Tiny Beautiful Things: Everything We Know So Far About Kathryn Hahn's Hulu Series
Kathryn Hahn. That's it, that's the article.
In all seriousness, a new series starring the talented and hilarious actress has been picked up. Deadline broke the news in June 2022 that an adaptation of "Tiny Beautiful Things," an essay collection by writer Cheryl Strayed, is in the works. It is expected to run for eight episodes on the Hulu streaming service. Strayed initially wrote these essays as part of her "Dear Sugar" advice column on The Rumpus, which became popular due to her candid answers.
When the show was announced, Hulu Originals President Craig Erwich said in a statement the show will help instill "a sense of community and camaraderie at a moment we most [need] it," and we are hoping that is the case. Even if it turns out to be mushy beyond belief, at least we'll get Hahn in a new role. What's not positive about that?
With the series now approaching its premiere date, it's time we refresh ourselves on what we can expect. Here's what we know about Hulu's "Tiny Beautiful Things."
When and where to watch Tiny Beautiful Things
"Tiny Beautiful Things" will stream on Hulu beginning on April 7. It's also unclear whether the show will release all its episodes at once or if it'll have a weekly schedule — the platform has seen success with weekly releases with shows such as "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Under The Banner of Heaven," but there is always the possibility that all of the episodes will be released at the same time. It's the streaming age. Rules no longer exist.
However, Hulu wasn't always going to be the network that aired "Tiny Beautiful Things." In fact, rumblings of an adaptation go as far back as 2015. Deadline reported at the time that the show was being optioned at HBO, although things obviously did not move forward with the cable network. Hopefully, with a star and a strong creative team properly attached, this version of "Tiny Beautiful Things" will shine on our screens.
What Tiny Beautiful Things will be about
From the sounds of it, "Tiny Beautiful Things" won't be your average feel-good dramedy. In fact, it may have some darker and more existential elements to it. Don't believe us? Read the synopsis provided by Hulu below:
"Based on the best-selling collection by Cheryl Strayed, 'Tiny Beautiful Things' follows Clare (Hahn) a floundering writer who becomes a revered advice columnist while her own life is falling apart. When we first meet Clare, her marriage to her husband Danny is barely limping along; her teenage daughter, Rae, is pushing her away; and her once-promising writing career is non-existent. So when an old writing pal asks her to take over as the advice columnist Dear Sugar, she thinks she has no business giving anyone advice. After reluctantly taking on the mantle of Sugar however, Clare's life unfurls in a complex fabric of memory, exploring her most pivotal moments from childhood through present days, and excavating the beauty, struggle, and humor in her unhealed wounds.
Now, this is a juicy story. It is expected to draw from the real life of Strayed, who unexpectedly took over the column at the behest of her friend, Steve Almond. It is also unclear what essays will be highlighted in the series, as there are a total of 56 published in the book. Given how we only have eight confirmed episodes, a multi-season series is a possibility if the show generates enough buzz.
What we know about the Tiny Beautiful Things cast and crew
As seen in the official synopsis, Hahn has been confirmed to play the main character of Clare. This appears to be an entirely new character that is only based on Strayed and not directly influenced by her real journey. It is also unclear who will play the stand-in for Almond, as well as what that character's name will be. Regardless, it is pretty much a given that audiences are going to fall in love with Clare, because she's Kathryn freakin' Hahn. Sarah Pidgeon, Quentin Plair, and Tanzyn Crawford have been confirmed as series regulars, while guest stars will include Merritt Weaver, Owen Painter, Elizabeth Hinkler, and Michaela Watkins.
Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern are on-board the project as executive producers, with both Strayed and Hahn also taking up executive producing duties. Witherspoon, Dern, and Strayed previously worked together to adapt the latter's memoir "Wild" to the big screen in 2014. Liz Tigelaar will serve as the show's executive producer and creator. Other executive producers include Stacey Silverman, Jayme Lemons, and Lauren Neustadter.So, with all of this in mind, we just have one final plea. Can it please be a star-studded anthology where big names write to Hahn's character with relatable problems? It's what the people want.
"Tiny Beautiful Things" will release on April 7 on Hulu.