Romance: Scripted Shows Dominate Streaming

Scripted romance shows are now the dominant force in streaming content, accounting for 83% of first-run commissions during the first half of 2026. This significant trend is largely fueled by adaptations from books, which have seen a substantial 73% increase in production since 2023.

The rise of BookTok has been a contributing factor to this shift. This focus on scripted narratives marks a departure from late 2022, when reality romance shows shared commission space almost equally.

Despite declining interest in other genres, the romance genre, particularly scripted shows like "Off Campus" and "Heated Rivalry," continues to resonate strongly with audiences aged 18-24. Data from the first quarter of 2026 shows 49% of this demographic enjoying romance, a figure consistent with 2020 levels.

This sustained appeal has prompted major streamers, led by Netflix and Prime Video, to re-evaluate their commissioning strategies. The focus is shifting towards higher-budget scripted romance with established fan bases, moving away from reality formats.