TV adaptation of Trenton Lee Stewart’s ‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’ wins at Emmys

Little Rock’s Trent Lee Stewart, writer of “The Mysterious Benedict Society” sequence.

Again in mid-December, Little Rock novelist Trenton Lee Stewart discovered himself on the Kids’s and Household Emmy Awards in downtown Los Angeles. Amongst exhibits airing on Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV+ and the like, season two of “The Mysterious Benedict Society” — the Disney+ sequence primarily based on Stewart’s award-winning and New York Times bestselling books of the same name — was being thought of in a number of classes. 

Of its 9 nominations, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” took house two honors: Excellent Lead Efficiency (Tony Hale) and Excellent Artwork Route/Set Ornament/Scenic Design. Hale, recognized for his work on “Veep” and “Arrested Growth,” acknowledged Stewart in his acceptance speech. 

“This present was primarily based on a guide by Trent Stewart and he’s right here tonight,” Hale mentioned. “The story of the present is about discovering fact in chaos. I can’t inform you … the artistry and the love that went into this present is large.”

To anyone paying consideration, it’s no shock that Stewart’s younger grownup sequence attracted curiosity from Hollywood. Launched in 2007, the first novel charmed readers and critics alike with the story of 4 gifted orphans, gathered collectively for a secret mission by the eccentric Mr. Benedict. 4 books later, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” sequence has bought over 3 million copies.

The TV adaptation, created by Matt Manfredi and Phil Hay, premiered on Disney+ in June 2021. Along with Hale (who performed twins Mr. Benedict and Mr. Curtain), the sequence featured Kristen Schaal, Ryan Hurst and a gaggle of proficient little one actors.

Trenton Lee Stewart with Emmy DeOliveira, who performed Kate within the Disney+ adaptation of “The Mysterious Benedict Society.”

“They began filming proper earlier than the pandemic began in 2020, however then needed to shut down,” Stewart mentioned. “This was a kind of exhibits that was finally shot beneath extraordinarily tough circumstances, largely in Canada, with all types of difficult masking and quarantine protocols in place.” 

Regardless of the obstacles, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” proved itself an trustworthy and interesting depiction of Stewart’s work, with publications like Variety singing its praises: “Inside the rising set of exhibits about children requested to avoid wasting the world, The Mysterious Benedict Society stands out, and may itself save a wet weekend for curious children someday this summer season.” Like season two, the debut season was equally honored with 11 Emmy nominations and two wins.

The irony of all of this recognition is that “The Mysterious Benedict Society” was not renewed for a 3rd season. Much more of a disappointment, the primary two seasons had been eliminated altogether from Disney+ in Might 2023 as a cost-cutting measure, which means the present is presently unavailable for viewing on any platform.

“I feel everybody concerned with the present felt honored and touched to get [the recognition by the Emmy wins],” Stewart mentioned. “I used to be very glad to be there when Tony Hale received for greatest lead efficiency, and regardless of the bittersweet points of the evening there actually was a celebratory temper among the many actors and writers, lots of whom hadn’t seen each other for the reason that present wrapped final yr. It was enjoyable to be a part of that reunion and to see how the children had grown.”

Whereas he didn’t need the TV sequence to finish as quickly because it did, Stewart is happy with what was produced and feels “blessed” to have a lot consideration paid to a narrative and characters pricey to him. 

“Earlier than the primary season was launched, I used to be despatched early variations of the episodes, and I repeatedly acquired choked up seeing these characters come to life, and so stylishly,” Stewart mentioned. “I used to be happy with the present general and had the sensation from the outset that the producers and writers actually needed to be true to the spirit of the guide and the characters. And I feel they succeeded in that.”

For these hoping to see “The Mysterious Benedict Society” however missed it on the primary go-round, Stewart says to not quit simply but. 

“There’s hypothesis and hope, if not precisely optimism, that the TV present might be made out there once more in some unspecified time in the future by way of pay-per-view, Blu-ray, one other streaming service or some mixture,” Stewart mentioned. “However the crystal ball is presently cloudy.”

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