Five-Star Weekend Author Shares Unaccepted Show Change
Five-Star Weekend author Elin Hilderbrand was open to some modifications in the adaptation—except one aspect she was determined to keep intact.
“In recent adaptations of other works, there’s been quite a stir about the differences. It tends to upset people,” Hilderbrand, 56, shared with USA Today on Monday, July 13.
She recalled the controversy surrounding Netflix’s adaptation of The Perfect Couple and noted, “The issue with The Perfect Couple was that Netflix aimed for a six-episode murder mystery. While there are fantastic love stories in The Perfect Couple, they didn’t receive much focus because that wasn’t Netflix’s priority.”
Having experienced various adaptations of her books, Hilderbrand expressed her enthusiasm for The Five-Star Weekend.
“I strongly believe in the concept of adaptation,” she stated. “Changes need to be made for a book to translate well into engaging television. Readers can still enjoy the book—I hope they do!—but the show must maintain its own rhythm to keep viewers hooked with every episode.”
Hilderbrand credited showrunner Bekah Brunstetter for her ability to bring the narrative to life. “For me, it’s far more essential to have an exceptional series that deviates from the book than to produce something true to the novel but lacks quality,” she elaborated.
The one aspect Hilderbrand insisted remained unchanged was the setting.
“My primary concern was ensuring Nantucket was portrayed authentically and accurately,” she stated.
Hilderbrand’s The Five-Star Weekend follows a grieving food blogger who invites a best friend from each phase of her life to Nantucket after her husband’s tragic death. The official summary reveals that their weekend “unravels into chaos as hidden truths, scandalous gossip, and her husband’s concealed betrayal with one of the guests are revealed.”
In addition to Jennifer Garner in the lead role, The Five-Star Weekend features Gemma Chan, D’Arcy Carden, Regina Hall, Chloë Sevigny, Harlow Jane, and Timothy Olyphant.
“[Jennifer] sets the tone for the entire cast. She is thoughtful, intentional, inclusive, and exceptionally generous,” Hilderbrand remarked. “She embodies everything you’d expect from seeing her on screen.”
She added, “I really appreciate when someone in the cast takes the lead and fosters a supportive environment.”
Brunstetter, on the other hand, outlined her perspective on the series.
“So much change occurs in one’s 40s and 50s—and I’m not just indicating menopause or perimenopause, which have gained attention recently,” Brunstetter explained to Variety earlier this month. “Significant life transformations continue to unfold. Some women are striving to conceive. Others are navigating through divorce. Some are seeing their kids off to college. Some are experiencing love for the first time. Many are finding satisfaction in their careers for the first time.”
The Five-Star Weekend is currently available for streaming on Peacock.
