Tennis icon Serena Williams is now an executive producer for Netflix’s upcoming series adaptation of Carrie Soto Is Back by bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid. Drawing inspiration from Serena’s legendary career, the show will focus on a former tennis champ’s comeback journey. With the series in development as of mid-2025, Williams is using her real-life experience to bring authenticity, emotion, and authority to the screen.
A Powerful New Chapter for Serena Williams
Serena Williams has proven she’s much more than a tennis legend. After retiring in 2022, she’s taken on new roles as a businesswoman, venture capitalist, and now, a major voice in entertainment.
Her latest project? Serena is teaming up with Netflix to executive produce a new series based on the popular novel Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The show follows the story of Carrie Soto, a retired tennis champion who returns to reclaim her record—and it’s no coincidence that this mirrors Serena’s own journey in many ways.
Reid has openly said she was inspired by the Williams sisters, particularly Serena, when writing the book. “I wouldn’t write a book about tennis without the influence of Serena,” she told Sports Illustrated.
What Is ‘Carrie Soto Is Back’ All About?
This Netflix series will follow Carrie Soto, who retires after becoming the best in the world, only to come back at age 37 when her record is about to be broken. The story dives into themes like ambition, legacy, aging, and redemption—making it perfect for someone like Serena to bring to life.
According to Deadline, the adaptation will be “loosely inspired by Serena’s life,” blending fiction with her real-world experience.
While Carrie is a fictional character, fans will likely see subtle nods to Serena’s legendary career—from overcoming setbacks to battling critics and pushing boundaries in a male-dominated sport.
Serena’s Role: Not Just Behind the Scenes
Serena will serve as executive producer through her company, Nine Two Six Productions. She’ll be involved in shaping how tennis and elite athletes are portrayed—helping ensure that the storytelling feels real, not Hollywood-fake.
Joining her on the creative team is Amanda Kate Shuman, known for her work on The L Word: Generation Q. Together, they’ll work with Taylor Jenkins Reid and Netflix to bring this powerful story to screen.
People Magazine confirmed Serena’s involvement and described the show as “a major move into scripted television for the tennis icon.”
This isn’t Serena’s first step into storytelling. She previously helped produce King Richard (about her father’s role in her tennis career) and In the Arena: Serena Williams, a docuseries about her final tennis season.
Why This Matters: A Win for Women in Sports and Media
Bringing Serena on board sends a powerful message—women athletes deserve to tell their own stories. Her voice adds real-life experience to a story that deals with issues female athletes often face: retirement, comeback pressure, and finding purpose after the spotlight fades.
Here’s why this collaboration stands out:
| Key Strength | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Serena’s Personal Insight | Offers an authentic look into the life of a world-class athlete |
| Strong Storyline | Carrie Soto’s journey is emotional, relatable, and mirrors real-world challenges |
| All-Female Creative Team | Serena, Shuman, and Reid bring female leadership to every level of production |
| Netflix Reach | With Netflix behind it, the series will reach millions globally |
The Times of India highlighted the project as “a breakthrough moment in athlete-led storytelling.”
What’s Next for the Series?
The Carrie Soto Is Back adaptation is currently in development, with casting, release dates, and production timelines yet to be confirmed.
However, fans of Serena, tennis, or emotionally charged sports dramas should definitely keep this on their radar. If Serena’s past projects are any clue, this series won’t just entertain—it’ll inspire.
Final Thoughts: Serena, Storyteller and Icon
Serena Williams continues to prove that retirement doesn’t mean slowing down. Whether it’s investing in startups, raising daughters, or producing Netflix hits, she’s constantly evolving—and taking us with her.
Her work on Carrie Soto Is Back is more than just a TV deal—it’s a chance to reshape how the world sees female athletes. Through this powerful story, Serena is once again serving an ace—only this time, from behind the scenes.