In a surprising move from two of Hollywood's biggest leading ladies, Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon will be co-starring in a television series. The Oscar-winning actresses will be taking on roles in the small screen adaptation of the novel "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty.

Moriarty is an Australian author known for witty examinations of modern life and culture, and her story follows a group of three women all with preschool-aged children.

The series will have a limited run on television and will be looking for a broadcast home when it is soon released to buyers.

Established television writer David E. Kelley, of "Ally McBeal" and "The Practice" fame, is scheduled to pen the script. Witherspoon's production company, Pacific Standard, is also involved. Her company is on a roll with popular films like "Gone Girl" and "Wild," the latter of which Witherspoon also starred.

Moving to short-term television roles seems to be a trend among typical movie stars, as many shows attract big-name stars from the big screen. For instance, "True Detective" just announced their all-star ensemble cast for season two, including Rachel McAdams, Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell and Taylor Kitsch. Matthew McConaughey starred in the series' premiere season, and recognized the role as an opportunity to do something different.

"Quality. Not only quality that specifically came out of 'True Detective' which was quality of the highest, but I'm talking about quality of television today," he said to Business Insider. "Television is raising the bar on the character-driven drama series. It just is."

Also, shows recent flexibility with actors' schedules has made it easier to get performers to sign on to projects. Anthology series like "True Detective" renew cast lists each season, so stars aren't locked into multiple year contracts if they don't want to be.

Joining Witherspoon and Kidman on another upcoming limited series is Scarlett Johansson in the eight-episode period drama, "Custom of the Country," based on Edith Wharton's work.