Prime Video Unveils Three Original Series at Amazon Upfront: ‘Escorted’, ‘Rose Hill’, ‘Sex Criminals’
Prime Video announced a trio of new original series during Amazon’s 2026 Upfront presentation on May 11, confirming the pickup of Brett Goldstein’s rom‑com Escorted, an adaptation of Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill romance saga, and the comic‑book‑inspired Sex Criminals. The eight‑episode half‑hour comedy Escorted follows a divorced Manhattan dad who becomes a male escort, while Rose Hill will be developed into a six‑part drama with Heidi Cole McAdams as showrunner. Nia DaCosta was also tapped to direct the pilot and second episode of Sex Criminals, a series based on the Image Comics title.
These announcements come as Amazon pushes a romance‑heavy slate to compete with Netflix’s growing romantic‑drama catalog. The Upfront, traditionally a venue for advertisers, has increasingly become a showcase for content strategy, with Prime Video highlighting its commitment to diverse storytelling and mid‑budget projects that can attract niche audiences.
Deadline reported the three orders, noting that Escorted was green‑lit in November and will star Goldstein, while Rose Hill’s pilot will be directed by Marc Webb and produced by Temple Hill. The Hollywood Reporter added that DaCosta, who directed *Candyman* (2021), will also serve as an executive producer on Sex Criminals. A Prime Video spokesperson said, “We’re excited to bring fresh, character‑driven stories to our subscribers, and these projects reflect the breadth of talent we’re working with.”
Industry analysts see the moves as a bid to solidify Prime Video’s catalog ahead of a projected subscriber churn this holiday season. media‑watch firm S&P Global noted that romance‑themed content consistently outperforms drama in streaming metrics, suggesting these series could boost engagement. Critics also praised the inclusion of high‑profile creators like Goldstein and DaCosta, predicting strong critical reception.
All three series are slated for production later this year, with Escorted aiming for a 2027 release, Rose Hill scheduled to begin shooting in early 2027, and Sex Criminals targeting a late‑2027 premiere. Viewers and advertisers will be watching how Prime Video leverages these titles to attract and retain subscribers in a crowded market.