Kimberly Belflower's New YA Drama Series in Development at 20th Television

20th Television has announced the development of an untitled young adult drama series written by playwright Kimberly Belflower, known for her acclaimed work "John Proctor Is The Villain." The series centers on a sheltered teenage girl in the rural South who experiences a significant awakening during her summer as she turns 16. The narrative unfolds as she navigates a brewing scandal at her church and begins her first job at a waterpark, where she encounters a new group of friends and finds herself torn between a troubled hometown boy and a new city kid who symbolizes a broader future.

New YA Drama from "John Proctor Is The Villain" Playwright Kimberly Belflower Lands at 20th TelevisionDeadline Hollywood

Kim Rosenstock, co-creator of the limited series "Dying for Sex," will serve as the showrunner and executive producer for this project. Rosenstock's previous television credits include "New Girl" and "Only Murders in the Building," both of which have garnered her Emmy and WGA nominations. Additionally, Thomas Kail and Jennifer Todd will executive produce through their company, Old 320 Sycamore, with Chloe Hales and Mia Del Duca overseeing the project.

New YA Drama from "John Proctor Is The Villain" Playwright Kimberly Belflower Lands at 20th Television

Kimberly Belflower has established herself as a notable playwright, with her work "John Proctor Is The Villain" receiving significant acclaim and set for adaptation into a feature film by Tina Fey and Marc Platt at Universal Pictures. Her other notable plays include "Lost Girl" and "Saint Pigtail," and she has collaborated with various prestigious theater companies, including the Manhattan Theatre Club and the Alliance Theatre. Belflower holds an MFA from the University of Texas at Austin and teaches playwriting at Emory University in Atlanta.

Deadline Hollywood

This project reflects a growing trend in television to leverage the storytelling expertise of modern playwrights. By integrating theatrical veterans like Belflower and Rosenstock, the series aims to deliver grounded and emotionally resonant characters, moving away from typical teen-soap stereotypes. The collaboration between theater and television is expected to enhance the narrative depth of the series.

New YA Drama from "John Proctor Is The Villain" Playwright Kimberly Belflower Lands at 20th Television

The development of this series has been met with enthusiasm, highlighting the potential for rich character-driven storytelling. The involvement of experienced creators from both theater and television suggests a commitment to quality and depth in the portrayal of teenage experiences.

New YA Drama from "John Proctor Is The Villain" Playwright Kimberly Belflower Lands at 20th Television

As the project progresses, further details regarding casting and production timelines are anticipated. The series is part of 20th Television's broader strategy to expand its roster of young adult content, aiming to resonate with contemporary audiences.

New YA Drama from "John Proctor Is The Villain" Playwright Kimberly Belflower Lands at 20th Television

• “Going Beyond: The Playwright-to-Screen Pipeline This project highlights an ongoing trend in television to tap into the rich character-driven storytelling of modern playwrights to helm a series.” — Deadline

New YA Drama from "John Proctor Is The Villain" Playwright Kimberly Belflower Lands at 20th Television

• “Kimberly Belflower brings a distinct theatrical pedigree to television.” — Laughing Place

New YA Drama from "John Proctor Is The Villain" Playwright Kimberly Belflower Lands at 20th Television

• “By bringing in theatrical veterans, this project should hopefully become a YA drama with grounded, emotionally resonant characters instead of standard teen-soap caricatures.” — Laughing Place

New YA Drama from "John Proctor Is The Villain" Playwright Kimberly Belflower Lands at 20th Television