Streaming Platforms Embrace Romantic Adaptations Over Reality Shows

WHO:

Variety - Ampere Analysis conducted the research on streaming platforms' content preferences.

WHAT:

Variety - 83% of first-run romance commissions in the first half of 2026 were scripted.

Deadline - The majority of romance shows on global streamers are now scripted, with a significant increase in book adaptations.

Deadline - The number of book adaptations has soared, indicating a shift in audience preference.

WHEN:

Variety - The research indicates trends observed in the first half of 2026.

Variety - The trend of book adaptations has been ongoing since 2025.

WHY:

Deadline - TV audiences in 2026 prefer fictional romance, particularly adaptations from novels, over unscripted reality TV.

HOW:

Variety - The research methodology involved analyzing first-run romance commissions across streaming platforms.

(UPDATED June 29, 2026 14:20 UTC)

A recent study by Ampere Analysis reveals that 83% of first-run romance commissions in the first half of 2026 were scripted, highlighting a significant preference among TV audiences for fictional romance over unscripted reality shows. The research also shows a notable increase in book adaptations, indicating a shift in viewer tastes, with many global streamers now focusing on scripted content. This trend, which has been developing since 2025, underscores the growing popularity of adaptations from novels in the streaming landscape.