Hulu develops YA series 'Just One Day' starring Kathryn Newton

Hulu is developing the YA romance drama “Just One Day,” a series that will star Kathryn Newton, the “The Devil’s Mouth” and “Big Little Lies” actress, after the project moved from Amazon to the streaming giant. The show is based on Gayle Forman’s bestselling romance novels that have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and have already inspired a 2014 film adaptation of “The Princess Diaries.” Patrick Moran, executive producer and head of PKM Productions, will oversee the project, which was originally set up under a first‑look deal with Amazon before shifting to Hulu. Sherri Cooper, co‑creator of “Beauty & the Beast,” is also attached to help shape the series.

The move comes as Hulu ramps up its original lineup to capture the teenage and young‑adult audience that has been drawn to shows like “Riverdale,” “The 100,” and “Shadow and Bone.” Kathryn Newton has become a familiar face to that demographic, with her roles in “The Devil’s Mouth” and the “Big Little Lies” spinoff “The Big Little Lies: The Secret Life of the Characters.” Her presence gives the project immediate star power, while the source material’s popularity ensures a built‑in fan base. Patrick Moran’s track record with youth‑oriented dramas and Sherri Cooper’s success on “Beauty & the Beast” add credibility, signaling that Hulu intends to deliver a high‑quality adaptation that respects the books’ tone.

The series will likely focus on the same core story that made Forman’s novels a hit: a young woman who, after a heartbreak, receives a letter from her future self that forces her to confront her past and the love she thought she had lost. The original film adaptation of “The Princess Diaries” drew over 100 million viewers on Netflix, and the books’ 2010s surge in popularity has kept them relevant. By moving the project to Hulu, the studio hopes to tap into the platform’s strong family‑friendly branding while also appealing to teens who binge on serialized romance. The shift from Amazon also reflects broader studio negotiations, as many projects originally in Amazon’s pipeline have been re‑sold or re‑developed for other services.

Next steps include writing and pilot development, with the possibility of a 2025 premiere if the pilot is greenlit. Hulu’s recent acquisition of “The Good Doctor” and “The Office” spin‑off “The Office: The Lost Episodes” shows a willingness to invest in proven brands, suggesting that “Just One Day” could receive a full‑series order if the pilot performs well. Fans of the books and Newton’s fans alike will likely keep an eye on Hulu’s announcements in the coming months for casting updates and a release date.