‘The View’ Host Sunny Hostin Developing Debut Novel ‘Summer on the Bluffs’ as Amazon TV Series With Octavia Spencer Producing
Variety reports that “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin is in the early stages of developing her first novel, “Summer on the Bluffs,” as a television series for Amazon MGM Studios. The series will be produced by Sunny Hostin Productions, Amazon MGM Studios and Octavia Spencer’s Orit Entertainment.
The book, published by William Morrow in 2021, follows the tales of three godsisters and their godmother, as well as the rich history of Oak Bluffs, an exclusive historically Black beach community in Martha’s Vineyard. The novel explores personal journeys, hidden secrets and the transformative power of heritage.
Elizabeth Hunter will adapt the novel for television and serve as executive producer and showrunner. She is known for films “Jumping the Broom” (2011) and “The Fighting Temptations.”
“Summer on the Bluffs” reps the first installment of Hostin’s summer trilogy. The book became an instant New York Times bestseller upon its release. The second novel, “Summer on Sag Harbor,” also became a New York Times bestseller when it dropped in May. The third book, “Summer on Highland Beach,” is set to publish on May 28, 2024.
In 2021, Variety announced the launch of Sunny Hostin Productions, a global, multi-platform media company creating content that highlights important social justice issues, meaningful stories and underrepresented groups. Hostin serves as Founder & CEO, while Regina Jansen serves as Head of Development for the company. Summer on the Bluffs marks the first project for Sunny Hostin Productions.
In 2019, Spencer launched her production company, Orit Entertainment, which she runs with partner and producer Brian Clisham and head of production and development Stephanie Kluft. Projects under the Orit Entertainment banner include the scripted series “Truth Be Told” and “Self-Made: Inspired by The Life of Madam C.J. Walker.” In November, Orit premiered two docuseries, “Lost Women of Highway 20” and “Feds,” as part of their partnership with ID and October Films.