Netflix’s New Harlan Coben Thriller Could Become His First Long-Running Mystery Franchise With 12 Books to Explore

Netflix has enjoyed considerable success adapting Harlan Coben’s bestselling thrillers, with shows such as The Stranger and Fool Me Once attracting audiences through complicated mysteries, buried secrets and unexpected revelations.

However, most of these adaptations share one limitation: their stories conclude after a single season.

The streamer’s upcoming Myron Bolitar series could change that approach entirely.

Starring Colin Woodell and based on Coben’s 12-book crime franchise, the new thriller has enough source material to develop into a long-running television drama rather than another standalone mystery.

Myron Bolitar Introduces a Different Kind of Crime Investigator

The series follows Myron Bolitar, a former basketball prospect whose dreams of playing in the NBA ended after a serious injury.

Forced to abandon his athletic career, Myron becomes a sports agent representing professional athletes.

However, his responsibilities frequently extend beyond negotiating contracts and managing careers.

When clients become entangled in disappearances, blackmail, murders and dangerous secrets, Myron finds himself investigating crimes that put his own safety at risk.

The character first appeared in Coben’s 1995 novel Deal Breaker.

Over the following decades, the author expanded his adventures across 11 additional books, concluding the series with Think Twice in 2024.

That extensive literary history gives Netflix an unusually large collection of mysteries to adapt.

Unlike Fool Me Once or The Stranger, which were designed around self-contained narratives, Myron Bolitar could introduce a new investigation each season while continuing to develop its central characters.

Colin Woodell Leads an Impressive Ensemble Cast

Colin Woodell takes on the title role, supported by several familiar television performers.

KJ Apa plays Windsor Horne Lockwood III, better known as Win, Myron’s wealthy and dangerous best friend.

While Myron generally favors a more measured approach, Win is willing to use intimidation and violence to resolve difficult situations.

Their contrasting personalities and moral perspectives form one of the most important relationships in Coben’s novels.

Diane Guerrero portrays Esperanza Diaz, a former professional wrestler who helps manage the daily operations of MB Sports.

Esperanza’s close working relationship with Myron provides another continuing connection that could develop across multiple seasons.

The cast also includes Bebe Neuwirth and Griffin Dunne as Myron’s parents, Ellen and Alan Bolitar.

Together, these characters offer something Coben’s previous Netflix adaptations rarely provide: an established group of friends, colleagues and relatives whose relationships can evolve alongside new criminal investigations.

The Lincoln Lawyer Creator Is Behind the New Thriller

Netflix has assembled an experienced creative team to bring Coben’s characters to television.

David E. Kelley and Kyle Long serve as co-showrunners.

Kelley has an extensive background in character-driven legal and crime dramas, including Big Little Lies and Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer.

His experience balancing complicated relationships with high-stakes investigations could prove particularly valuable for Myron Bolitar.

The series must establish a compelling central mystery while introducing characters capable of sustaining multiple future stories.

Netflix has confirmed that the adaptation is inspired by Coben’s novels, although the streamer has not revealed how closely its first season will follow the books.

Harlan Coben’s Books Offer Even More Spin-Off Potential

The 12 main novels are not the only stories connected to Myron Bolitar.

Coben also wrote a young adult trilogy centered on Myron’s nephew, Mickey Bolitar, beginning with Shelter in 2011.

Prime Video previously adapted that novel into its own television series.

Meanwhile, Win Lockwood received a standalone novel in 2021, creating another possible avenue for future adaptations.

Although Netflix has not announced any spin-offs, the wider literary universe provides opportunities to explore supporting characters beyond the central series.

Could Myron Bolitar Become Netflix’s Next Major Crime Franchise?

Despite its considerable potential, Myron Bolitar has not yet secured a long-term future.

The series is currently in production, with Netflix yet to announce an official release date or confirm additional seasons.

Having 12 novels available does not guarantee that the adaptation will run for 12 seasons.

Its future will depend on the reception of its debut and whether audiences connect with Woodell’s portrayal of the unconventional investigator.

Nevertheless, the combination of an established literary franchise, a recognizable supporting cast and experienced showrunners gives the project a strong foundation.

For a streaming service known for successful standalone Harlan Coben mysteries, Myron Bolitar represents an opportunity to build something considerably bigger.