Book-to-screen adaptations are hotter than ever, and the latest project to get the green light is sure to thrill fans of spicy fantasy and psychological drama. Universal Global Television has officially acquired the rights to adapt Jessica Knoll's new novel Helpless for television, with the author herself at the helm as writer and executive producer.
Knoll, known for her sharp, twisty thrillers like Luckiest Girl Alive (which became a 2022 Netflix film starring Mila Kunis) and Bright Young Woman (a fictionalized take on Ted Bundy's victims, also headed for TV), has now turned her attention to something a bit more... romantic. Helpless, which hit shelves on July 7, was inspired by a question Knoll kept hearing: “Why do so many women harbor these taboo sexual fantasies?” The result is a novel that draws clear inspiration from Sarah J. Maas' massively popular A Court of Thorns and Roses series—a blend of fantasy, romance, and dark desire that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
In a statement, Knoll couldn't hide her excitement: “With ‘Helpless,’ I wrote the book I’ve been dying to read, and I’m so excited to make the show I’ve been dying to watch. Stacey Sher has produced so many of my favorite adaptations, and working alongside her and the talented team at Universal Global Television feels like I’ve scratched off a winning lotto ticket.” Sher, a two-time Academy Award nominee, is also on board as executive producer.
The news comes as the appetite for novel adaptations shows no signs of slowing. Just look at the massive success of Project Hail Mary, the Ryan Gosling sci-fi film based on Andy Weir's novel, which earned over $683 million worldwide and became a streaming sensation. Meanwhile, Netflix's I Will Find You, the latest Harlan Coben adaptation, has racked up over 85 million views, proving audiences can't get enough of stories that start on the page and end up on the screen. For more on the trend, check out our list of the best sci-fi movies based on books.
Knoll's previous work has already shown her knack for crafting compelling, female-driven narratives. Luckiest Girl Alive was a gripping exploration of trauma and survival, while Bright Young Woman reframed a true-crime story through the eyes of its victims. Now, with Helpless, she's diving into the messy, complicated world of desire—and it's clear she's not holding back. The novel has been described as her spiciest yet, blending the fantasy elements of Maas' world with Knoll's signature psychological edge.
Universal Global Television's acquisition is a major vote of confidence, and with Knoll writing and executive producing, fans can expect a faithful yet fresh adaptation. The project is still in early development, but given the buzz around the book and the track record of everyone involved, it's one to watch. For more on the growing trend of book-to-TV adaptations, don't miss our piece on why 'The Raven Cycle' desperately needs a TV adaptation now.
As the streaming wars heat up, Universal is betting big on literary IP. With Helpless, they've got a story that taps into the same fervent fanbase that made A Court of Thorns and Roses a phenomenon—and a writer who knows how to deliver twists that keep you turning pages (or, in this case, hitting 'next episode'). Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on this and other exciting adaptations.
