Kennedy Ryan’s Before I Let Go is headed to the small screen, Variety reports.
Ryan’s novel, published in 2022 by Forever, follows Yasmen and Josiah Wade, a divorced couple who discover they still have feelings for each other while co-parenting their children and running the business that they own. A critic for Kirkus called the book—the first in a series—“a melodramatic family saga with a side of romance.”
Peacock is developing the series with Ryan on board as a creator alongside Malcolm D. Lee (Girls Trip). The showrunners for the series will be novelist Attica Locke (Bluebird, Bluebird) and her sister, actor Tembi Locke (Eureka, Sliders). Ryan, Lee, and the Locke sisters will executive-produce.
“From the time I read Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland series, I was fully engaged in the lives of these characters and invested in their outcomes,” Lee said. “Adapting the pilot with her has been an absolute treasure to experience and we plan on bringing all the feels to her fans and her new TV family. To be able to pass the baton to Attica and Tembi Locke is an absolute dream for this powerhouse team. Can’t wait to get started.”
Ryan shared news of the adaptation on Instagram, writing, “Getting the chance to co-write the Before I Let Go pilot with Malcolm D. Lee is such an honor and an incredible experience. ‘What’s happening with the show’ is the most asked question. Update! We are working hard to bring you the show you deserve! We’ve been plotting and cooking for awhile. This opportunity has given me not only a great collaborator, but a friend! We’ll share more when the time is right.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
