Netflix's One Day Release Date, Cast, Plot And More Details

A new romantic drama series is making its way to Netflix, and its name is "One Day." The project, which is based on the 2009 novel of the same name by David Nicholls, was announced in November 2021. Notably, the novel was previously adapted into a 2011 film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. Now it's getting a crack at the small screen — and it promises to be great.

This series isn't just any romantic drama — it comes with a major twist. "One Day" tells the story of a relationship between two people, Emma and Dexter. But it doesn't do this by depicting how they get together, examining a single season of their lives, or even exploring a handful of consecutive years. No — "One Day" checks in with the couple on one single day — July 15 — over the course of many years. Their circumstances change wildly, and people enter and exit their lives. But as the years go on, Emma and Dexter keep mattering to each other.

Whether you're a fan of the book, a fan of the 2011 film, or are just looking for a new romantic drama to fall in love with, here's what we know so far about "One Day."

"One Day" will hit Netflix on February 8, 2024. Filming began on July 4, 2022; "One Day" author David Nicholls revealed this on Twitter, and remarked, "Can't wait to visit set, wear headphones affectedly, and get in the way." Production seems to have gone fairly smoothly, resulting in this fast-approaching date.

Some fans might be surprised by such a wintry release, as the titular day in "One Day" is July 15. While debuting the series in the thick of summer would have made a certain kind of sense, there's something to say for escapism. By the time February rolls around, many prospective viewers will be in the depths of winter. A jolt of fictional sunshine will come as a welcome reprieve.

"One Day" follows Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew as they become acquaintances, friends, and on-and-off lovers over the course of many years. Specifically, the book, movie, and Netflix series tell their story by checking in with them on one specific day: July 15. As the story unfurls, we  see how they've grown and changed as individuals, and how their relationship has evolved.

This unique approach allows for all sorts of emotional entanglements to play out. Emma and Dexter's relationship is, of course, the centerpiece, but the bonds they build with a wide variety of other people also figure into the story in major and minor ways. It all makes for a riveting tale, rich with the triumphs and tribulations of human life. There's a reason the book's been adapted so many times, after all — it's a tremendously good story.

The two leads of "One Day" were announced in June 2022: Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod. Woodall, a relatively new actor, has appeared in projects such as the Tom Holland-led 2021 film "Cherry" and a few episodes of the 2022 Peacock series "Vampire Academy." Woodall also appeared on Season 2 of "The White Lotus." Mod, who is also a fairly new actor, had a breakout role in the 2022 British series "This is Going to Hurt." She went on to impress viewers in "I Hate Suzie Too" and various sketch comedy projects.

The rest of the cast includes Eleanor Tomlinson, Jonny Weldon, Brendan Quinn, and Joely Richardson. Tomlinson has appeared on shows such as "The Nevers," "The Outlaws," and "Poldark," among others. Weldon has also appeared on "The Outlaws" and, more recently, an episode of "House of the Dragon." Quinn has popped up on shows such as "Soft Border Patrol" and "Vikings: Valhalla." As for Richardson, she's perhaps best known for titles like "101 Dalmatians," "Event Horizon," and "The Sandman."

What does Nicholls think of the cast members hired to bring his novel to life? The author gave his stamp of approval on Twitter, writing, "I'm so thrilled. Leo Woodall, [Ambika Mod] and cast are wonderful."

Four episodes of "One Day" will be directed by Molly Manners. If you don't recognize that name, there's a reason why: Manners is a relatively new talent. But even though her list of projects is fairly scant, they all bode well for "One Day." Her earliest credit came from directing the 2016 short "Here Boy." Manners also served as a director on "In My Skin," a coming-of-age series about a young woman hiding the realities of her home life from her friends. If there's one credit viewers are likeliest to notice, though, it has to be "The Crown": Manners worked as a second unit director on the Season 3 episode "Tywysog Cymru."

Manners is joined in directing duties by Luke Snellin, who will also tackle four episodes. Snellin's time on the celebrated teen drama "My Mad Fat Diary" is especially intriguing; this affecting series broke new ground in terms of representation, takes a fresh look at adolescence, and braids a number of arcs into an incredibly satisfying whole. John Hardwick and Kate Hewitt will also serve as directors on "One Day," and bring their own impressive strengths to the table. Hardwick in particular has worked on a wide variety of projects, including "To Have and to Hold" and "Follow the Money."

Nicole Taylor will lead the writing team on "One Day." This is incredibly good news for fans of the book; Taylor is very experienced and hugely talented. She's worked as a writer on a huge number of dramas, ranging from the surrogacy drama "The Nest" to period pieces like "The White Queen." Taylor earned particular acclaim for the BBC miniseries "Three Girls," which dramatizes the development and eventual exposure of the Rochdale child sex abuse ring. The series won excellent reviews, strong viewership, and even a number of BAFTA Awards.

The writing team will also include Anna Jordan, Bijan Sheibani, Vinay Patel, and Mollie Goodfellow. Jordan served as a consultant and writer on the HBO smash hit "Succession," as well as "Killing Eve" and "Becoming Elizabeth." Sheibani has mostly worked as a director on projects like "Morning Song" and "Samira's Party." Patel made waves as a director on British classic "Doctor Who." Goodfellow has a wealth of experience in comedy, having worked on "Have I Got News for You" and "Cunk & Other Humans on 2019."

Writer Nicole Taylor also serves as an executive producer on "One Day." She's joined by Roanna Benn, Jude Liknaitzky, and David Nicholls. This is an impressive group: Benn has worked on "An Inspector Calls," "The Lovers," and "Life," Liknaitzky spent time on "The Irregulars," "Wanderlust," and "My Mad Fat Diary" (a series that many other "One Day" creatives enjoyed stints on), and Nicholls wrote the novel the entire project adapts.

Nige Watson serves as series producer. His list of credits is lengthy and fascinating — and mostly full of directing credits, which will make "One Day" an interesting departure. At times, it reads like a list of the most interesting British productions of the last few years. Watson worked on literary adaptation "The Personal History of David Copperfield," spy dramas "Killing Eve" and "The Night Manager," and historical megahit "Downton Abbey," in addition to many other projects. "One Day" will be yet another gem in his crown.