far, the end times seem to be advancing accordingly. That is, until a meddling pair of supernatural beings—an angel and a demon—try to prevent the rapture altogether. Michael Sheen and David Tennant, who turn in delightful performances as Aziraphale (the angel) and Crowley (the demon) in the Prime Video series, reprise their roles in this special audio edition of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's iconic, apocalyptic collab.

Shooting Stars premiers June 2, 2023 on Peacock TV

From the staffers involved in Watergate to the founders of Blackberry and, now, to LeBron James, 2023 has been a stellar year for both biopics and fictional histories. James's Shooting Stars, which he cowrote with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Buzz Bissinger, tells the heartwarming and triumphant story of how James and his childhood friends helped their high school team win a coveted national championship. Narrator Moe Irvin gives an emotional performance of the audiobook while basketball player Marquis "Mookie" Cook plays LeBron James in the movie.

"The Boogeyman hits theaters June 2, 2023*

It's always good news for horror fans when something by Stephen King gets adapted. In this case, it's "The Boogeyman," a very creepy and unsettling story from his 1978 collection Night Shift. The entire collection is packed with stories featuring King's signature blend of astute observations of human nature and truly terrifying supernatural scenarios.

The Crowded Room premieres June 9, 2023 on Apple TV+

This true crime book tells the story of Billy Milligan, who was arrested for sexually assaulting and kidnapping three women in the 1970s. He was later let off, his defense claiming that he was not sane at the time of the crimes due to multiple personalty disorder. The show The Crowded Room is only loosely inspired by the events recounted in the book—it follows a young man arrested for a terrible crime in 1979, and the investigator determined to solve the case at any cost.

Flamin' Hot premieres June 9, 2023 on Disney+

Flamin' Hot is yet another biopic, and it's a very, very fun one at that. The film, directed by Eva Longoria, is based on the memoir by Richard Montanez, a janitor at a Frito-Lay factory in California who invented one of the company's most successful snacks: Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Despite the obstacles he faced from corporate players who didn't believe a janitor should be inventing new products, Montanez didn't give up, and eventually made a name for himself. It's a funny, candid, inspiring story that translates well onto the big screen.

The Perfect Find premieres June 14, 2023 on Netflix

A fun and sexy romcom perfect for summer, The Perfect Find stars Gabrielle Union as Jenna Jones, a 40-something fashion writer who reluctantly takes a job writing for a website owned by her old rival, Darcy. And if that weren't messy enough, she soon falls fast and hard for Darcy's twenty-something son. Narrator Wesleigh Siobhan gives an upbeat, vivacious, and often hilarious performance of the audiobook.

The White House Plumbers premieres May 1, 2023 on HBO

Turning nonfiction books into fictionalized works for screens both big and small seems to be a bit of a trend this year, and it's led to some great adaptations. The White House Plumbers is Peter Krogh's account of the inner workings of Nixon's White House and the men who, attempting to put an end to press leaks, brought about the Watergate investigation. The series is a satirical comedy-drama that leans into some of the more absurdist historical situations surrounding Watergate.

Queen Charlotte premiers May 4, 2023 on Netflix

Following the huge success of Bridgerton series, Shonda Rhimes created and produced this spin-off prequel. The story unfolds in a dual timeline: 1817, the present of the Bridgerton world, set just after the death of King George's heir, and Queen Charlotte's meeting with and marriage to George back in 1761. Author Julia Quinn and show-runner Shonda Rhimes teamed up to write the prequel novel; both the show and the book follow several love stories in addition to the central couple.

Silo premieres May 5, 2023 on Apple TV+

Hugh Howey's bestselling sci-fi trilogy is set in a bleak, dystopian future. Most of the planet is now inhospitable to human life, and what's left of humanity lives in a silo deep underground, their society ruled by a strict set of guidelines and laws. Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Robbins star in the adaptation, which loosely follows the events of the first novel in the trilogy, Wool.

Love Again hits theaters May 5, 2023

In this sentimental romantic comedy, a woman still grieving the sudden death of her fiancé starts sending messages to his old number. She has no idea that someone is receiving them—a journalist who soon becomes captivated by the mysterious woman blowing up his phone. The movie, based on the novel originally titled Text for You by Sofie Cramer, stars Sam Heughan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the romantic leads, as well as pop superstar Celine Dion, who plays a fictional version of herself.

City on Fire premiers May 12, 2023 on Apple TV+

The audiobook of Garth Risk Hallberg's epic novel about the intersecting lives of a group of of characters in 1970s New York clocks in at just under 38 hours. The many subplots and myriad storylines make it a perfect candidate for a television adaptation. The show is a blend of mystery and drama, as the lives of each character are affected by a series of mysterious fires across the city.

BlackBerry hits theaters May 12, 2023

When was the last time you saw someone with a BlackBerry? Chances are you can't remember—and this comprehensive work of investigative journalism explains why. In Losing the Signal, Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff trace the spectacular rise and fall of BlackBerry, examining exactly what caused the company to fail, and what its fate means for other tech startups. The critically acclaimed film adaptation follows the key players—founder Mike Lazaridis and businessman Jim Balsillie—through the organization's turbulent journey.

SmartLess premiers May 23, 2023 on HBO Max

Go behind-the-scenes of this fan favorite podcast with a new docuseries following the all-star hosts as they lead live shows across America. The HBO miniseries SmartLess: On the Road follows the actor/comedian trio Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett as they set out on tour across the country for their popular podcast. Fans of the hilarious, insightful podcast—which features the hosts in conversation with mystery guests—will appreciate getting to see the hosts interact in real time.

The Little Mermaid hits theaters May 26, 2023

The live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Berry as Ariel, is easily one of the most talked about remakes of the year so far. The star-studded cast also includes Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, and Melissa McCarthy, among others. And this live action rendition of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairytale certainly lives up to the hype.

One True Loves hits theaters on April 7, 2023

Taylor Jenkins Reid is having a moment, which is a major win for her many fans. Her 2016 novel, One True Loves, might not be as well known as some of her more recent work, but it's nevertheless a poignant love story that's well worth a listen—like anything and everything else narrated by Julia Whelan. Emma Blair believes her husband Jesse died in a helicopter crash, and, after many years of grieving, has fallen in love again. That's when Jesse reappears and suddenly Emma is faced with the hardest decision of her life. Phillipa Soo, Simu Liu, and Luke Bracey star in the movie adaptation of this moving tale of true love, second chances, and finding happiness.

How to Blow Up a Pipeline hits theaters on April 7, 2023

In this nonfiction manifesto, climate scholar and activist Andreas Malm makes a case for using radical tactics—including, when necessary, property destruction and acts of violence—in the fight against climate change. Blowing up oil pipelines, he argues, is an effective revolutionary tactic. It's a fiery but thoughtful book that explores the history of both pacifist and more militant protest movements. If you prefer fiction, look to the big screen: the movie adaption is a fictional environmental thriller based on Malm's book, following a group of young activists who set out to destroy a Texas oil pipeline.

*Tiny Beautiful Things premieres April 7, 2023 on Hulu

Cheryl Strayed's "Dear Sugar" advice column is beloved by so many people, and for good reason—her letters to writers in need are funny, wise, relatable, vulnerable, and deeply personal. Listening to her read this collection of the column's greatest insights feels like sitting down for a cup of tea with a good friend, cozying up for a valuable heart-to-heart. The television adaptation draws on material from the volume, and stars the ever-magnificent Kathryn Hahn as Clare, a woman who becomes an advice columnist despite being in the midst of personal turmoil.

Transatlantic premieres April 7, 2023 on Netflix

Julie Orringer's sweeping work of historical fiction is inspired by the life of Varian Fry, an American journalist who helped thousands of writers, artists, and others escape Nazi Germany during World War II. Through the Emergency Rescue Committee, based in occupied France, he helped refugees obtain false papers and make their way to ports in Portugal. The televised adaptation, titled Transatlantic, focuses on Fry and his colleagues, as well as the many people they helped escape, including historical figures such as Max Ernst and Walter Benjamin.

Beautiful Disaster hits theaters April 12, 2023

Sparks fly after a bet between a college freshman and a student who spends his nights fighting for money and his days practicing seduction grows into something more. Dysfunctional, messy, and beautiful, this new adult romance from Jamie McGuire has been praised by listeners who appreciate the complicated, difficult love story at its core. Fans of romantic dramas with a sharper edge will appreciate the dark yet sexy tone of the film adaption, which stars Dylan Sprouse and Virginia Gardner in the lead roles.

Renfield hits theaters April 14, 2023

While it's not a strict retelling of Bram Stoker's classic vampire tale, Renfield is a horror comedy inspired by characters from the legendary 1897 novel. The film centers on R.M. Renfield, an English lawyer who becomes Count Dracula's familiar, and the antics the two get into together. From the trailer alone, it seems Nicholas Hoult as Renfield and Nicolas Cage as Dracula both are set to five their all with energetic, high-octane comedic performances. And if the movie has you craving more vampire stories, the full-cast audio production of Dracula is not to be missed—the star-studded cast includes Alan Cumming, Simon Vance, Tim Curry, and others.

The Last Thing He Told Me premieres April 14, 2023 on Apple TV+

In this riveting domestic thriller, newlywed Hannah Hall finds herself on the run with her step-daughter, desperately trying to figure out what happened to her missing husband and who he truly is. Narrator Rebecca Lowman ratchets up the tension in the audiobook, but she also captures the tenderness of the relationship at the heart of the book: the growing bond between Hannah and her stepdaughter. The television adaption also focuses on their sweet, budding relationship—but don't worry, there's plenty of action and surprising twists along the way.

How to Get Rich premieres April 18, 2023 on Netflix

Ramit Sethi's guide to getting your finances in order, making the most of your budget, and creating a life that is both fulfilling and financial stable has been adapted into a fun, accessible, and insightful series on Netflix. Using the lessons and strategies he outlines in the book, he helps a series of people with their finances—from a woman who spends hundreds of thousands shopping each year to folks struggling with debt.

Saint X premieres April 16, 2023 on Hulu

In this lush and provocative thriller, a young woman heads to the Caribbean in an attempt to discover what really happened to her sister Allison, who was murdered during a family vacation two decades years earlier. A full cast expertly captures the many characters, including the men who were originally accused of the murder, the guests and employees of the resort, and various players in Alison's life, from teachers to ex-boyfriends. Even if you've already had a chance to binge the show, the audiobook is an experience all its own.

Butcher's Crossing hits theaters April 27, 2023

Sometimes it takes decades for a book to get a screen adaptation, but it's often worth the wait. That's certainly the case with John William's 1960 western Butcher's Crossing. The film premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, and now it's getting a theatrical release. Fred Hechinger plays Will Anders, a Harvard dropout who makes his way to a small Kansas town in the 1870s, and Nicolas Cage plays Miller, a man he meets there who leads him on a dangerous journey in search of a rumored buffalo herd.

Firefly Lane premieres April 17, 2023 on Netflix

The second half of the final season of Firefly Lane continues to follow the exploits of friends Kate Mularkey and Tully Hart. The show, like Kristin Hannah's audiobook, tracks their lifelong friendship from when they meet as teenagers all the way into their middle age. The final episodes focus on the challenges the women face in their adulthood. If you're longing to spend a bit more time with these unforgettable characters, the audiobook, narrated with spirit by Susan Ericksen, is nearly 20 hours long.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret hits theaters on April 28, 2023

Few stories have been more influential to generations of tween girls than Judy Blume's classic coming-of-age tale, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. The book holds a legendary place in pop culture—ask nearly any American girl who grew up in the past five decades, and they'll likely have a story about the first time they read it. Happily, the long-awaited film adaption captures the spirit of the original. It's a fresh, funny, and timeless ode to joys and challenges of adolescence.

Frog and Toad premieres April 28, 2023 on Apple TV+

As far as beloved children's books go, it doesn't get more classic than Frog and Toad. It's impossible not to fall in love with these two lovable critters, with their unwavering devotion to each other and their endless appetite for both a bit of adventure and cozy downtime at home. Apple TV+'s new animated show is full of all the magic, charm, and whimsy of Arnold Lobe's original stories. It draws on stories from several of the books, many of which are included in this delightful Frog and Toad Audio Collection, narrated by author Arnold Lobel himself!

Peter Pan and Wendy premieres April 28, 2023 on Disney+

It's hard to keep track of the many Peter Pan adaptations out there, and 2023 added a new gem to the mix. There are several audio versions, too, but if you're looking for an excellent production, Peter and Wendy, narrated by Karen Cass, is a great place to start. This year's new live-action film, Peter Pan and Wendy is an reimagining of the Disney animated classic from 1953, which, in turn, is adapted from J.M. Barrie's original 1904 novel. It's a lively remake that marks the big screen debut of British actor Alexander Molony.

Daisy Jones & the Six premieres March 3, 2023 on Amazon Prime

Four talented narrators bring this incredibly fun, dishy audiobook to life—it's one of those novels that feels like it was made for audio. And now you can watch it on screen as well! Reid's bestselling novel about the rise and fall of an iconic 1970s rock band and its mysterious lead singers, makes for highly entertaining television. The show, jointly produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, stars Riley Keough as the eponymous Daisy Jones and Sam Claflin as her bandmate Billy Dunne.

The Magician's Elephant premieres March 10, 2023 on Netflix

Kate DiCamillo's charming 2009 children's story about an orphan whose encounter with a fortune teller leads him on a magical quest comes to life in 2023'a full-length animated feature. Peter Augustus Duchene just wants to find his sister, but when he asks a fortune teller about her whereabouts, he gets a surprising answer. Naturally, adventures and wacky hijinks (involving elephants!) ensue. On screen, the talented cast of voice actors includes all-stars Mandy Patinkin and Benedict Wong.

Season two of Shadow & Bone premieres March 16, 2023 on Netflix

The second season of Shadow & Bone, based on Leigh Bardugo's popular young adult fantasy universe, includes material from the second book in the trilogy, Siege & Storm. Set during turbulent times in a lush fantasy world inspired by Imperial Russia, the story follows the adventures of Alina and Mal, childhood friends caught up in a dangerous plot. Though the show captures the feel of Bardugo's world, the storyline does differs somewhat, so fans of the show should definitely check out audiobooks, too, brilliantly read by Lauren Fontag.

Lucky Hank premieres March 19, 2023 on AMC

Richard Russo's 1997 novel Straight Man is full of his typical wit, keen observations, and authentic pathos. Hank Devereaux is an English professor at a sorely underfunded college in Pennsylvania. As he navigates a series of professional and personal crises, he contemplates life's bigger mysteries and his own pressing moral quandaries. Bob Odenkirk stars in the television adaptation, which expertly captures the same bleakly comedic tone that narrator Sam Freed brings to his narration of the audiobook.

The Night Agent premieres March 23, 2023 on Netflix

This action-packed political thriller follows Peter Sutherland, an FBI agent tasked with finding a Russian mole embedded inside the United States government. The stakes are high, the conspiracies run deep, and Sutherland can't trust anyone except himself. Chris Andrew Ciulla narrators the audiobook with an intensity that heightens the story's non-stop tension. As for its life on the small screen, its Netflix adaptation, starring Gabriel Basso, has already been renewed for a second season.

Great Expectations premieres March 26, 2023 on BBC One

Great Expectations is one of Dickens's most well-known, best loved works, and the BBC's 2023 adaptation shows that its long life in the cultural imagination is far from over. If you want to brush up on the plot details of the foundational coming-of-age story about Pip and his life in the strange house of Miss Havisham before watching the show, look no further than this audio edition. (Trust us: there's no one better suited to guide you through this classic than Audie Award-winning British actor Simon Prebble.)

The Power premieres on March 31, 2023 on Amazon Prime

If you missed this innovative, groundbreaking dystopian bestseller when it first came out in 2017, now's your chance to give it a listen. Naomi Alderman imagines a world in which teenage girls suddenly have unimaginable power—a fact that radically alters both global politics and intimate relationships. Toni Collette stars in the TV series, which Alderman produced. If you're looking for a thoughtful, incisive show to watch while waiting for the last season of The Handmaid's Tale to come out, this is a good bet.

A Knock at the Cabin hits theaters on February 3, 2023

Winner of the 2019 Bram Stoker Award, Paul Tremblay’s take on the horror staple of the home invasion is unlike any that’s come before. The Cabin at the End of the World follows Eric and Andrew as they take their seven-year-old daughter, Wen, on a vacation to a quiet lakeside cabin in New Hampshire. Their peaceful recess is shattered when a stranger appears, bearing news of the end times and the tragic, impossible key to saving humankind. Twisty thriller director M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable) adapted Tremblay’s suspenseful family saga for the big screen with a star cast including Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, and Rupert Grint.

The Amazing Maurice hits theaters on February 3, 2023

Hugh Laurie, Emilia Clarke, Davis Thewlis—the voice cast of The Amazing Maurice is a bona fide who's who of cool cats. The long-awaited animated adaptation of the late Terry Pratchett's beloved feline fable (a kidlit installment set in his long-running Discworld series) is strutting into theaters with all the charm and magic of its source material. Sharp-as-a-tack alley cat Maurice is also quite the furry little business man, working with an overpopulation of rats to run a racket on local humans. But when their scheming leads to a town riddled with secrets, traps, and the hum of something darker beneath the streets, Maurice and his rodent pals will need to keep their wits about them and be more clever than ever before.

Dear Edward premieres February 3, 2023 on AppleTV+

Even in the wake of the unthinkable, the human spirit remains indefatigable. Edward Adler, the preteen protagonist of Ann Napolitano’s stunning bestseller, is a testament to that capacity for love and perseverance. Edward is the sole survivor of a plane crash that claims the lives of 186 other passengers, including his parents and brother. As he navigates the world burdened by loss and the guilt of enduring, Edward must learn how to move forward when the trauma of his past runs so deep. Jason Katims, who created beloved shows including Friday Night Lights and Parenthood, brings this extraordinary listen to streaming with rising star Colin O’Brien supported by established talents Taylor Schilling and Connie Britton

Marlowe hits theaters on February 15, 2023

Liam Neeson and Diane Kruger star in Marlowe, an adaptation of The Black-Eyed Blonde by John Banville, who wrote and published the novel under the pseudonym "Benjamin Black". Philip Marlowe was first introduced by pulp fiction legend Raymond Chandler, and this 1950s-set novel offers fans the opportunity to solve a new case with their favorite private investigator. In this hard-boiled mystery, Marlowe is approached by a young and glamorous new client, who asks him to track down her former lover, Nico Peterson. But Peterson's disappearance is only one instance in a long list of odd occurrences amidst the wealthy and well-connected. The adaptation is in good hands—Academy Award winners Neil Jordan and William Monahan are at the helm as director and screenwriter, respectively.

The Consultant premieres January 23, 2023 on Prime Video

Christoph Waltz is a master at bringing disarming yet eerie antagonists to life—lest we forget his blazing take on Blofeld in Daniel Craig's Bond saga. Needless to say, he's the perfect choice to portray Mr. Regus Patoff, the titular consultant at the center of Bentley Little's satirical corporate thriller. When Patoff arrives at CompWare to repair their public image after a failed merger threatens to tarnish the company's reputation, office life begins to grow increasingly uncomfortable, from inappropriate questions to the rise of workplace surveillance. Before long, it's clear Patoff's intentions with CompWare extend far beyond offering advice—he seems intent on taking over the company altogether, no matter the cost.

Jesus Revolution hits theaters on February 24, 2023

The 1960s and 1970s were a time of revolution in America, as counterculture movements raged from the open-minded sexual liberation of free love initiatives to the anti-war camp’s call for peace. For many, it was an era of shedding the limitations and judgments of years prior and escaping the constraints of conformity. Perhaps unexpectedly, the period also served as means for a new kind of crusade: the Jesus movement. Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn’s Jesus Revolution, and the film adaptation of the same name, explores this period of spiritual revival, unearthing the cultural and historical context of the era and the personal stories of those who sought belonging within a burgeoning new faith community.

Will Trent premieres January 3, 2023 on ABC

Karin Slaughter’s bestselling procedural series centered on Special Agent Will Trent is a long-standing favorite of mystery and thriller fans. Intuitive, smart, and methodical, Trent is a dynamic character whose compelling background makes for a multidimensional protagonist. ABC’s new crime drama, airing both on the network and Hulu, stars The Wire’s Ramón Rodríguez in the title role, with Erika Christensen as his contentious love interest, vice cop Angie Polaski, and Quantico’s Jake McLaughlin as gruff veteran detective Michael Ormewood. Listen before you watch with Triptych, the first in the series, which follows these main players as they hunt down a vicious serial killer lurking the streets of Atlanta.

The Lying Life of Adults premieres January 4, 2023 on Netflix

Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei lends her iconic voice to Elena Ferrante’s The Lying Life of Adults, the newest book from the bestselling author of The Lost Daughter (which received its own Netflix adaptation starring Olivia Colman back in 2021) and The Neapolitan Novels series. This moving coming-of-age tale follows young Giovanna, a girl growing up in 1990s Naples, who is driven to search for her own identity when her father unfavorably compares her to Aunt Vittoria—a woman she knows only from her parent’s vitriolic recollections. Italian director Edoardo De Angelis’s take on Giovanna’s journey toward understanding who she is and where she belongs stars newcomer Giordana Marengo, with the acclaimed Valeria Golino as Vittoria.

The Pale Blue Eye premieres January 3, 2023 on Netflix

Christian Bale, Gillian Anderson, Harry Melling—the principal cast of Netflix's adaptation of The Pale Blue Eye is nothing short of star-studded. The film's limited theatrical release at the end of December 2022 garnered praise from audiences and critics alike, and we've been eagerly awaiting its streaming debut since. Based on Louis Bayard's melding of historical fiction and mystery, the story follows Edgar Allan Poe—yes, that Edgar Allan Poe—in his time as a cadet at West Point's United States Military Academy. When a mystery surrounding the missing, then mutilated, body of a peer begins to mount, Poe teams up with retired detective Gus Landor to get to the bottom of what really happened.

Mayfair Witches premieres January 8, 2023 on AMC

While Anne Rice's name is somewhat synonymous with her legendary Vampire Chronicles series, her take on witches is not to be missed. Rice's Lives of the Mayfair Witches series has inspired a television series on AMC, starring The White Lotus's brilliant Alexandra Daddario. Daddario portrays Dr. Rowan Fielding, a gifted neurosurgeon who also happens to be burdened with unspeakable power. These abilities are not randomly bestowed but indicative of her ancestry—a lineage that draws back to the Mayfair clan of witches. To hear more about Rowan and what you might be able to expect from the series as it continues, fall under the spell of Kate Reading's exquisite performance, beginning with The Witching Hour.

A Man Called Otto hits theaters on January 13, 2023

A little over seven years after the release of the Academy Award-nominated Swedish film adaptation of Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove comes an English-language version, A Man Called Otto. This new release features America’s sweetheart, Tom Hanks, in the title role, a curmudgeonly widower whose grumpy and gruff exterior hides a man of tremendous kindness, good humor, and compassion. When a young couple with small children moves into Ove’s neighborhood, he’s drawn out of his shell and into a madcap series of heartwarming adventures. Charming, wholesome, and full of life, this listen—narrated by the equally exceptional J.K. Simmons—is a must for anyone seeking to add a bit of sunshine to their library.

When You Finish Saving the World hits theaters on January 20, 2023

Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg's Audible Original drama When You Finish Saving the World serves as inspiration for his film adaptation of the same name, distributed by indie darling A24. In his directorial debut, Eisenberg again turns his focus to teenaged Ziggy, portrayed by Stranger Things's Finn Wolfhard in both audio and on screen, capturing the magic and pain points of growing up in equal measure. Though it does differ from the audio, which centers on three family members, following them through disparate points in their live and shifting perspective and setting, both tellings of the story have a universality that's as charming as it is deeply evocative. The cast of the film adaptation also stars the incomparable Julianne Moore, who brings depth and a subtlety as Ziggy's mother, Evelyn.

The 1619 Project premieres January 26, 2023 on Hulu

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones began what became The 1619 Project in 2019 with a lengthy feature in The New York Times Magazine, comprised of incisive essays, photos, poems, and fiction that sought to center the lived experiences of Black Americans, reframing our understanding of slavery and its lasting impact on politics, culture, art, economics, and daily life. A few years later, these crucial entries were anthologized into a book-length collection of the same name, and now, a six-part docuseries on Hulu. Simply put, this is essential listening (and viewing) for anyone looking to engage in antiracist work and better understand the deeply troubling origins of systemic racism in contemporary American society.

Lockwood and Co. premieres January 27, 2023 on Netflix

In this series starter, a trio of teenage paranormal investigators—bold and parapsychically-gifted Lucy Carlyle, charismatic Anthony Lockwood, and sardonic researcher George Cubbins—sets out to explore one of the most haunted houses in England, the eerie Combe Carey Hall. Notorious for its so-called Screaming Staircase and the bloody Red Room, the fearsome estate threatens to swallow up the three youngsters lest they are brave and clever enough to escape. An adaptation of Jonathan Stroud’s delightfully creepy and suspenseful tween favorite is headed to Netflix in late January 2023. Written by Attack the Block’s Joe Cornish, the show is sure to capture the spooky fun of its source material, with no shortage of thrills, chills, and adventure along the way.