Dangerous Liaisons series in development at Netflix

Netflix has opened a writers' room for Dangerous Liaisons, a modern adaptation of the classic tale of manipulation and seduction.Dangerous Liaisons comes from Nicole Lecky, known for Mood, in collaboration with Drew Comins’ Creative Engine (Yellowjackets) and Fifth Season, with whom Creative Engine has a first-look deal. The project is being developed through Netflix UK, and the writers' room is located in London.


Nicole Lecky

The series is inspired by the 18th-century French novel but shifts the story to London in 2025. It is described as a globally operating, emotionally gripping, and distinctly erotic thriller. The modern adaptation unabashedly explores themes such as power, wealth, race, and romance, within the context of the unabashed sexual desires of both the British elite and the new super-rich.

Lecky is writing the series and also serves as an executive producer. Netflix preemptively acquired the project a few months ago with the promise that a writers' room would be established.

Lecky won two BAFTAs for her debut series Mood (BBC) in 2023, based on her play Superhoe. She has been on Netflix's radar since receiving the Netflix New Talent Award in 2022. Her next BBC series, the thriller Wild Cherry, premieres this month.

Drew Comins and Creative Engine are also working on multiple projects at Netflix, including a series adaptation of Adam Silvera’s YA novel They Both Die at the End, written by Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen and produced by Bad Bunny, as well as a project by Lena Dunham titled Covers.

Over the years, there have been many different adaptations of Dangerous Liaisons. Netflix released a French film version in 2022, set in a high school. Other recent adaptations include the Starz series Dangerous Liaisons, Prime Video’s Cruel Intentions, and The Seduction (Merteuil) from HBO Max, which premiered last week.