New York Times bestselling author Kennedy Ryan is bringing his popular contemporary romance novels from print to the screen, thanks to a new first-look deal with Universal Studios Group.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ryan will develop and produce series for a variety of platforms and create original IP for USG for television under the Scribe Chick Media banner.
The first is a series adaptation of Ryan’s hit novel “Before I Let Go,” which Ryan co-wrote and executive produced with Malcolm D. Lee, the architect of the “The Best Man” series. The project is a co-production between UCP and Universal Television and is currently in development at Peacock.
The first book in Ryan’s Skyland series, Before I Let Go follows recently separated co-parents and business partners Yasmen and Josiah Wade as they navigate their new normal. The novel’s synopsis explains, “When the two begin dating again, they discover that the flame and love they shared with each other is not completely extinguished.”
Lee will serve as director and executive producer on the series for Blackmaldo Productions, with Debra Martin Chase of Martin Chase Productions serving as additional executive producer. Starring John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklolius (Get Lifted Film Co.). and Dominic Telson of Blackmaled Productions.
“This is an incredible opportunity that I never imagined and I will not take it for granted,” Ryan said in a statement about the deal. “This is an opportunity not only to expand the reach of my own brand and content, but also to amplify themes related to underrepresented communities and bring those stories by other authors from book to film. I’m excited about the projects I’m already collaborating on with the team at Universal Studios Group and look forward to all the excitement this partnership brings.”
Jordan Mobro, executive vice president of creative acquisitions and intellectual property management at USG, added: “Kennedy’s story is deeply resonant and culturally impactful, and we are committed to honoring her vision while connecting with audiences in bold and meaningful ways.” She is not only a well-known and powerful voice in the literary world, she also leads with thoughtfulness and creativity. We can’t wait to work with her to bring these new and existing stories to life.”
In addition to the “Skyland” series, Ryan is also the author of several contemporary novels, including “The Kingmaker” and the award-winning novel “Long Shot.” In 2022, Ryan made history with audiobook publishing’s highest honor, the Audie Award, for her novel Reel, becoming the first black author to win in the romance category. In 2025, she once again won the Audi Award for Best Romance Audiobook for her second book in the Skyland series, This Could Be Us. The third book in the series, “Can’t Get Enough,” was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Fiction.
Ryan’s upcoming novel, “Score,” is the second in the “Hollywood Renaissance” series and is scheduled to be published on May 19th. Ryan is repped by CAA, Untitled, Bookend Literary Agency, GKSD Law, and 2PM Sharp PR.
