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Netflix is moving forward with a new series adaptation of The Nanny Diaries, bringing fresh life to the bestselling novel that first captured readers in 2002. The project already carries strong creative backing, with Scarlett Johansson attached as an executive producer. Johansson previously starred in the 2007 film version of the story, making her return to the property a notable full circle moment.
The upcoming series is based on the number one New York Times bestseller by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. It will be written and executive produced by Amy Chozick and Jenny Bicks, who will also serve as showrunners. Both bring significant experience to the project, with Chozick known for The Girls on the Bus and Bicks recognized for her work on Sex and the City. The series is being produced under Greg Berlanti’s Berlanti Productions in partnership with Warner Bros Television, continuing Berlanti’s long standing collaboration with the studio.
At the center of The Nanny Diaries is Annie, a struggling aspiring writer who takes a nanny job with a wealthy Upper East Side family. What begins as a practical decision quickly turns into something more complicated. Annie finds herself immersed in a world defined by privilege, excess, and hidden tensions. When she gets the opportunity to write a book exposing the lives of the ultra rich, she begins living a double life. As she grows closer to the family she works for, especially her enigmatic employer, Annie must navigate the emotional cost of telling a story that could change everything.
The idea for adapting the novel into a series reportedly came during the filming of Fly Me to the Moon, a 2024 movie directed by Greg Berlanti and starring Johansson. Their collaboration sparked discussions about revisiting the story in a format that allows for deeper exploration of its themes and characters. The series format offers more room to examine the social dynamics, moral conflicts, and personal growth that sit at the heart of Annie’s journey.
The original novel, written by two former nannies, has been translated into more than twenty languages and remains widely recognized for its sharp look at wealth and class. Its earlier film adaptation featured a strong cast including Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti, and Chris Evans, but the new series aims to expand the narrative with a more detailed and modern approach.
This project also fits into Netflix’s broader strategy of adapting popular books for the screen. Book based content has proven to be a major driver of viewership for the platform, consistently appearing in its global top rankings. The continued success of literary adaptations highlights the demand for stories that already have a strong connection with audiences.
With experienced showrunners, a proven story, and Johansson’s involvement behind the scenes, The Nanny Diaries series is shaping up to be a significant addition to Netflix’s growing lineup of book to screen projects.
