Streaming services are increasingly favoring fictional romance narratives over unscripted dating programs, a notable change underscored by recent industry analysis. This pivot is particularly evident in the prevalence of adaptations from published works, signifying a strategic move towards content with established fan bases and narrative depth.
According to findings from Ampere Analysis, the first half of 2026 saw a striking 83% of new romance commissions being scripted series. A significant portion of these, specifically 40%, were derived from books, continuing a trend observed since 2025. This surge in literary adaptations represents a 73% increase since 2023, a phenomenon partly attributed to the growing influence of online book communities like BookTok. This contrasts sharply with the latter half of 2022, when reality and scripted romance content were almost equally balanced, despite the ongoing popularity of reality dating franchises such as 'Love Island' and 'Love is Blind'.
Leading this strategic shift are major streaming giants like Prime Video and Netflix, who are actively investing in and commissioning more scripted romance productions. The analytics firm also highlights the remarkable resilience of the romance genre among younger demographics. Audiences aged 18-24 have maintained a consistent level of interest in romance content since 2020, with 49% of respondents in the first quarter of 2026 reporting enjoyment of the genre. This stability stands in contrast to a decline in interest across other major genres during the same period, with comedy, action, and adventure seeing a 9% drop, and crime and thriller experiencing a 5% decrease.
Mariana Enriquez Denton Bustinza, a senior analyst at Ampere Analysis, notes that scripted romance series are currently at the forefront of cultural discourse, with literary adaptations playing a particularly prominent role. The sustained success of titles such as 'Off Campus' and 'Heated Rivalry' has prompted global streamers to re-evaluate their approach to new romance content. This re-evaluation involves shifting away from reality television formats towards more elaborately produced scripted shows, often leveraging the pre-existing fan engagement of their source material. This strategic adjustment aims to capitalize on the proven appeal and enduring viewership of well-developed romantic narratives.
