Prime Video Bets Big on YA Adaptations, Led by 'Off Campus'
The streaming service's inaugural Obsessed Fest highlighted a strategic focus on book adaptations, particularly in the young adult genre, with 'Off Campus' emerging as a flagship property.
Prime Video is doubling down on young adult book adaptations, a strategy underscored at its first-ever Obsessed Fest in Los Angeles. The event showcased a slate of upcoming and returning projects, with "Off Campus" identified as a key property for the streamer.
Despite a lack of specific release date announcements for "Off Campus" Season 2, which is currently in production, the cast and showrunner participated in a prominent panel. The series, an adaptation of "The Deal," has become a significant success for Prime Video, reportedly drawing 36 million views in its first 12 days and remaining a top-performing title. The streamer's commitment to the show was further emphasized by a surprise appearance from Jennifer Lopez, who performed a song featured in the series.
Prime Video's strategy, as evidenced by the festival's focus, centers on adapting popular novels, particularly in the young adult and "spicy teen/adult-ish" categories. Titles like "Off Campus," "Every Year After," "Maxton Hall" (returning for Season 3), and "56 Days" are part of this push. The service also has "Elle," "We Were Liars Season 2," and "The Love Hypothesis" on the horizon. "The Love Hypothesis," starring Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman, received its first trailer at the event, while "Every Year After" was renewed for a second season.
Beyond YA adaptations, Prime Video is also exploring international content to broaden its global reach. "Your Fault: London" and "Maxton Hall Season 3" are examples of projects set in international locations. The streamer is also venturing into foreign language content with "Drawn Together" and "The Last Sunrise," indicating an effort to engage international audiences, a strategy previously attempted with the "Citadel" universe.
Other highly anticipated projects mentioned include "The Summer I Turned Pretty The Movie" and the "Fourth Wing" adaptation. While details have been scarce, both are considered high priorities, with "The Summer I Turned Pretty The Movie" already in production. The "Fourth Wing" adaptation is still in its early stages, with a focus on casting.
"Off Campus," "Every Year After," "The Summer I Turned Pretty," "56 Days," "Maxton Hall," and "Your Fault: London" are currently available on Prime Video. "The Love Hypothesis" is set to premiere on September 23.
Prime Video is available via Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually. A discounted rate of $7.49 per month is available for young adults after a six-month trial.