Based on the popular children's book series, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is being planned as a new live-action TV show by Netflix. The streaming service has acquired the rights to the 13 best-selling novels, with author Daniel Handler abroad the project as an executive producer.

Paramount TV is producing the new series in association with Netflix. Paramount Pictures was behind the live-action 2004 movie starring Jim Carrey, Jude Law and Meryl Streep.

The books and the movie adaptation revolve around three orphaned children named Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire who must contend with an evil uncle who is constantly after their fortune following their parents' untimely and mysterious death. The tale is told by fictitious author Lemony Snicket, who narrates the adventures. Over 65 million copies of the book have been sold worldwide, and has spawned board games, card games, video games and albums.

Explains Cindy Holland, Vice President of original content for Netflix:

"On the search for fantastic material that appeals to both parents and kids, the first stop for generations of readers is A Series of Unfortunate Events. We are proud to start work on a series for a global audience that already loves the books. The world created by Lemony Snicket is unique, darkly funny, and relatable. We can't wait to bring it to life for Netflix members."

Lemony Snicket himself had this to say from an undisclosed location:

"I can't believe it. After years of providing top-quality entertainment on demand, Netflix is risking its reputation and its success by associating itself with my dismaying and upsetting books."

This is the latest in a number of original TV series currently in the works at Netflix. Also on the horizon are family shows Madagascar spinoff All Hail King Julien and Richie Rich, along with Marvel's Daredevil and the more adult oriented adventure series Marco Polo.