OWN now said to launch in 80 million homes in January.
'Time Traveler's Wife' Series Travels to ABC
"Friends'" Marta Kauffman to adapt the novel for the small screen.
Keywords
Slideshow
Since Arsenio Hall's groundbreaking show went off the air in the late 1990s, others have tried to diversify the late-night airwaves, with mixed results. Three new shows are tackling the issue again. Read more.
ABC is teaming with "Friends" creator Marta Kauffman and Warner Bros. Television to adapt "The Time Traveler's Wife" as a weekly series.
The news follows this weekend's successful opening of the motion-picture version of "Time Traveler's." Starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, the New Line movie grossed nearly $20 million in its first three days and served as successful counterprogramming to more male-dominated fare.
ABC's interest in the adaptation substantially pre-dates the movie, however. The network has been talking to Kauffman "for years" about bringing the project to the small screen, industry insiders said.
Kauffman will write and executive produce.
ABC executives believe the complex plot of the original novel will work well in series form, since Kauffman will be able to explore the romantic relationship at the core of the story over the course of several seasons.
Individual episodes will likely feature self-contained storylines as well.
ABC has given Warner's TV a pilot commitment for "Time Traveler's." It's not yet clear whether Brad Pitt's Plan B banner, which produced the movie version with New Line, will be involved.
First published as a novel in 2003, "Time Traveler's" revolves around a man named Henry (played by Bana in the movie) with a genetic disorder that results in spontaneous time travel. He ends up falling in love and marrying Clare (McAdams), an artist who patiently endures his frequent disappearances.
The novel was the debut for author Audrey Niffenegger.
Kauffman's most recent effort for ABC was two years ago, when she teamed with Goldie Hawn to develop the nonfiction book "Leap! What Will We Do with the Rest of Our Lives?"
Comments
Kareem Owete Says
Journeyman, anyone? Much better concept & NBC killed it before its time. With the lack of patience from TIC TAC TOE and Faux these days, Sci Fi has no chance; the only place it works is Sy-Fy [yech what a bad monicker!]
Monique Says
This is an absolutely horrible idea! The book was phenomenal. It's on my top five ever. The movie was good too. But a TV show is just an absolutely ridiculous idea. It will fail and alienate fans of the book.
Plugging my ears, and singing "Lalala" Says
A TV show?? NO!!! What a joke...next they'll want to market the Naked Henry-just-back-from-time-traveling Bobble-head and the Pregnant Clare Barbie. What crap! You want more Time Traveler's Wife? Read it again. Better still, for most people, read it a first time!
Elaine Taylor Says
I totally agree with the other comments. Journeyman was an excellent series with the exact same storyline. Shame the "powers that be" couldn't have given it more of a chance to shine and gain a bigger following. Making a new series out of the film is ridiculous. Bring back Journeyman - but only if you can prise Kevin McKidd from Greys Anatamy. Wouldn't be the same without him!
inflammatorywrit Says
Oh this is terrible news. This book should not be ruined anymore than it already has been. The film was horrendous and the novel is extraordinary. Let's leave well enough alone.
Gab Says
I find this an odd move, as I didn't think the film was that successful.... Perhaps a series will be a better format to draw out the romance and intrigue, which I didn't feel the film truly delivered on. See my review at: www.youtube.com/gabndad
cersmi Says
Romance Sucks - I read the book (at my husbands suggestion, he is a big SciFi/Fantasy guy) and saw the movie both of which I greatly enjoyed. That being said, not everyone thought the movie was awful. I loved the movie, they did a great job of pulling together a movie out of a book that had so much in it. Focusing on the relationship and the impact the time travel has on it was great. I recommend reading this book before seeing the movie so you have all the details so you have a better appreciation for the details that are not carried over into the movie.
It's Been Done - I am right there with you. Journeyman was the Time Travelers Wife, so why not bring it back. That was one of my must sees every week. Goes to show how important timing is to new programs.
romancesucks Says
???? what???
the movie bombed big time. 20 million is a poor result, and everyone said that the movie is awful.
abc should start producing real great interesting shows, like Lost.
all networks need to realize that romance is extremely boring. and yet networks are obsessed by romance stuff. and the ratings are all going down. that's why usa tv is dying.
It's been done! Says
Has this idea already been done? It was called "Journeyman" last year. A far too quick an end for an amazing story.
NEW COMMENT