Sarah Michelle Gellarwill star in and produce an adaptation of a best selling thriller novel that has similarities toThe White Lotus. Gellar has seen a recent return to major roles on TV shows in recent years, having a starring role as Kristen Ramsey in supernatural teen dramaWolf Pack, followed by a recurring role as Tanya Martin on the cast ofDexter: Original Sin. She will also be starring in anupcomingBuffy the Vampire Slayerrevival, where she’ll reprise her role as the titular Slayer.
Now, according toDeadline,Gellar will star in and executive produce a TV adaptation ofBad Summer People, a 2023 bestseller by Emma Rosenblum. Produced by Linden Productions and A+E Studios, the drama will be written by Cara DiPaolo, producer ofNo Good DeedandDead to Me. The show will focus on friends Jen Weinstein and Lauren Parker in Salcombe, Fire Island, a fictional town where a summer vacation causes “lifelong grudges and secrets” to be revealed. Check out what A+E Studios Co-Head of Creative Affairs Tana Jamieson had to say about the adaptation below:
Bad Summer Peopleis a deliciously sharp and addictive series. Emma’s novel practically leapt off the page, and in Cara’s hands—alongside a dream team of producers at Linden and the iconic Sarah Michelle Gellar—it becomes something even more unforgettable. This is the kind of bold, premium storytelling we’re proud to champion at A+E Studios.
DiPaolo will also serve as an executive producer, alongside Riva Marker and Deanna Barillari representing Linden Productions and JoAnne Colonna.
She’s Getting More Involved In New TV Projects
For some time, the star ofBuffy the Vampire Slayerwas appearing in various TV shows without a starring role, from guest starring in the TruTV sitcomThose Who Can’tto making a guest cameo inThe Big Bang Theoryin 2019. Now,Gellar’s career on TV is stronger than it’s been in quite some time. This includes her role as Tanya carrying over toDexter: Original Sinseason 2, along with the return of the supernatural show that brought her to the forefront of television.
The White Lotus Season 4: Confirmation & Everything We Know
Mike White’s bitting dark comedy series The Whit Lotus is one of TV’s crown jewels, and now it has already been renewed for a fourth season.
Bad Summer Peoplewill see her leading the adaptation, both behind and in front of the camera. Witha storyline that will be familiar to those who’ve seenThe White Lotus, Rosenblum’s novel has plenty of memorably unique characters coupled with intriguing drama in a luxurious location. The TV series is likely going to reflect this, although it’s unclear if the HBO show will influence how its events play out. Instead,Gellar’s TV performancewill likely harbor the spirit of the novel, no matter how similar or different to the comparative show.
Her Talent Makes Her Perfect For The Series' Lead
Given the memorable roles across her career, from Buffy to Tanya,Gellaris the perfect choice to lead a new drama that fills in a gap left by the wait for moreThe White Lotus. SinceBad Summer Peopleis currently in the works, more news about who will be portraying its various characters is likely to arrive in due time. For now, though, it seems like another step in the actor’s career as she continues to branch out into unique starring roles, her resurgence allowing her to tackle intriguing new projects.
