Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of the most well-loved authors right now, and most of her novels turn out to be bestsellers and readers’ favorites. These books are so good that some are even picked up for big-screen adaptations!
Malibu Rising TV series, based on the author’s historical fiction novel of the same name, is one of the most anticipated book-to-screen adaptations!
The novel focuses on the Riva family on one hot summer day and one unforgettable night, in August 1983. The story unfolds over several hours, ultimately changing the characters’ lives completely. It is based on an actual fire that happened on August 27, 1983, that devastated parts of Malibu.
Even before Malibu Rising, which became a New York Times bestseller, was released, it was optioned for a TV adaptation. Hulu bought the rights to the novel in 2021 with the intention of turning it into a limited series.
While the show is still in early development, and there have not been any solid updates in the meantime, we have every reason to assume that it’s still happening, and that it’s going to take place over the 24 hours as it does in the book, with the occasional flashback, of course.
And this is not the only adaptation based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books. The author has multiple book-to-screen adaptations in the works, like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. And two of her books, One True Loves and Daisy Jones & The Six, have already been adapted and released.
Since the Malibu Rising TV series is still in pre-production and the script is being written, the cast of the show hasn’t been announced. Stay tuned for further updates like casting announcements, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks as production moves forward.
What Will Be The Plot of Malibu Rising TV Series?
As the TV adaptation is based on a novel, you can expect it to have the same plot. It may have a few minor changes or creative differences, but we’ll have to wait and see how much the show differs from the book!
Malibu Rising tells the story of the four Riva siblings—Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit—the children of famous singer Mick Riva. Set in Malibu in August 1983, the novel takes place over one dramatic day and night, leading up to and during Nina’s annual end-of-summer party, which is known for attracting celebrities and chaos.
While preparing for the party, each sibling faces a personal turning point. Nina is dealing with a public breakup and pressure to hold the family together. Jay is hiding a health secret. Hud has something to confess. And Kit is ready to break free and discover who she is.
As the night unfolds, family secrets come to light, relationships are tested, and the party spirals out of control.
By morning, the Rivas must confront their past, their parents’ legacy, and what kind of future they want for themselves. The story explores fame, family, identity, and the way people rebuild after loss and change.
If you haven’t read the book that the movie is based on, here’s what the official synopsis is:
Malibu: August, 1983. It’s the day of Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together, the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over—especially as the offspring of the legendary singer, Mick Riva.
The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud—because it is long past time to confess something to the brother from whom he’s been inseparable since birth.
Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can’t stop thinking about promised she’ll be there.
And Kit has a couple secrets of her own—including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.
By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface.
Malibu Rising TV Series Release Date:
As the TV adaptation is still in the early stages of production, we don’t have a release date for it. The production studio hasn’t even announced when to expect the show, so we’re in for a long wait!
The TV series of Malibu Rising was announced back in June 2021, a little before the book was published.
The only relevant information that was released back then, and what hasn’t changed in the years since, is that the adaptation is going to be a limited series. This means that we will only have one season of the show, and not recurring ones.
Who is the Cast & Crew in the Malibu Rising TV Series?
The TV series is still in the early stage, so there isn’t any cast at the moment. However, this won’t stop fans of Malibu Rising from doing their fan castings, which can always be fun!
However, I will not do that here, as I only want to focus on authentic and official information.
Who is Developing the Malibu Rising TV Adaptation?
Hulu acquired the rights to the novel, intending to turn it into a limited series at some point in the near future.
Liz Tigelaar, a producer, television writer, and author, is set to develop the series with Amy Talkington, a filmmaker known for her short films, in charge of writing the script.
Taylor Jenkins Reid, the author herself, will also be involved in the production as an executive producer to ensure that the adaptation of her beloved book remains faithful to its plot and essence.
Should You Read The Book Instead?
It’s always a good idea to read the book before watching its adaptation, but it’s still perfectly fine to watch the adaptation first. If you enjoyed it, reading the book can help you understand the changes made and gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the story.
It’s truly up to you whether you want to watch the series without reading the book, instead relying on just summaries, or going in completely blind.
But if you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories or have enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing in the past, then the book might be for you!
There is plenty of time for you to read the book, too. The series had been in pre-production for a few years, so now would be the best time to read Malibu Rising.
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