Meryl Streep to Star in Series Adaptation of Jonathan Franzen’s ‘The Corrections’ for CBS Studios

No network or streamer for this one yet, but the author is adapting his book for the screen and executive producing.

One of the most celebrated American novels of the 21st century may finally be coming to the screen, and it’s bringing one of the most celebrated American actors of the 20th century to help tell it.

Meryl Streep is set to star in a series adaptation of Jonathan Franzen‘s 2001 novel “The Corrections,” which Franzen himself will adapt for television. Franzen will also executive produce, as confirmed to IndieWire by a person with knowledge of the project.

The series is being set up at CBS Studios with executive producers Mark Roybal and Nicole Clemens. “The Corrections” doesn’t yet have a network or streamer attached, but the producers are bringing it to market soon.

CBS Studios declined to comment.

This particular version of “The Corrections” was originally slated to be at Paramount Television Studios, but amid Paramount layoffs, the entire Television Studios division shut down in August 2024.

There have also been several stabs at bringing “The Corrections” to the screen. First, there was a film adaptation that never materialized. The most notable project was set up as a TV series at HBO, with Noah Baumbach leading the charge. The announced cast included Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Dianne Wiest, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Greta Gerwig, Rhys Ifans, and even potentially James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem fame, who later collaborated with Baumbach on “White Noise.”

Baumbach previously said he had even shot part of a pilot with that cast, but HBO passed on the series and it never saw the light of day.

“The Corrections” follows three generations of a dysfunctional Midwestern family as they gather for what could be their last Christmas together. The novel jumps between decades as the family reflects on their shared memories. Franzen’s book investigates the ties that bind and the divisions that keep those closest separated. The novel won the National Book Award in 2001.

Actress Streep is appearing on the current season of “Only Murders in the Building” and in recent years has been fairly active on television, including roles in “Extrapolations” and “Big Little Lies” Season 2.

Puck first reported the news that “The Corrections” series was in the works.