For those who grew up reading the beloved book series The Baby-Sitter’s Club, we come bearing good news. Netflix is going for that nostalgic feels with a 10-episode reboot of the coming-of-age novels by Ann M. Martin.
The book series was able to sell over 176 million copies across its 131 titles that were published between 1986 to 2000. It was so successful that it spawned a ’90s HBO series, a 1995 movie, several graphic novels, and three spinoff book series. Now, Martin is crossing over to the digital platform as the writer and producer of the Netflix production of her books.
The Story
Just like the novels, Netflix’s The Baby-Sitter’s Club follows the adventures of a group of five best friends as they navigate their way through middle school while managing their growing babysitting business in Stoneybrook, Connecticut.
The series chronicles the entrepreneurial efforts of the BFFs starting from their launching to trying to get ahead of their competition. It will show how the five girls, who each have different personalities, work together to maintain their business and handle the usual problems that modern-day teens face.
Meet The Cast
Portraying the protagonists are new-blood young actresses: Sophie Grace as sporty and ambitious Kristy, Malia Baker as sensitive and shy Mary Anne, Momona Tamada as talented and creative Claudia, Shay Rudolph as fashionable and boy-crazy Stacey, and Xochitl Gomez as eco-conscious and passionate Dawn.
Clueless star Alicia Silverstone is also part of the cast. She plays the single mom Elizabeth Thomas-Brewer, who is Kristy’s selfless mother. Playing her character’s love interest is Royal Pains’ Mark Feuerstein, who will portray Watson Brewer on screen.
Joining Martin in the production are showrunner Rachel Shukert and executive producer-director Lucia Aniello. The series is developed and executive produced by Frank Smith, Naia Cucukov, and Michael De Luca of Walden Media.
When Can We Start Binge-Watching?
Although Netflix has not released an official release date yet, it is slated to come out sometime this year. The online streaming giant has announced in February 2019 that they have started the production of the upcoming series.
Netflix vice president of Kids & Family, Melissa Cobb, has noted that the themes of the cult-classic books still resonate three decades after it was published. It will still be able to inspire with its aspirational story about empowering young entrepreneurs.
In a statement, author Anne M. Martin expressed her amazement that there are fans who are still passionate about the books. She says that she is honored whenever she hears readers, who have since grown up, still feel that they can see themselves in the characters. Martin revealed that she looks forward to the new Netflix reboot sparking a new generation of readers and leaders around the world.