Dean Unglert Reveals Why He and Lesley Murphy Broke Up

Dean Unglert and Lesley Murphy were one of the few couples to come out of the recent Bachelor: Winter Games spinoff. But the pair broke up after only a few months of dating, and now Unglert is opening up for the first time about the reasons for the split.

“Sometimes two people aren’t meant to be together and I think neither of us wanted to drag it on longer than we had to,” Unglert revealed to ET. “Like, if this isn’t your forever person, then you should kind of nip it in the bud, and four months to end a relationship is better than 12 months, if it’s not going to marriage and kids and all that kind of stuff.”

Unglert and Murphy met while filming Winter Games in January 2018 and ended the series with a fake proposal that actually turned out to be Unglert giving his girlfriend a key to his house. By early April, cryptic Instagramposts from both hinted at a breakup, and later that month, Unglert confirmed that they had split but declined to comment on the details.

Following the end of the relationship, however, Unglert revealed that he had sought therapy to help him deal with a number of personal issues. The reality star is currently single and told ET that he is still working on areas of growth.

“It’s just not really fair for me to bring someone into a relationship when I’m still uncertain of what I need to be in a happy relationship,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”

What do you think about Dean’s insights on his breakup with Lesley? Let us know @BritandCo.

(photo via John Sciulli/Getty Images for Thirst Project)

The Golden Bachelorette has officially been greenlit to be released this fall, and the very first Golden Bachelorette has officially been named!

Scroll on for everything we know about the upcoming TV show, including casting announcements and premiere date details.

Who is the Golden Bachelorette?

Joan Vassos, a 61 year-old school administrator, will star in the upcoming The Golden Bachelorspinoff as the Golden Bachelorette. She was a contestant on The Golden Bachelor's first season, but chose to leave the show to be with her daughter who was experiencing a medical emergency at the time.

The Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, shared his congratulations towards Joan via an Instagram post reading:

"Dear Joan, congratulations on being named the first ever Golden Bachelorette. You will be phenomenal as the new representative of a generation. From one Golden to another... relax, breathe, and enjoy. Gerry."

Winner of The Golden Bachelor, Theresa Nist, spread more love via Instagram Stories. She shared a few smiley photos of her and Joan together with the caption reading: "My dear friend, Joan, I am so excited for you!!"

Who will be part of "The Golden Bachelorette"?

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Jonathan, Pascal, Pablo, Gregg, Jordan, David, Charles, R.J., Gil, Michael, Bill, Guy, Chock, Gary, Keith, Ken, Bob, Mark, Charles, Jack, Dan, Kim, Christopher, and Thomas

The men of The Golden Bachelorette have been announced and it looks like they're going to keep Joan on her toes because they're hot!

If you don't feel like counting, there's 24 sexy grandpas who'll be competing for a chance to win the #1 spot in Joan's romantic life and they have amazing backgrounds.

According to Entertainment Weekly, here's everything you need to know about them:

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Bill, Retired Videographer

Age: 68

City: Portland, OR

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Bob, Chiropractor

Age: 66

City: Marina Del Rey, CA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Charles K., Portfolio Manager

Age: 62

City: Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Charles L., Retired Financial Analyst

Age: 66

City: Philadelphia, PA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Chock, Insurance Executive

Age: 60

City: Wichita, KA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Christopher S., Contractor

Age: 64

City: West Babylon, NY

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Dan R., Private Investor

Age: 64

City: Naples, FL

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

David H., Rancher

Age: 68

City: Austin, TX

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Gary L., Retired Finance Executive

Age: 65

City: Palm Desert, CA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Gil R., Educator

Age: 60

City: Mission Viejo, CA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Gregg L., Retired University Vice President

Age: 64

City: Longboat Key, FL

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Guy C., Emergency Room Doctor

Age: 66

City: Reno, NV

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Jack L., Caterer

Age: 68

City: Chicago, IL

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Jonathan R., Shipping Consultant

Age: 61

City: Oakland, IA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Jordan H., Sales Manager

Age: 61

City: Chicago, IL

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Keith G., Girl Dad

Age: 62

City: San Jose, CA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Ken O., Property Management Treasurer

Age: 60

City: Peabody, MA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Kim B., Retired Navy Captain

Age: 69

City: Seattle, WA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Mark A., Army Veteran

Age: 57

City: Leesville, LA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Michael S., Retired Banking CEO

Age: 65

City: Denver, NC

Pablo, Retired UN Agency Advisor

Age: 63

City: Cambridge, MD

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Pascal, Salon Owner

Age: 69

City: Chicao, IL

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

R.J., Financial Advisor

Age: 66

City: Irvine, CA

Disney/Ricky Middlesworth

Thomas H., FDNY Chief

Age: 62

City: New York, NY

When will "The Golden Bachelorette" air?

Disney/Ramona Rosales

The Golden Bachelorette airs September 18 on ABC! You'll also be able to stream episodes on Hulu.

Watch The Full Trailer For "The Golden Bachelorette"

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

How can I watch "The Golden Bachelorette"?

According to ABC, The Golden Bachelorette will air on ABC and be available to stream on Hulu the following day. Historically, the different installments of The Bachelor have aired on Thursdays at 8pm ET.

What is the cast of "The Golden Bachelor" up to now?

It just so happens that our most beloved contestants from The Golden Bachelor, Kathy and Susan, have been working on a podcast titled Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour. They've posted tons of episodes dishing on The Golden Bachelor experience.

The pair definitely showed some real chemistry during the first-ever Golden Bachelor, and the podcast is a true testament to their friendship.

“We can finish each other's sentences,” Susan told PhillyVoice about Kathy. “We're night and day, but yet we're the same in a sense. We just roll off each other, and it's so easy.”

As far as the winners of The Golden Bachelor, Gerry and Theresa, things worked out for a bit, but they mutually decided to end their marriage in April 2024. Many speculated that they split because they had settled down in different places of the country and found it hard to relocate for love.

“We looked at homes in South Carolina, we considered New Jersey, and we just looked at homes after home,” Theresa said during an interview on Good Morning America, “but we never got to the point where we made that decision.”

How successful was "The Golden Bachelor"?

According to Variety, the first installment of The Golden Bachelor reached about 43.4 million viewers, making it ABC’s most-watched unscripted premiere on Hulu. The finale amassed 6.1 million viewers, deeming it the biggest episode in Bachelor history in nearly 3 years.

We had so much fun watching the very first installment of The Golden Bachelor, that we just can’t wait to see the roles reversed for The Golden Bachelorette. The hype is very real!

Check back here for more updates on The Golden Bachelorette!

Header image via Disney/Ramona Rosales

This post has been updated.

I'm always keeping an eye out for any and every kind of update from the Bridgerton cast. From adorable red carpet reunions to the stars who are actually dating IRL, this is one cast that truly loves each other. And that love makes their onscreen interactions even better! While Bridgerton season 3 ended in June, and we probably won't see season 4 until 2026, we did just get a Bridgerton cast reunion that will totally hold us all over until we finally get new episodes.

Nicola Coughlan (who plays Penelope Featherington — er, Bridgerton — on the show) and Hannah Dodd (Francesca Bridgerton) reunited to sit front row at Gucci's Milan Fashion Week show on September 20. "Thank you @sabatods for a beautiful show and a class party after," Nicola said on Instagram, while Hannah added, "@sabatods you are magic. 💛 u @gucci - thank you for a gorgeous trip x."

The two actresses sat beside Daisy Edgar-Jones and Dakota Johnson, and looked stunning in complementary outfits that were totally giving Mary Kate and Ashley.

Hannah rocked a white button down and jeans with pointed-toe heels and a camel-colored bag, while Nicola paired the dreamiest capelet and white button down dress with bejeweled heels. And TBH, this duo has me dreaming about what Bridgerton would look like in 2024!

Netflix

Now that the Ton knows Penelope is Lady Whistledown, she's going to have all kinds of celebrity that would totally score her a front row ticket to fashion week in the present day. And as a former wallflower, I think Penelope sees and understands shy Francesca in a really special way.

Ahead of Bridgerton season 3, Nicola told Brit + Co that she loved seeing Penelope "finding her self-worth — that side of her I really loved getting to play." Hannah also admitted she feels a similar shyness to Francesca amid the buzz of joining the global phenomenon.

"I'm so excited to see what the writers come up with," she saidof Bridgerton's (and Francesca's) future. "I just hope she steps into herself a little bit more and kind of goes after things that make her happy, and knows that she's deserving of that. But I'm new here. So, like anything they give me, I'm gonna be happy with."

I can't wait to see how these characters continue to grow and evolve, and I hope we get another Bridgerton reunion soon!

Tell us your favorite Bridgerton cast moment in the comments and check out our interview with the cast!

We can't believe that the first season of The Golden Bachelor and the subsequent wedding are over! Where did the time go?! We thought Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, and winner of the show, Theresa Nist, would've drifted off into happily ever after, but we guess life had other plans for them since they're now getting divorced. It's certainly heartbreaking given how much they enjoyed spending time together, but only they know what's best for them!

Here's everything we know about their divorce following their publicized The Golden Bachelor wedding!

Theresa Nist Speaks Out About The End Of "The Golden Bachelor" Marriage

Image via John Fleenor/Disney

Theresa Nist took to Instagram to share her thoughts about the end of her marriage to Gerry Turner. She's aware that everyone has opinions about what happened, but she's asking for people to be considerate as they navigate a new process. She partially wrote, "For everyone else who is confused and angry and who does not understand, please try to find it in your heart to understand and to try a little kindness...Sometimes things don’t go the way you planned and that’s okay."

It seems like she's doing her best to remain positive in light of everything that's happened. We can only imagine how scary it is to open yourself up to love in the public eye and become the topic of everyone's conversation.

"The Golden Bachelor" Couple Are Ending Their Marriage

Image via Disney/John Fleenor

Just when we thought things were working well for "The Golden Bachelor" couple, they decided to announce the end of their short-lived marriage on Good Morning America. Gerry Turner told host Juju Chang, "Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations, and we’ve looked closely at our situation, our living situation, so forth and -- and we’ve kind of come to the conclusion mutually that it’s probably time for us to -- dissolve our marriage."

Theresa Nist clarified that she doesn't want the people who rooted for them to believe love and marriage are hopeless. "We want none of that to change for anybody," she said.

We're sure that they truly had a connection, but it's not easy trying to navigate merging your life with someone no matter how old you are. It seems that Gerry and Theresa couldn't bear the thought of one of them being separated from their families, ultimately resulting in the tough decision that getting married may not have been the best thing to do.

We hope that they take as much time as they need to continue navigating their decision to end their public marriage.

"The Golden Bachelor" Blended Family Went On "Celebrity Family Feud"

Disney / John Fleenor

Gerry and Theresa's newly-blended family revealed that they filmed an episode of Celebrity Family Feud in early April – and their opposing team wasn't that unfamiliar!

Theresa's daughter Jen posted some behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, noting that the family went up against more Bachelor Nation members like Joey Graziadei, Kelsey Anderson, Charity Lawson, Dotun Olubeko, Zach Shallcross, and Kaity Biggar for their episode of Celebrity Family Feud.

Jen also gave us loose details about when the episode would officially air, writing in the caption of her Instagram post: "you’ll have to watch to see how it went down but no I’m not really sure when it’s going to be on… August?!"

Gerry posted a little preview too, saying that he "had a GREAT time at Celebrity Family Feud with the blended family."

Gerry's daughter Angie seemed super excited about being on Celebrity Family Feud as well, writing in her Instagram post that her dreams were fulfilled being on the show.

"Since I was little I wanted to be on family feud," she wrote. "I would dream about it and assemble my team in my mind. Yesterday…it happened!!!! We played celebrity family feud!!! It was so much fun."

A Recap Of "The Golden Bachelor" Wedding

Disney / John & Joseph Photography

Gerry and Theresa got married during a live taping of The Golden Wedding, and there were hardly any dry eyes during their sweet ceremony. To help them celebrate their new nuptials, former The Golden Bachelor contestant Susan Noles was their officiant. It felt like a full circle moment for Bachelor Nation, because more familiar faces could be seen in the audience, like Trista and Ryan Sutter.

Peoplereports that Gerry and Theresa's respective daughters gave heartfelt speeches that touched everyone. Gerry's daughters Angie and Jenny shared how proud they are of their dad before turning their attention to Theresa. Jenny said, "he found a fantastic woman that is beautiful inside and out to spend the rest of his life with."

Theresa's daughter Jen echoed their sentiments. She said, "we're beyond thrilled that you’ve brought us together as family."

Towards the end of the ceremony, Gerry could be heard telling guests, "I have a whole new outlook on life because of this journey and because of this woman." So cute!

An Inside Look At The Golden Wedding

Disney / John & Joseph Photography

Jen Woolston, Amanda Nist

Gerry and Theresa's daughters were all smiles as they walked down the aisle.

Disney / John & Joseph Photography

Rob Young, Matt Woolston

Gerry and Theresa's son-in-laws also walked down the aisle in tailored navy blue suits.

Disney / John & Joseph Photography

Joey Graziadei, Faith Martin, Natascha Hardee, Brayden Bowers, and Christina Mandrell

The guests couldn't take their eyes off Gerry and Theresa! We love to see it!

Disney / John & Joseph Photography

A final look at the newlyweds!

Everything Gerry And Theresa Said About "The Golden Bachelor" Wedding

Disney / John Fleenor

After a long season, Gerry finally found his sweetheart. Theresa Nist, a financier from New Jersey, won the show with the ultimate gesture of love: a darling proposal from Gerry at the season finale! Despite the joyous ending, picking a final woman wasn't an easy decision for Gerry:

“I met some of the women and recognized they were beautiful and gracious and intelligent, but they weren't the right woman for me,” Gerry told People. “I had to find the right person.”

The lovely couple couldn't stop gushing about how thrilled they were as their big day approached. Their respective families are also over the moon, with Theresa's daughter and Gerry's granddaughters jumping on the opportunity to help celebrate.

“My daughter, she's seen a million weddings and she is incredible," Theresa said of her daughter, Jen. "She's put together the vision board. She's asking me, ‘Do you like this? Do you like this?’ And I go, ‘Wow, okay, I don't even have to do this. This is awesome.’ She's handling it pretty much.”

Gerry's daughters and granddaughters also attended the wedding.

“They're all involved,” he said. “There's a spot for every family member in the wedding party. We wouldn't have it any other way. It’s going to be spectacular.”

"The Golden Bachelor" Fantasy Suites Recap

Disney / John Fleenor

The Golden Bachelor fantasy suites episode followed Gerry and the last two contestants, Leslie and Theresa all the way to Costa Rica, where they were given the opportunity to get... closer.

Sure, the fantasy suites provides massive potential for physical connection (or "knocking boots," as Gerry put it), but the Golden Bach was focused on emotions more than anything this time around:

“[To] ask the difficult questions that are strictly between two people, and also have the opportunity to be physically intimate with each other,” he said on the show. “At this age, it’s more gentle, it’s slow, it’s something you can savor, because it’s something that’s the most special [thing] you can have.”

Before he could elicit official invites for the fantasty suites, Gerry took both women on some *quite* adventurous individual dates. He rappelled down a waterfall with Leslie, and rode horses through the wilderness with Theresa. At the end of each date, he asked each woman to join him in the fantasty suite.

Whether boots were knocked or not, it was hard to narrow down who Gerry was really into after the fantasy suites episode. He told both Leslie and Theresa "I love you," but Gerry ultimately made a decision about who won his heart over.

“I headed towards the end, I was really in conflict about several of the women,” Gerry told People. “As very specific events occurred, it really helped me gain clarity on what I wanted to do.”

When and where can I watch "The Golden Bachelor"?

www.youtube.com

Meet The Golden Bachelor - Coming to ABC This Fall

Since the series' first season is officially over, you can stream allThe Golden Bachelor episodes on Hulu.

Who's the first Golden Bachelor?

ABC / Brian Bowen Smith

71-year-old Gerry Turner is the leading man on the spin-off series. Describing himself as "71 years young," the Indiana-based widower, father of two, grandfather, and retired restauranteur believes that it's "never too late to fall in love again."

Gerry was previously married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, who died in 2017 after becoming ill just six weeks after she retired. In an interview with Good Morning America, Gerry said that in her last weeks, all Toni wanted for him was happiness.

"For a while, I was having a hard time figuring out if she was okay... but we always told each other, when one of us goes, we want the other to be happy. She's up there rooting. She's saying, 'Yeah, Gerry, do this!'"

What is "The Golden Bachelor" about?

ABC / John Fleenor

The Golden Bachelor gives seniors another shot at love, following one hopeless romantic in search of a partner to share their sunset years with. Promising to “showcase a whole new kind of love story,” the show carves out space for women who have a whole lifetime of experience living through love, loss, and laughter to meet their forever.

Each of the 22 women invited to the show hopes for a spark that ignites a future full of possibilities. In the end, the Golden Bachelor is set to find everlasting love in just one of them.

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71-year-old Gerry Turner announced as 1st 'Golden Bachelor' l GMA

Angie and Jenny, Gerry's two daughters, were "very excited" about their dad's role on The Golden Bachelor. When asked about what he was looking for in a future Mrs. Turner, he says he's looking for someone with "high energy," who might even play pickleball and golf. Even now, there's no slowing down Gerry!

How many women are a part of "The Golden Bachelor"?

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Meet the 22 Women Competing for the Golden Bachelor's Heart

The Golden Bachelor started with a total of 22 women who are 60+ years of age. We love that the series was intentional about featuring a cast who's near the same age group as Gerry.

Which contestants stood out the most?

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The Ladies Move Into the Mansion - The Golden Bachelor

Every season, there’s always a handful of contestants who make unforgettable first impressions, and this time was no different.

Some of the most noteworthy ladies from the show included Sandra, a 75-year-old retired executive assistant from Doraville, Georgia. The most seasoned of the bunch kicked her first interaction with Gerry off with a sensual meditation session where she proclaimed her love for the “F” and “S” words. Same girl, same.

Theresa, a 70-year-old financial services professional from Shrewsbury, New Jersey, bared it all on her first meeting with Gerry. It was her cake day after all, and she figured there was no better time to show off her birthday suit than the show's first episode. LOL.

Faith, a 60-year-old high school teacher from Benton City, Washington, exuded cool-girl energy with a head-turning stunt. Riding in on a motorcycle with hair whipping, and even shocking audiences with a guitar solo, there’s no surprise that she walked away with a little kiss (and the first impression rose).

One of our favorite step-outs of the first night was Leslie, 64, who left the limo in a gray wig, a muumuu nightgown, and a walker to boot. But – after pulling off the guise to reveal a show-stopping sparklingly dress, the retired dancer proved that she’s anything but geriatric. And also, apparently Prince ( yes, *the* Prince) wrong a song about her?! Talk about an “it" girl.

Stay updated on the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co!

Lead photo via Disney / John Fleenor.

This post has been updated. Previous reporting by Olivia Taylor and Kaitlyn Ingram.

Jet-setting or road-tripping, your beauty routine doesn’t have to take a back seat. Travel-size beauty products still pack as powerful of a punch as your regular go-to’s! These marvelous minis are perfect for keeping your skin glowing, hair sleek, and makeup flawless, all while fitting neatly into your carry-on or purse. Make sure you're always looking your best, no matter where your adventures take you! Say buh-bye to bulky bottles and hello to convenient, on-the-go beauty with these adorably small hair, skin, and makeup picks (that come at a fraction of the OG price)!

Our Fave Travel-Size Hair Care

Amazon

Moroccanoil Treatment

This hair oil does so much for your locks with only a little bit of product at a time: it conditions, smooths frizz, detangles, and boosts shine "by up to 118%." The mini size goes for $17.

Ulta

OUAI Travel Size Detox Shampoo

This is a great shampoo to use if your hair's craving a thorough clarifying wash. It helps scrub away dirt, oil and product buildup for a really clean feel. It's also formulated with keratin to help strengthen hair. The travel size goes for $14.

Ulta

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner Travel Size

SheaMoisture's hair products are perfect for restoring your hair with hydrating benefits. This "lightweight" $3 travel size pick "restores hair shine and smoothes dry hair cuticles."

Amazon

CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

If you plan to heat-style your hair when you're on vacay, this $7 thermal protection spray is a must. It nourishes your locks and prevents heat damage from straighteners, curling irons, blow dryers, and the like.

Amazon

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

This $12 travel size hair care product is all about frizz prevention and leaving your locks with a noticeable amount of shine. It's a great bottle to always have in your purse for those pesky flyaway moments.

Ulta

OUAI Travel Size Hair Oil

This $16 travel size hair oil leaves a "high-gloss, super-smooth finish" on your hair. It can be used before or after styling your hair, since it also has heat protectant capabilities. A little goes a long way!

Convenient Travel-Size Skincare

Amazon

Youth To The People Superberry Glow Dream Mask

You can finally master your airplane skincare routine on long flights with this travel size face mask. It packs a powerful punch in terms of hydration, which is especially important after being airborne. The mini size goes for $18.

Ulta

Naturium Travel Size Vitamin C Complex Serum

Vitamin C serums are total masters at blocking your skin from environmental stressors and aiding hyperpigmentation, AKA dark spots. This $10 pick promotes "healthier-looking skin" after consistent use.

Ulta

Byoma Barrier + Repair Treatment

This "rich, buttery moisturizer" is dedicated to protecting and building up your skin barrier, all while hydrating it. The travel size is just $13.

Ulta

CeraVe Travel Size Foaming Facial Cleanser

You can easily carry this $5 dermatologist-approved cleanser with you through TSA to tackle your skincare routine at the airport and once you've reached your destination. It's gentle on the skin and oh-so hydrating.

Ulta

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover Mini

This $11 cleansing balm helps melt away makeup and SPF in one easy step. The "silky balm" formula will feel like pure heaven on your skin after a long travel day!

Ulta

La Roche-Posay Travel Size Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Make sure you're moisturized when your skin needs it most with this $8 travel size pick. It's good for sensitive skin, too! The formula has niacinamide that provides "48-hour hydration."

Ulta

Neutrogena Travel Size Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer

Hyaluronic acid provides this moisturizer with a nice boost of hydration. It boasts a water-gel formula that wears unbelievably light on the face. The travel size goes for $11!

Travel-Size Makeup Faves

Ulta

Too Faced Travel Size Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

After a long travel day, this $14 mini size primer "hydrates, smooths, and brightens" the skin to provide a nice base for long-lasting-makeup.

Amazon

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara Travel Size

Keep this $16 fan-fave mascara in your bag for quick and easy mid-day makeup touchups! It "curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes" for a wide-awake eye look.

Ulta

Tarte Travel Size Shape Tape Full Coverage Concealer

You only need a little bit of product at a time to make this $11 travel size concealer pop! It comes in so many shades, too, all without taking up important real estate in your travel makeup bag since it's small.

Amazon

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Travel Size

This $22 CC cream is like a full-coverage foundation, hydrating and anti-aging serum, and SPF50+ sunscreen all in one. f you have to pick one travel size makeup product to keep close on flights and road trips, let this be it!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved beauty products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

There are many moments that shape a young woman’s life. For me, I distinctly remember watching Holes and then being so excited to read the book. We were driving home from the movie theater and my mom had the book in her car (no, it’s not odd, she’s an English teacher) and I picked it up immediately.

When I tell y’all the disappointment that followed!! I couldn’t help but picture the people I had just seen as the main characters and I’m still slightly convinced Shia LaBeouf was not the best choice for Stanley. I couldn’t get through it, no matter how many times my mom tried to convince me it was good, I just could not finish the book. From that day on, I vowed to always read the book before watching the movie.

Now I get to tell you about the 13 best book to screen adaptations!

'​Uglies' by Scott Westerfield

Brian Douglas/Netflix

Tally Youngblood has waited her whole life to become pretty, and experience the new life promised by a total body makeover. During her final summer as an Ugly, she befriends Shay and the two pull hilarious pranks, and go on daring adventures as they wait to turn 16. But in the few weeks leading up to their surgeries, Shay disappears and Tally decides she can’t turn Pretty without her. When it comes to loyalty, will Tally betray one of her only friends for her dream?

When Netflix announced this adaptation, I was met with excitement but I was also a wee bit nervous. I remember reading Uglies for the first time and being able to picture it perfectly in my head, especially how cool it would be to hoverboard. And in true Netflix fashion, almost everyone from the cast, including leads Joey King and Chase Stokes, have been in other Netflix shows (they really like to keep it in the family).

This adaptation is so far, so good. I reread the book before starting the movie recently and I will say, it holds up. The writing is definitely super YA, but it was fun to slip back into the story and experience it all over again.

Uglies is streaming on Netflix now and stars Joey King, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Keith Powers, Laverne Cox, Charmin Lee, Jan Luis Castellanos.

'​Percy Jackson and The Olympians' by Rick Riodran

Disney

I simply could not write a book to screen adaptation article WITHOUT mentioning Percy Jackson. This is one of my all time favorite books ever. I read The Lightning Thief every single summer and rock out to the musical by Joe Tracz from time to time.

The first two movies (starring Logan Lerman as Percy) were horrendous, so I about fell out of my chair when Uncle Rick announced Disney was adapting Percy, Annabeth, and Grover's story into a TV show. What if we got burned twice? Would we continue obsessing over the potential for a great Percy Jackson adaptation?

Disney said stop right there. The first season was truly incredible, and it captured so much of the wit and fun from the first book. Earlier this month, the show announced additional cast members for the upcoming season 2, which will bring The Sea of Monsters to life.

If you loved these books and are hesitant to start the show, don’t be scared to press play.

Percy Jackson And The Olympians season 1 is streaming on Disney+ now. The series stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Toby Stephens, Virginia Kull, Charlie Bushnell, and Dior Goodjohn.

The 'Bridgerton' Novels by Julia Quinn

Liam Daniel/Netflix

Our dearest gentle readers, I simply cannot recommend the latest season of Bridgerton enough. I've read all of the Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn, and Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is in my top two (number one: When He Was Wicked, Franscesa’s Story. Grab tissues if you read this one!).

Anything that’s in Shondaland is really magical, and I give her and her team so much credit for bringing the Bridgertons to life. I will say, if you read the books, the show is really nothing like them. I know what you’re thinking, "But Emily, how can you say it’s a great book to screen adaptation if it’s not word-for-word what’s in the book?"

Easy! It brings the text to life in such a cohesive and immersive way that you can’t help but be giddy as you watch your favorites fall in love all over again.

Though the books are being adapted out of order, I have full faith that Netflix can bring these together well. Season 4 will follow Benedict and Sophie, and is almost guaranteed to be filled with plenty of dancing and steamy rendezvous.

Bridgerton seasons 1-3 are on Netflix now. The show stars Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Claudia Jessie, Hannah Dodd, Will Tilston, Florence Hunt, Harriet Cains, Nicola Coughlan, Jessica Madsen, and Bessie Carter! Yerin Ha will join season 4.

'​Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott

Sony Pictures Releasing

Not to sound dramatic, but the 2019 Little Women movie was the first time I understood what people meant when they said, “Wow, that was a great movie.” The casting? Superb. The music? Revolutionary. How Greta Gerwig showed the passage of time with color filters? Genius.

I do think American and British classics are hard to adapt as movies or shows because so much of the plot relies on the reader understanding the historical context, and how people would interact with each other. I say that because it’s not like if you crack open Little Women you’ll immediately know Amy is terrible, you kind of have to pick up on it, especially when she talks about limes. That being said, Florence Pugh, you did that gal a favor because if Amy was my little sister, she probably would’ve stayed in the ice.

The fall is actually a perfect time to reread this book and enjoy the movie. Definitely worth making yourself a cup of tea, putting on fuzzy socks and a good cry.

Little Women is streaming on Hulu and stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton, Louis Garrel, and Chris Cooper.

'​Apples Never Fall' by Liane Moriarty

Vince Valitutti/Peacock

Liane Moriarty is no stranger to having her books turned into TV shows. Big Little Lies was a hit on HBO and had people on the edge of their seats.

Former tennis players-turned-coaches, Joy and Stan Delaney have a perfect life and marriage to folks looking in from the outside. They run a thriving tennis camp and have incredibly successful kids who are each following their own path in life. But when Joy goes missing, every ugly truth bubbles to the surface and shatters what everyone thought about the Delaneys.

While Apples Never Fall isn't a super intense book in my opinion, it still has the same whodunit and leaves you guessing like all our favorite thrillers. There’s been a few mixed reviews about the show, but I do recommend it if you’re looking for a little mystery that’s not going to make you question your own reality.

Apples Never Fall is streaming on Peacock and stars Annette Bening, Alison Brie, Jake Lacy, Conor Merrigan-Turner, Sam Neill, Essie Randles, and Georgia Flood.

'​Black Cake' by Charmaine Wilkerson

James Van Evers/Hulu

Charmaine Wilkerson's debut novel is an in-depth story about a family’s secrets, betrayals, memories, and so much more.

Byron and Benny Bennett lost their mother Eleanor, who left behind a black cake from a family recipe and a voice recording. In the voice recording, Byron and Benny learn things about their mother they never knew — and her true history.

When books with alternate timelines get turned to TV or movies, I’m immediately skeptical. It can be difficult to show the difference between the past and present, and to keep up with it as a viewer. But this show is unreal. We don’t lose the intricate dynamics of the characters, and the actors bring the concept of family secrets to life. Watch Black Cake on Hulu and see Eleanor’s secrets for yourself.

Black Cake is streaming on Hulu and stars Mia Isaac, Chipo Chung, and Faith & Glynn Turman.

'​A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson

Netflix

Let me start by saying I think Holly Jackson is truly incredible. The first book I read by her was Five Survive and she's a mastermind at creating suspense and taking the story in a completely different direction than you thought WHILE making it make sense.

Years ago in a small town, Andrea “Andie” Bell and Salil “Sal” Singh were killed in a murder-suicide. Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi has a mission to find out what truly happened to Andie and Sal. As she does research for a “school project,” she quickly learns that a killer might still be out there, but who?

I describe this book as a modern day Pretty Little Liars but better. There’s a lot of pressure on actors to deliver when it comes to characters that are as well-rounded as Holly Jackson’s, but the crew pulls it off. I recommend this book and show if you’re looking for something with serial vibes and high stakes drama.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is on Netflix and stars Emma Myers, Zain Iqbal, Anna Maxwell Martin, Gary Beadle, Mathew Baynton, India Lillie Davies, Rahul Pattni, Henry Ashton, and Mitu Panicucci.

'​Red, White and Royal Blue' by Casey McQuinston

Prime Video

I would like to take a moment to show my appreciation for Casey McQuinston. They are incredible and have given us amazing reads like One Last Stop, I Kissed Shara Wheeler, The Pairing, and most importantly, the love story between First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry (too many last names).

When the First Son makes a fool of himself at a party by confronting his longtime nemesis the Prince, their publicists scramble to create a stunt friendship. But are friends supposed to feel butterflies in their stomachs when they catch them getting dressed? Should friends want to kiss each other at any given moment? These two definitely do.

This book was adapted by Amazon Prime and the casting department knocked it out of the freaking park. Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex was the gift we needed and Nicholas Galitzine was born to play Prince Henry. It was brought to the screen in an inclusive way without one-dimensional stereotypes, and a lot of that is credited to Casey’s amazing writing.

If anyone would like to have a watch party for this, please, please let me know. I will happily giggle and kick my feet while eating snacks and watching these two glorious men fall in love.

Red, White and Royal Blue season 1 is on Prime Video and stars Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Uma Thurman, and Clifton Collins, Jr.

'​Argylle' by Elly Conway

Apple Studios

We need more spy books turned into movies. There’s something so bad—ss about the leather outfits, being strapped with weapons, and hiding in close quarters with someone that just gets me going.

This book and movie differ greatly. The book is a pretty straightforward novel: a CIA agent is the only one who can stop the world from entering chaos, but she needs a partner to help. Whereas the movie takes place to serve as the writer’s adventure — like she’s enters a movie herself and then goes to write about it.

While I wouldn’t say these are necessarily the best adaptations when it come to recreating every detail, I will say they're two pieces of art that live somewhat together, and that you can appreciate separately. Don’t read the book and expect everything in the movie to be the same, but read the book and watch the movie for some fun and entertainment!

Argylle is streaming on Apple TV+ and stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Ariana DeBose, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena, Dua Lipa, and Samuel L. Jackson.

'​Normal People' by Sally Rooney

Enda Bowe/Hulu

Hot take: I'm not the biggest Sally Rooney fan. I think she's brilliantly talented, but her works are really just not my cup of tea. However, I, like many people, fell in love with Marianne and Connell from Normal People. How can you not? They are characters written so much like real people, it’s like you can see their lives as clearly as your own.

Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal are the best people that could have been cast as the leads, and they just do it so well. The whole production is vulnerable and intimate, but also doesn’t lose the nuances of Sally’s work by bringing it to life.

The book and show can be heavy, absolutely, but it shows the reality of life and what could have been if we made different decisions in our younger years. If you read or watch, you want to cheer on the characters and feel every up and down alongside them.

Normal People is streaming on Hulu and stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal.

'​Heartstopper' by Alice Oseman

Netflix

Did you know Heartstopper was originally published as a webcomic on Tumblr and Tapas back in 2016? It got such a following that Alice started a campaign to help fund the publication of a graphic novel — and here we are today!

Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson go to the Truham Grammar School and they couldn’t have more different lives. Nick is a popular boy at school and a star of the rugby team. Charlie is quiet, suffering from multiple mental health problems and crushing on Nick from afar. The novel follows their story and everything that comes along with being a teenage couple in love.

Netflix has released two series so far with a third to release later this fall in October. The series has been praised for bringing the characters of Truham Grammar School to life while showing the everyday battles teenagers face about sexuality, fitting in, and honestly just existing.

Alice Oseman stayed close with production and writing to bring her novels to life. It’s also proof that bringing in authors during the creative process for TV is worth every bit of it!!

Heartstoppers seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Netflix. The show stars Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown, Kizzy Edgell, Tobie Donovan, Jenny Walser, Rhea Norwood, and Leila Khan.

'​Turtles All the Way Down' by John Green

Max

John Green should have a line in his bio about how he likes to create YA novels that will personally hit you in the heart. John, if you’re reading this, hit me up and I’d be happy to work that line in for you.

Turtles All the Way Down was published in 2017, and if you haven’t had the chance to read it yet, what are you doing? The major plot point of this book is that Aza and her best friend Daisy are supposed to be investigating the mystery of billionaire Russell Pickett, but that isn’t what really held my attention.

Aza Holmes has nearly crippling anxiety and OCD while also grieving the loss of her father. As someone who has been diagnosed with OCD for over a decade, it was a sort of an aha moment seeing myself represented on the pages. You don’t need to be diagnosed with any mental illnesses to understand what Aza is going through, you just need to be human.

Director Hannah Marks brought Aza, Daisy, and Davis to the screen in a way that balances teenage angst and emotions that seem larger than life. Because let’s face it, at 16, everything seems bigger than it is. Isabela Merced, who plays Aza, was praised for her accurate portrayal of OCD thought spirals. It can seem somewhat impossible to nail the big feels that John Green puts in his novels, but this might be one of the best depictions of one of his works ever.

If you’ve ever heard me say “it’s turtles all the way down,” in response to a sh—ty day, you can thank this book right here for that.

Turtles All The Way Down is streaming on Max and stars Isabela Merced, Felix Mallard, Cree Cicchino, Judy Reyes, J. Smith-Cameron, Poorna Jagannathan, and Maliq Johnson.

'​The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store' by James McBride

Amazon

Okay this is a bit of a cheat since this movie isn’t out yet, but this is one I am readyyy for. Barack Obama shared that this was one of his favorite books for 2023, and there's a reason for that. This story is hauntingly beautiful and will show you a part of American history that has been erased and almost forgotten. But we have to tell these stories and educate everyone in America about the ugly, but also hopeful, parts of our nation.

In a Pennsylvania small town, new developments are going up everywhere, but the digging crew didn't expect to find a skeleton at the bottom of a well. The town starts looking for answers, and quickly finds out that the residents of Chicken Hill, a dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans live, may have the answers.

Moshe and Chona Ludlow lived in Chicken Hill, where Moshe integrated his theater and where Chona ran the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. When the state comes looking for a deaf boy to institutionalize him, Chona and Nate Timblin, the Black janitor at Moshe’s theater and unofficial Black leader, work together to keep him safe.

The book weaves a tale of all the characters and as they deepen, shows how people on the margins of white, Christian America struggle to survive.

This movie adaptation is in the early stages of development but A24 and Steven Spielberg are working on the film!

Did your favorite book-to-screen adaptation make the list? Let us know in the comments, and check out The 12 Most Relatable Coming-Of-Age Movies for more flicks you'll love.