Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep has been confirmed for the lead role in a series adaptation of Jonathan Franzen’s novel, “The Corrections.” This upcoming project, originating from CBS Studios, will also see Franzen himself, along with Mark Roybal and Nicole Clemens, serving as executive producers. Although a network or streaming service has not yet been confirmed, the announcement has stirred considerable anticipation, largely due to Streep’s involvement.
The Plot Thickens: What is ‘The Corrections’ About?
“The Corrections” is a critically acclaimed novel centering on a Midwestern family grappling with their patriarch’s deteriorating health. This prompts a Christmas reunion, setting the stage for an exploration of various family dysfunctions. Enid Lambert, the matriarch, is yearning for some enjoyment in her golden years, but her husband Alfred’s battle with Parkinson’s disease complicates matters. Their three children, each with their own tumultuous lives, are also pulled into the narrative:
- Gary is a former portfolio manager fighting clinical depression.
- Chip has lost an academic job and is floundering in a new career.
- Denise has left a failed marriage and is caught up in a scandalous affair.
Their mother, Enid, hopes to unite the family for one memorable holiday gathering, despite the numerous personal challenges each member faces.
Meryl Streep: From Murder Mysteries to Family Dramas
Streep’s addition to “The Corrections” is a significant casting coup. She is currently dazzling audiences in the highly anticipated Season 4 of “Only Murders in the Building,” where her performance as Loretta in the previous season earned her an Emmy nomination. Before diving into this comedic crime series on Hulu, Streep showcased her versatility in notable TV roles including “Big Little Lies” Season 2, the environmental anthology “Extrapolations,” and the groundbreaking miniseries “Angels in America,” for which she secured both an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award.
A History of Adaptation Attempts
Interestingly, this is not the first time Franzen’s novel has been targeted for television adaptation. Back in 2011, HBO commissioned a pilot for “The Corrections,” starring Ewan McGregor and Dianne Wiest. However, despite the initial buzz, HBO decided not to move forward with the project. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the current CBS Studios adaptation, generating curiosity about how it will overcome the challenges that previously caused the HBO version to stall.
Production Buzz
With CBS Studios steering the ship and a powerhouse like Streep onboard, expectations are riding high. The fact that it still lacks a confirmed network or streaming home only adds to the suspense—any platform backing this project will undoubtedly draw significant attention. It’s a finely balanced game of chicken, where fans are eagerly waiting to see which streamer blinks first.
Closing Credits
The news of Meryl Streep’s involvement in “The Corrections” brings a potent mix of excitement and high expectations. With no attached network or streaming platform yet, the buzz around the project is likely to grow exponentially. Fans of Jonathan Franzen’s novel, along with admirers of Streep’s illustrious career, will be keeping a keen eye out for further updates as this intriguing adaptation develops. Will it finally see the light of day and do justice to Franzen’s work? Only time will tell.
Source: Variety