56 Days TV Adaptation Departs Significantly From Novel

The Prime Video series changes the setting, characters, and key plot points from the 2021 book by Catherine Ryan Howard.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

When Prime Video announced its TV adaptation of Catherine Ryan Howard's novel 56 Days, it was revealed that the setting would shift from COVID-19 era Dublin to present-day Boston. However, the story that unfolded on screen was significantly different from the book, with changes to the main characters, their relationship, and major plot points.

Why it matters

Adaptations of popular novels to television or film often take creative liberties, but the extent of the changes made in the 56 Days TV series is notable. Fans of the original book may be surprised by how much the story has been altered for the screen version.

The details

Both the 56 Days TV series and novel follow a newly formed couple, Ciara Wyse (Dove Cameron) and Oliver Kennedy (Avan Jogia), who rapidly decide to live together. However, in the book the setting is COVID-19 era Dublin, while the TV adaptation relocates the story to present-day Boston. Additionally, the characters, their relationship, and key plot points have been significantly altered from the source material.

  • The 56 Days novel was published in 2021.
  • The 56 Days TV series premiered on Prime Video on February 17, 2026.

The players

Catherine Ryan Howard

The author of the 56 Days novel, which was published in 2021.

Dove Cameron

The actress who portrays Ciara Wyse in the 56 Days TV series.

Avan Jogia

The actor who portrays Oliver Kennedy in the 56 Days TV series.

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The takeaway

The significant changes made in the 56 Days TV adaptation, from the setting to the characters and plot, highlight the creative liberties that can be taken when translating a popular novel to the screen. Fans of the original book may be surprised by how much the story has been altered, but the TV series offers a fresh take on the material.