Harlan Coben’s latest series, “Lazarus,” is set to premiere on Prime Video on October 22, 2023, marking a significant shift for the renowned author. Coben, who has closely associated his name with Netflix through a successful adaptation deal, is now branching out to a rival platform. This move raises questions about the future of his relationship with Netflix, particularly given the popularity of his previous works.
Coben has built a strong reputation as a bestselling author, with adaptations such as “The Stranger,” “Missing You,” and “Fool Me Once” available on Netflix. His partnership with the streaming giant began with a five-year contract, which is set to conclude in 2025. Many anticipated that “Lazarus” would signal the end of Coben’s Netflix era, but discussions with the author and his team reveal a more nuanced situation.
“Prime Video has been a wonderful partner in this, and Netflix has been a wonderful partner in other shows,” Coben stated. He expressed his appreciation for both platforms, emphasizing that his team feels fortunate to collaborate with them. Coben’s positive remarks suggest an openness to future projects on either service, contradicting the notion that “Lazarus” signifies a definitive departure from Netflix.
Co-creator of “Lazarus,” Danny Brocklehurst, echoed Coben’s sentiments about maintaining strong relationships with both platforms. He acknowledged the unexpected success of “Fool Me Once,” which set a high bar but cautioned against the pressure to replicate that achievement. “None of us expected it to go so big, and it was fantastic,” Brocklehurst noted. “But I don’t think you can necessarily expect that you’re going to have that kind of hit every time.”
The dynamics between the two streaming services could create a unique environment for Coben’s future projects. While Prime Video boasts about 250 million subscribers, it still lags behind Netflix, which has over 230 million subscribers. This disparity poses challenges for Prime Video in generating the same level of buzz surrounding “Lazarus” that Netflix enjoyed with Coben’s earlier series.
Coben’s strategy appears to involve diversifying his portfolio. In an ideal scenario, he envisions Netflix focusing on adaptations of his novels while Prime Video explores original scripts crafted with Brocklehurst. This approach would allow each platform to leverage Coben’s storytelling prowess while catering to their respective audiences.
As of now, other projects based on Coben’s work are reportedly in various stages of development. Fans and followers of the author can look forward to more adaptations and original content in the near future.
In an industry where partnerships can often be fraught with tension, the relationship between Harlan Coben and both streaming giants stands out as a model of collaboration. With “Lazarus” set to hit screens soon, audiences can anticipate what will emerge from this evolving landscape in the world of streaming content.
