Hill 5.14 Options Viral TikTok Romance Series for TV
Black-Led Production Company Strikes First Literary Deal with J.L. Seegars’ “New Haven”
London-based Hill 5.14, a production company helmed by **Tobi Olujinmi**, has secured the television rights for J.L. Seegars’ popular “New Haven” romance novel series. This marks a significant milestone for the relatively new company, which launched in 2022, as its inaugural literary acquisition.
“New Haven” Set for U.K. Television Adaptation
The television adaptation will bring the self-published titles *Restore Me* and *Revive Me* (encompassing three parts) to the screen. Development is underway in partnership with **Sony Pictures Television** and Eleventh Hour Films, leveraging Hill 5.14’s existing first-look agreement with both entities. A U.K. broadcaster is also attached to the project, with further announcements anticipated.
The “New Haven” series exploded in popularity on TikTok, amassing over 16 million views across relevant hashtags and becoming a phenomenon within the BookTok community throughout 2024 and 2025. The novels intricately weave the romantic journeys of multiple couples over more than a decade.
These stories delve into profound themes of trauma, healing, and emotional recovery within a Black Southern community. For the television adaptation, the narrative will transition from its original fictional South Carolina setting to the United Kingdom. **Phoebe Okeowo**, known for her work on Amazon Prime’s book-to-series adaptation *The Power* (2023), has been tapped to adapt the novels.
Creative Vision: Love, Healing, and Trauma
“The moment we read *Revive Me* and *Restore Me*, we knew that this was a Hill 5.14 story,” stated **Tobi Olujinmi**. She highlighted that **Seegars**’ narratives align perfectly with Hill 5.14’s mission to champion diverse and distinctive storytelling. **Olujinmi** added, “Janil, through these beautiful characters, explores healing throughout, powerfully depicting what love looks like after trauma, healthy sex after violation.”
**Seegars** expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing the palpable passion of **Olujinmi** and **Okeowo** for her work. In a statement, she shared,
“From our first meeting, **Tobi** and **Phoebe**’s love for my characters and their world has been evident, and I have every confidence that passion will translate to the finished product.”
—J.L. Seegars, Author
Hill 5.14’s Growing Talent Roster
Beyond **Okeowo**, Hill 5.14 has engaged other notable writers, including **Victoria Asare-Archer** (*Missing You*) and *Sex Education* contributors **Thara Poopla** and **Bella Heesom**. The company has also attracted acclaimed on-screen talent such as **Weruche Opia** (*I May Destroy You*), **Adelayo Adebayo** (*The Responder*), and **Adjoa Andoh** (*Bridgerton*), who also stars in Hill 5.14’s podcast *Discover Me*.
Through their arrangement, **Sony Pictures Television**-owned Eleventh Hour Films holds a first-look option to co-develop and co-produce TV projects from Hill 5.14’s slate, with Sony Pictures Television set to serve as the distributor for these ventures. **Seegars** is represented by Sugar23 and Laura Dail Literary Agency.
The trend of romance novels finding success on social media and transitioning to television continues, with platforms like TikTok playing a crucial role in discovering new talent and audiences. Indeed, BookTok has become a significant driver of sales and adaptations, reflecting a growing demand for diverse and relatable love stories. For instance, Emily Henry’s novels, also popularized on BookTok, have seen successful film adaptations, demonstrating the platform’s impact.