Netflix’s Next Harlan Coben Thriller Series Could Become Its Biggest Franchise Yet

Lately, Netflix has been facing a serious drop in viewership, which could be caused by anything from long waits between seasons of a particular show to an increasing lack of interest in its signature binge-release model. One area where Netflix is still at the top of its game, however, is the thriller genre. In fact, the hugely popular writer Harlan Coben just provided the source material for one of Netflix’s biggest hits, I Will Find You. After several weeks on the charts, the show is close to becoming one of Netflix’s top 10 most-watched shows ever. So, it makes perfect sense that the streamer is now moving forward with an adaptation of Coben’s longest-running thriller series.

What Is ‘Myron Bolitar’ About?

One of Coben’s most successful undertakings has been the Myron Bolitar series, which debuted with Deal Breaker in 1995 and has so far run for twelve books, with the latest, Think Twice, releasing in 2024. The series has also inspired a YA spin-off, Shelter, in 2011, and a standalone novel, Win, in 2021. The main novels follow the titular character, a once-famous basketball player who leaves his days of competing behind to run a sports agency.

Somehow, Myron’s decision to become an agent for athletes and celebrities leads to an even more thrilling (and dangerous) lifestyle when he falls into a complicated web of blackmail and murder. Myron will do anything he can to help his clients, even if it means putting his own safety at risk, and occasionally with the help of his loyal best friend, Win Lockwood, who acts as a sort of fixer for any problems Myron might encounter.

‘Myron Bolitar’s Formula Could Lead to Huge Success for Netflix

Given what we know so far about Myron Bolitar, it seems like Netflix’s upcoming adaptation will be perfect for fans of shows like I Will Find You, Fool Me Once, and Run Away, which have all been massively successful for their binge-friendly format. With lots of source material to choose from, given the 12 books that have already been published, Myron Bolitar could easily become a tentpole show for Netflix, helping the streamer retain viewers in a time when they so desperately need a show to stake their claim on.

Legendary producer David E. Kelley (Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Presumed Innocent, Big Little Lies) will be teaming up with Kyle Long (Suits) to show-run, write, and executive produce the project. Pair that with Greg Yaitanes (House of the Dragon) directing episodes, and the series already has an impressive pedigree behind the scenes. Recent casting news has also created positive buzz for the series. Colin Woodell, who starred in Netflix’s recent drama, Pulse, has been cast as Myron, while Riverdale‘s KJ Apa will co-star as Win. A fantastic supporting cast includes Diane Guerrero, Jabari Banks, Chloe Fineman, Jamie McShane, Ben McKenzie, Bebe Neuwirth, and Griffin Dunne, ensuring that Myron Bolitar will be stacked with incredible talent.

It’s safe to assume that Myron Bolitar will be a success, as long as it strikes a chord with viewers. If this happens, Netflix can pull from a dozen different books to adapt in later seasons, for a show that already has the potential for long-term staying power. Coben has definitely been a valuable asset for Netflix, and now that Myron Bolitar has officially begun production, that shows no sign of changing any time soon.