Netflix goes straight-to-series with Selena Gomez

US-based streaming service Netflix has greenlit production on a straight-to-series young adult drama from former Disney actor Selena Gomez.

13 Reasons Why is based on a best-seller from author Jay Asher, and has Brian Yorkey attached as creator and writer, with Gomez executive producing.

The show will run to 13 episodes, and comes from Anonymous Content, to whom Gomez initially brought the book, and Paramount TV.

The book follows the story of a high school girl who committed suicide. The 13-part series will follow a male classmate of hers who receives a box outlining how twelve peers played a role in her death.

Universal had initially attempted to work up the book into a feature film before Netflix took the project on.

Gomez’s mother Mandy Teefey and Kristel Laiblin will also executive produce along with Joy Gorman Wettels from Anonymous, Michael Sugar and Steve Golin.

Gomez is best known for her starring role in Disney Channel’s The Wizards of Waverly Place, and has released music albums and starred in features including Rudderless and Spring Breakers.

Variety first reported the news. Netflix declined to comment when asked for comment this morning.