Beloved YA Mystery Series ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ to Become Television Series
The popular young adult book series Murder Most Unladylike, known for its engaging mysteries and strong female characters, is being adapted into a six-episode television series, it was announced today.
StudioCanal Television, through its StudioCanal Stories division, is partnering with Strong Film + Television and Unladylike Productions – a new company founded by series author Robin Stevens – to bring the books to the screen. Anna McCleery will serve as the series writer, with James Strong directing. StudioCanal Stories, launched in 2024, focuses on adapting literary works for television and film, while Strong Film + Television received investment from StudioCanal in 2023. The series will consist of 45-minute episodes.
The Murder Most Unladylike books, published in the U.K. by Puffin and in the U.S. by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, have sold over three million copies worldwide. The adaptation aims to capture the spirit of Agatha Christie-style whodunnits while highlighting themes of female empowerment and friendship, appealing to a broad family audience. “We are delighted to be working with the exceptionally talented Robin Stevens, Anna McCleery and the Strong Film + Television team to bring Murder Most Unladylike to life,” said M-K Kennedy, Managing Director of StudioCanal Television. “The lead characters Daisy and Hazel are a duo worthy of Watson & Holmes stature.”
Stevens expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “It has always been my dream to bring Hazel and Daisy and their world to life on screen, and I can’t think of better partners to make that dream a reality.” McCleery added, “I could not love these books more; they are clever, thrilling and bursting with humour and heart.” The success of book-to-screen adaptations, like Wednesday, demonstrates the growing demand for content based on established literary properties. Production is expected to begin shortly, with an anticipated release date to follow.
