LOS ANGELES — In a major move for the contemporary romance genre, Universal Studio Group (USG) has officially signed a multi-year first-look deal with New York Times bestselling author Kennedy Ryan.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, signals a significant investment in “prestige romance” by the studio. Under the terms of the agreement, Ryan will develop and produce original television series and adaptations of her sprawling literary catalog for Peacock and other NBCUniversal platforms.
The First Project: ‘Before I Let Go’
Wasting no time, the partnership has already put its first project into active development: a series adaptation of Ryan’s 2022 emotional powerhouse, Before I Let Go.
The novel, which was a viral sensation and a “Best Book of the Year” for outlets like NPR and Harper’s Bazaar, follows Yasmen and Josiah Wade. The pair are divorced parents and business partners who, while navigating the grief of a shared tragedy, find themselves irresistibly drawn back together in a “second-chance” romance.
The Creative Team:
- Executive Producers: Kennedy Ryan will executive produce alongside Academy Award nominee Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man franchise).
- Writing Duo: Ryan and Lee are currently co-writing the pilot episode, marking Ryan’s formal debut as a television screenwriter.
- Production Banners: The series will be produced by Lee’s Blackmamba and Ryan’s newly minted Scribe Chick Media.
”This is an incredible opportunity that I never saw coming and don’t take for granted,” Ryan shared in an emotional statement. “Getting to co-write the pilot with Malcolm D. Lee is such an honor. We are committed to bringing the Wades’ story to life with the depth and soul it deserves.”
A Strategy for “Emotional Depth”
For Universal Studio Group, the deal represents a strategic play to capture the growing audience for sophisticated, diverse romantic dramas—a genre that has seen a massive resurgence on streaming platforms.
- Broad Appeal: Ryan’s work is known for blending intense romantic stakes with heavy themes like mental health, grief, and social justice.
- IP Goldmine: Beyond Before I Let Go, Ryan’s “Skyland” series and “Hoops” novels provide a deep well of intellectual property for future seasons and spinoffs.
The Road Ahead
While Before I Let Go is in the early stages of development at Peacock, the search for the series’ leads is expected to become one of the most talked-about casting calls in the romance community.
Industry insiders suggest that if the pilot moves quickly, production could begin in late 2026, with a tentative premiere date targeted for late 2027. For fans of “The King of Romance,” the wait for the Wades to hit the small screen has officially begun.
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