HBO’s novel adaptations have a proven track record of being pretty great. The network’s flagship show “Game of Thrones” is one of the most popular on tv and will start its final season next year. “Big Little Lies” was so successful that HBO decided to bring it back for a second season (with freaking Meryl Streep starring). “The Leftovers” is regarded as one of the best TV series of the decade. And this year’s “Sharp Objects” was bursting deliciously twisted characters and expertly told stories.
Next up to bat is the first in Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan Quartet series “My Brilliant Friend.” Ferrante serves as one of the writers on the series and worked very closely with director Saverio Costanzo to ensure that her story came across as she wrote it. The series will mark HBO’s first non-English language production
The official synopsis can be read below:
Filmed in Italian, the series is based on the bestselling book of the same name by Elena Ferrante. When the most important friend in her life seems to disappear without a trace, Elena Greco, an elderly woman living in a house crammed with books, switches on her PC and starts writing her own story, and that of Lila. She tells the tale of their friendship, which started at school in the 1950s. Set in a dangerous but fascinating Naples, it is just the start of a story spanning 60 years of life. A tale that attempts to unveil the mystery of Lila, Elena’s brilliant friend. Her best friend, and her worst enemy.
Legendary Italian auteur Paolo Sorrentino will serve as an executive producer. Sorrentino is no stranger to HBO after the success (and infinite memes) of his Jude Law starring series “The Young Pope” last year.
“My Brilliant Friend” begins airing this Sunday, November 18, on HBO. You can watch the trailer below: