Kennedy Ryan to Develop ‘Before I Let Go’ at Peacock, Inks First-Look Deal at Universal

NY Times bestselling author Kennedy Ryan is taking her popular contemporary romance stories from the page to the screen thanks to a new first-look deal with Universal Studio Group.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ryan will develop and produce series for a variety of platforms and create original IP for USG to adapt for television under her Scribe Chick Media banner.

First up is the series adaptation of her hit novel, “Before I Let Go,” which Ryan will co-write and executive produce alongside “The Best Man” franchise architect Malcolm D. Lee. The project is currently in development at Peacock.

“Before I Let Go,” the first book in Ryan’s “Skyland” book series, follows Yasmen and Josiah Wade, recently separated co-parents and business partners, as they navigate their new normal. “When they both begin dating again,” a synopsis of the novel explains, “they realize the flame and love they shared hasn’t fully gone away.”

Lee will direct and executive produce the series for Blackmaled Productions, with additional executive producers including Debra Martin Chase for Martin Chase Productions; John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius for Get Lifted Film Co.; and Dominique Telson for Blackmaled Productions.

“This is an incredible opportunity that I never saw coming and don’t take for granted,” Ryan said in a statement about the deal. “It’s not only the chance to extend the reach of my own brand and content, but also stories that amplify themes relevant to underrepresented communities, and shepherd those stories by other authors from book to screen. I’m thrilled about the projects I’m already collaborating on with the teams at Universal Studio Group, and looking forward to all I hope will come of this partnership.”

Jordan Moblo, USG’s executive VP of creative acquisitions and IP management, added: “Kennedy’s stories are deeply resonant and culturally impactful, and we are excited to collaborate on adaptations that honor her vision while connecting with audiences in bold, meaningful ways. Not only is she a celebrated and powerful voice in the literary space, but she 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 the author of several contemporary novels, including “The Kingmaker” and the award-winning novel “Long Shot.” In 2022, Ryan made history at the Audie Awards, the highest recognition in audiobook publishing, for her novel “Reel,” becoming the first Black author to win in the romance category. In 2025, she received another Audie Award for best romance audiobook for the second book in the “Skyland” series, “This Could Be Us.” The series’s third book, “Can’t Get Enough,” was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for outstanding literary work, fiction.

Ryan’s upcoming novel, “Score,” the second in her “Hollywood Renaissance” series, will be published May 19. She is represented by CAA, Untitled, BookEnds Literary Agency, GKSD Law and 2PM Sharp PR.