Continuing Netflix’s substantial success in the young adult genre, Netflix is ​​reportedly considering an adaptation of Amber Dermont’s 2012 novel, the starboard sea.

By good readshere is the official description of the 2012 novel:

“Set against the backdrop of the 1987 stock market crash, The Starboard Sea is an examination of the abuses of class privilege, the mutability of sexual desire, the thrill and risk of competitive sailing, and the adult cost of life. adolescent recklessness. It is a powerful and compelling novel about a young man navigating the depths of his emotional life, finding his moral center, trying to forgive himself, and accepting the gift of love.»

The novel became a New York Times bestseller in 2012 and was featured in the NY Times’ list of most notable books of the year.

the starboard sea demon amber book cover

Cover of the book The Starboard Sea


Netflix is ​​reportedly developing the book adaptation

News of a Netflix adaptation in the works broke in an LA Times article investigating the efforts in the young adult space, looking at their current list of movies and series designed to be «the new CW for Gen Z.» The article also discussed Netflix’s expansion at events like the recently held Poguelandia concert in Los Angeles.

The full quote from the Los Angeles Times article is as follows:

“Netflix’s slate includes new youth-oriented shows like ‘XO, Kitty,’ a spin-off of ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’; «One Piece,» a manga-based pirate adventure; and «My Life With the Walter Boys,» based on Ali Novak’s book of the same name. New teen movies include «True Spirit,» about a real-life sailor; and “Damsel,” starring Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”). In a previously unannounced deal, Netflix has a project in development inspired by Amber Dermont’s book «The Starboard Sea.»

Beyond the passing mention in the article, of course, the details are very light beyond the fact that it’s in development. It is unclear if it will take the form of a series or a movie and no talent has been attached.

A 2022 copyright filing suggests that anonymous content will be behind the adaptation for Netflix.

The subsidiary company of Propaganda Films has partnered with Netflix on many projects in the past and has a few in development as well. Previous projects include Maniac, 13 reasons why and the OA. Upcoming TV projects include thrown, child swallow universe, Overlooked, east of Edenand the 39 steps. On the film side, they have worked on To worth, The stranger, and the midnight sky for netflix.


We will be watching for any further developments in the starboard sea How and when we got them.

Let us know in the comments if you’d like to see an adaptation of The Starboard Sea in the comments below.