Thornbird TV adaptation: Hulu nabs thrilling 2026 hit
Hulu is developing a Thornbird TV adaptation based on Elle Kennedy’s young adult thriller, with “Pretty Little Liars” creator I. Marlene King attached to write and executive produce. The project is in early development at 20th Television, meaning no series order has been made yet.
What was announced about the Thornbird TV adaptation
King, known for creating “Pretty Little Liars” and writing the film “Now and Then,” will write and executive produce the series. Lauren Wagner and Kennedy herself are also on board as executive producers, according to Deadline.
The story blends a coming-of-age tale with a true-crime puzzle. Teenager Ryan Shipley, born Gabrielle Thorn, returns to her childhood hometown of Starling, Tennessee, 10 years after her father, serial killer Gabriel Thorn, was caught.
Ryan wants to keep her head down and live as a normal teenager, without anyone discovering who she really is or what happened in her past. Kirkus Reviews describes the book as a psychological thriller in which the daughter of a serial killer returns to her Tennessee hometown.
What it means for fans
Because the Thornbird TV adaptation is still in development, there is no cast, premiere date or episode count attached yet. Development deals like this one can take months to progress before a network or streamer decides whether to order a pilot or full season.
Delacorte released “Thornbird” June 30 as Kennedy’s young adult debut, and the first book she has put out as E. Kennedy. It opened on the New York Times best-seller list, Deadline reported. For more new releases, check out our books coverage.
Who’s behind the Thornbird TV adaptation
Kennedy’s biggest screen success so far is Prime Video’s take on her “Off Campus” novels. Its first season premiered in May and drew 36 million viewers worldwide within its first 12 days, making it Prime Video’s third most-watched debut series of all time, according to Deadline. A second season is now filming, per Deadline.
Another Kennedy novel, “Girl Abroad,” is also in development for television. Deadline reports that project is at Amazon, from A24 Television and “Sorry for Your Loss” creator Kit Steinkellner. Kennedy’s book-to-screen run mirrors other romance adaptations, such as Netflix’s “Icebreaker”.
King’s other television and film credits include Freeform’s “Famous in Love,” “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists,” “Just My Luck” and “If These Walls Could Talk.” She continues developing projects through her production company, Long Lake Media.
What’s next
No further steps have been confirmed beyond the development deal itself. As with any project at this stage, the Thornbird TV adaptation would need a formal series order from Hulu before moving toward casting or production.
Reporting from Deadline contributed to this story.