When Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, was released in 2022, nobody could have predicted its rise to fame. Sparking conversations about the dark side of child stardom, eating disorders, and grief, the book resonated with millions. Now, Apple TV+ is bringing that story to a streaming device near you. If you’ve been on the fence about subscribing, you won’t want to miss this newest addition to their Originals lineup.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Trigger Warning: The mention of substance abuse, body shaming and eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sexually predatory behavior may be triggering for some readers. Please exercise personal care when reading.
In the memoir, McCurdy discusses her complicated relationship with her mother, which shaped her childhood. The book reached more than 80 weeks on the NYT Best Seller List and reached the hearts of millions who enjoyed iCarly on Nickelodeon. Throughout the book, we get an inside look at what it was like living as a child star with the pressure of Jennette’s mother and the abuse that she endured at home.
When discussing her memoir, Jennette McCurdy says, “I’ve been so touched by how much the emotional thrust of the story has connected with people, which I see as being my relationship with my mom. That’s an important and complicated relational dynamic to explore, and to see that people are responding to it has been amazing. And to see people responding to the humor of it and the aspect of exploring eating disorders and complicated grief, it’s really been incredible.” Now, Apple TV+ is betting big on bringing the complicated dynamic of their relationship to the screen.
TV Series Announcement
Based on child star Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, Apple Studios is developing a 10-episode dramatic comedy. The show is being advertised as a “heartbreaking and hilarious recounting of Jennette McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother. The Dramedy will center on the codependent relationship between an 18-year-old actress in a hit kids’ show, and her narcissistic mother who relishes in her identity as ‘a starlet’s mother.’”
The show will star Jennifer Aniston playing Debra, Jennette’s mother. The 18-year-old actress playing the part of Jennette is unknown as of the time of publication. Jennette McCurdy and Ari Katcher, known for their work on Ramy, The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, and On the Count of Three, will co-write and showrun the series. The two will serve as executive producers alongside Jennifer Aniston, who is best known for Friends and has also begun producing titles such as Murder Mystery and The Morning Show.
Other executive producers include Sharon Horgan, who is credited with co-creating Bad Sisters on Apple TV+. Stacy Greenberg, who is known for Proven Innocent on Prime Video. Dani Gorin, Tom Ackerley, and Josey McNamara are producing as part of LuckyChap. Margot Robbie’s entertainment company is best known for its association with Barbie. Jerrod Carmichael boasts executive producer roles from Ramy and The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show under his belt. Erica Kay is most known for the television series Fosse/Verdon and Mr. Robot.
What’s Next
With some of the heavier themes included in McCurdy’s memoir, fans are interested to see how some of the themes will be addressed in the show. However, I am trusting in Jennette’s writing skills, which she advertised in her memoir. Nuanced themes were easily traversed, and complex themes of her childhood were brought to light. I am almost as intrigued as I was when the book first hit the shelves. As raw and unfiltered as the memoir was, I’m hoping the series will introduce a bit more comedy into the drama.
Beyond the childhood stardom, the relationship McCurdy had with her mother displays the dysfunction for what it is. It is as harmful as it is necessary to talk about these things. Putting the dynamic of their relationship on display will once again find those people who were already commiserating and relating to McCurdy’s story. That being said, it will still be a difficult watch for some, as the trigger warning list for the book alone is already so long.
Whether you’re an Apple TV+ veteran or a devoted stream hopper, make time in your calendar for I’m Glad My Mom Died. In the meantime, we want to hear from you. Tell us who you think is going to be cast as Jennette on social media!
Check out this article on Bookstr for more about Jennette McCurdy and her memoir.
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