“Five Star Weekend ”Showrunner Explains Why Gigi’s Secret Is Revealed Differently from the Books (Exclusive)

**The Five Star Weekend: A New Miniseries Adaptation Hits Peacock**

The anticipated miniseries, *The Five Star Weekend*, which draws its inspiration from Elin Hilderbrand’s novel released earlier this year, has officially launched on the streaming platform Peacock. Available for viewers since July 9, the adaptation has been eagerly awaited both by fans of the book and newcomers alike.

The show centres on Hollis Shaw, portrayed by Jennifer Garner, a chef and widow grappling with the sudden death of her husband. In an effort to cope with her grief, Hollis invites a group of friends for a weekend retreat on the picturesque island of Nantucket, setting the stage for both emotional exploration and complex interpersonal dynamics. The cast features a stellar ensemble, including Chloë Sevigny, Gemma Chan, Regina Hall, and D’Arcy Carden, each of whom plays a significant role in Hollis’s journey.

Bekeh Brunstetter, the showrunner for the series, has shared insights into the adaptation process, elaborating on one of the most notable modifications from the original book. In an interview with *PEOPLE*, Brunstetter expressed the ambition to delve deeper into character narratives than what was explored in Hilderbrand’s novel, stating, “We were just trying to go deeper, even deeper than the depth that [Hilderbrand] already explored.” This ambition reflects the team’s desire to translate the inner experiences depicted in the book into more visible, external interactions for the audience.

Among the key changes is the portrayal of Gigi, played by Chan, who is revelatory for having had an affair with Hollis’s deceased husband, Matthew. In the novel, Gigi’s secret relationship is unveiled by another character, Electra, during a beach outing. However, the adaptation alters this twist, introducing a gradual revelation of the affair that affects various characters early in the story. This decision was made to foster a more inclusive ensemble narrative, allowing the audience to witness the cascading effects of such secrets more dynamically.

Brunstetter explained, “In the breaking of those stories, you have to include everyone a little bit earlier in the secret so that it affects everyone’s lives.” This approach enhances the drama and connectivity among the characters, giving viewers a multifaceted view of how secrets can ripple through relationships.

Elin Hilderbrand offered her own perspective on the changes made for the screen adaptation. In an exclusive Q&A session, she expressed her appreciation for one of the standout scenes set in a day spa, even noting the irony that Nantucket, her home and the novel’s backdrop, lacks a proper day spa. She stated, “When the readers see this episode, it will feel so organic to the story that they might wonder if there’s a spa scene in the book (there isn’t).” This indicates a creative licence taken by the writers to enhance the visual and emotional aspects of the storytelling.

Brunstetter remarked on Hilderbrand’s enthusiastic support for the series, especially concerning the representation of Nantucket. Correctly capturing the essence of the island was a priority for both the author and the adaptation team. “Elin’s been so generous and really the only thing she is most passionate about is making sure that we got Nantucket right,” Brunstetter noted, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to film in the actual locations, which contributed to authenticity.

The combination of emotional depth, ensemble storytelling, and scenic authenticity are key elements that fans can look forward to in *The Five Star Weekend*. As the series unfolds, viewers are invited not only to engage with the emotional journeys of the characters but also to appreciate the stunning backdrop of Nantucket, which plays a crucial role in the narrative.

With all episodes now available to stream on Peacock, *The Five Star Weekend* offers an engaging mix of friendship, love, and the complexities of moving forward after loss. As audiences follow Hollis and her friends through a weekend that promises both fun and introspection, the adaptation is poised to resonate with viewers, potentially establishing itself as a new favourite in the realm of television miniseries.