The Netflix series “The Hunting Wives,” which premiered in July 2025, features Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman and is adapted from May Cobb’s 2021 novel of the same name. The show, developed by showrunner Rebecca Cutter, makes significant changes to its storyline while keeping the core premise of a Texas skeet-shooting club where a group of wives becomes embroiled in scandal and murder.
In an interview with Variety, Cobb expressed her surprise and appreciation for the alterations made, particularly regarding the character arcs and plot twists. The series maintains themes of obsession, secrecy, and privilege, but introduces new dramatic elements, resulting in additional deaths and a significantly different mystery.
For instance, in the book, the murder of Abby Jackson is tied to her alleged pregnancy with Brad, leading to a conflict involving Brad’s mother, Jill. However, the show shifts this narrative; Margo, played by Akerman, becomes the one carrying Brad’s child, and she chooses to have an abortion—a storyline change that reflects ongoing dialogues about abortion rights, particularly relevant in Texas.
Moreover, while Jill is the killer in the book, the show reveals Margo as Abby’s murderer, incorporating a twist that changes the viewer’s understanding of the storyline. Additionally, Sophie faces a darker fate in the series compared to her book counterpart, leading to a grim conclusion where she potentially kills Margo’s brother in revenge.
While the original novel is a standalone work, Cutter has teased the possibility of a second season, indicating an intention to delve deeper into the characters’ journeys, the dynamics between Sophie and Margo, and potentially introduce new mysteries. The show’s open-ended conclusion leaves room for further exploration of these themes and character developments.
This adaptation demonstrates how creative reinterpretation can keep audiences engaged while highlighting relevant social issues. The blend of intense drama with cultural commentary not only entertains but also invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and societal norms.