Fortune may just be on their side: Netflix, the on-demand Internet streaming media provider responsible for the distribution of hit shows "Hemlock Grove," "House of Cards" and "Orange Is the New Black," as well as the revival and relicensing of Mitchell Hurwitz's cult show "Arrest Development," has picked up the rights to critical acclaimed Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events."

Variety reports that Netflix is fast-tracking the project and intends to adapt the series of children's novels into a live-action family-oriented series.

Following three orphans -- Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire -- put into the foster care of the eccentric and nefarious Count Olaf after the strange disappearance of their parents, the 13th and final installment of the series, "The End" was published in October 2006. The first book, "The Bad Beginning" was published in 1999.

Previously, the novels were turned into a 2004 Brad Silberling-directed live action film starring Emily Browning, Jude Law, Catherine O'Hara, Craig Ferguson, Meryl Streep and Jim Carrey as a scene-stealing Count Olaf. Although it grossed $209 million worldwide, it failed to kick-start a franchise that Paramount tried to steamroll.

However, Paramount Television will produce the upcoming series in association with Netflix. As of Nov. 11, there has been no news of casting and no announcements of a creative team.

"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,'" Netflix's VP of Original Content Cindy Holland said in a statement to Deadline. "The world created by Lemony Snicket is unique, darkly funny and relatable. We can't wait to bring it to life for Netflix members."

Snicket, whose real name is Daniel Handler, spoke with The Hollywood Reporter from an "undisclosed location" and said that he needed to someone to pinch him.

"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," he said.

Under his pseudonym, the author is known for his very subversive, wickedly funny and macabre children's novels which sold over 65 million copies altogether and been translated into 43 languages, Slash Film reports. The books have also inspired a board game, a card game and video game.

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