Netflix has landed American Royals for development following a competitive pursuit, setting up a new drama inspired by Katharine McGee’s bestselling young adult book series.
The project imagines a radically different version of American history: George Washington becomes king of the United States rather than its elected president. From that turning point, the story follows his young dependents and the romantic and dynastic battles surrounding the country’s royal family.
At the center of the premise are two princesses competing for the crown, while two girls pursue the prince’s heart. The combination of royal succession, romance and alternate history gives Netflix another entry in the increasingly active market for young adult adaptations.
Ted Malawer Will Write and Executive Produce
Ted Malawer is writing the television adaptation and will serve as an executive producer. His involvement follows his work as a co-writer on the film adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue, another young adult story focused on contemporary royals.
Malawer will executive produce American Royals alongside Leslie Morgenstein, the president and chief creative officer of Alloy Entertainment. Morgenstein’s credits include Purple Hearts and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Warner Bros. Television, which owns Alloy Entertainment, is the studio behind the project.
The drama also brings Malawer back to Netflix. He previously worked as a writer on the streaming service’s limited series Halston, which starred Ewan McGregor.
A Five-Part Literary World
Published by Ember, McGee’s American Royals collection includes four novels and a prequel novella. The series began with American Royals in 2019, followed by Majesty in 2020, Rivals in 2022 and Reign in 2023.
The prequel novella, Inheritance, was published in 2022. Netflix’s planned drama is described as being inspired by the overall book series.
The project continues Alloy Entertainment’s long history with young adult material. Books from the company have previously generated series including Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars and You.
Alloy also has more YA projects moving forward across streaming. The Probability of Miracles is in production as a series for Prime Video, while the Netflix holiday movie In a Holidaze is set for release later this year.
Netflix Expands Its YA Lineup
American Royals arrives as young adult programming continues to hold a prominent place in streaming. Netflix’s YA titles include Wednesday, Outer Banks and Ginny & Georgia, as well as the To All the Boys I Loved Before film trilogy.
Prime Video has also found success in the genre with series such as The Summer I Turned Pretty and Off Campus. The platform released Red, White & Royal Blue, with a sequel to the movie coming up.
What Happens Next?
American Royals remains in development at Netflix, with Malawer attached to write and executive produce and Warner Bros. Television serving as the studio. The books provide an established royal world spanning four novels and a novella as the potential series begins its development journey.