📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / San Francisco Public Library
Entertainment
Queen Sugar author to adapt ‘Friends and Family’ into series with UTV, Mary J. Blige
✍️ IMDb
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 09:17 AM
👁 14
The creator of the acclaimed series ‘Queen Sugar’ is set to turn her novel ‘Friends and Family’ into a television series, partnering with Indian studio UTV, singer‑songwriter Mary J. Blige and director Gina Prince‑Bythewood.
The author behind the award‑winning drama ‘Queen Sugar’ will develop her novel ‘Friends and Family’ as a television series. The project is being pursued in collaboration with Indian entertainment company UTV, Grammy‑winning artist Mary J. Blige, and acclaimed filmmaker Gina Prince‑Bythewood.
UTV, a prominent Indian production house, is slated to handle local production logistics while Blige is expected to contribute her musical expertise and serve in an executive capacity. Prince‑Bythewood, known for her work on high‑profile TV dramas, will direct or co‑produce the adaptation.
The partnership was first reported on the entertainment database IMDb, confirming that the adaptation is moving forward but providing no specific launch date. The development follows the author’s success with ‘Queen Sugar’, which has earned praise for its storytelling and cultural relevance.
Industry observers note that the cross‑border collaboration reflects a growing trend of Indian studios teaming with global talent to create content for both domestic and international audiences.
UTV, a prominent Indian production house, is slated to handle local production logistics while Blige is expected to contribute her musical expertise and serve in an executive capacity. Prince‑Bythewood, known for her work on high‑profile TV dramas, will direct or co‑produce the adaptation.
The partnership was first reported on the entertainment database IMDb, confirming that the adaptation is moving forward but providing no specific launch date. The development follows the author’s success with ‘Queen Sugar’, which has earned praise for its storytelling and cultural relevance.
Industry observers note that the cross‑border collaboration reflects a growing trend of Indian studios teaming with global talent to create content for both domestic and international audiences.