Super sleuths, if I could have your attention, please? Apple TV+ today announced a series order for Harriet the Spy, the first animated adaptation of the iconic children’s novel that chronicles the coming-of-age adventures of the irrepressible Harriet M. Welsch. Hailing from The Jim Henson Company and Rehab Entertainment, Harriet the Spy is set in 1960's New York when the original book was published.
The upcoming adaptation stars Golden Globe and SAG Award-nominee Beanie Feldstein, who will star as ‘Harriet’ a fiercely independent, adventurous, curious eleven-year-old girl. More than anything, Harriet wants to be a writer, and in order to be a good writer you need to know everything, and in order to know everything, you have to be a spy! Joining Feldstein is Emmy Award-winner Jane Lynch, who will voice the role of ‘Ole Golly,’ Harriet’s larger-than-life no-nonsense nanny. Also, keep your ears open for Lacey Chabert as Marion Hawthorne, the ringleader of a group of smug, popular girls at Harriet’s school.
Originally published in 1964, Harriet the Spy has remained an iconic and inspiring novel and series of books for generations. The quirky and curious character even got her own big-screen adaption in 1996 from director Browen Hughes, with Michelle Trachtenberg in the lead role.
Per today's official press release:
The new Apple Original series based on the book by Louise Fitzhugh will be written and executive produced by Will McRobb (co-creator of the award-winning and acclaimed The Adventures of Pete & Pete). Sidney Clifton (“Black Panther,” “Me, Eloise”) will be the producer. Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford will executive produce on behalf of The Jim Henson Company, and John W. Hyde and Terissa Kelton will executive produce for Rehab Entertainment. Wendy Moss-Klein and Nancy Steingard of 2 Friends Entertainment will also serve as executive producers. Titmouse Animation Studios will animate the series.