Amazon MGM Studios is poised to captivate audiences with a new scripted series, drawing inspiration from Vivian Tu’s highly influential non-fiction sensation, “Rich AF: The Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life.” This strategic move signals a growing industry appetite for narratives that blend entertainment with vital life skills, particularly financial literacy, resonating deeply with a generation seeking control over their economic futures. The project is set to bring a dynamic, female-centric perspective to the complexities of wealth, ambition, and personal transformation on screen.
At the helm of this exciting adaptation is Mallory Rosenthal, recognized for her work on the series “Panic,” who will serve as both writer and executive producer. Her involvement suggests a compelling, character-driven approach to translating Tu’s financial wisdom into a dramatic arc. Joining Rosenthal in the executive producer role are Vivian Tu herself, ensuring the series remains true to the spirit and core tenets of her bestselling book, and Sarah Kucserka, a seasoned storyteller known for her co-showrunner role on the hit Prime Video series “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Kucserka’s proven track record in crafting narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences, particularly young adults, positions her as a crucial creative force in shaping the series’ tone and appeal.
The genesis of this ambitious project can be traced back to PKM Productions, led by industry veterans Patrick Moran and Lynley Bird. Operating under a robust first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios, PKM Productions was instrumental in bringing this concept to the studio’s attention. Their foresight in identifying the inherent dramatic potential within Tu’s work, coupled with its profound cultural relevance, underscores their commitment to developing impactful and timely content. Moran and Bird will also serve as executive producers, leveraging their extensive experience in content development and production to shepherd the series through its creative journey.
The series’ logline offers a tantalizing glimpse into its narrative heart: a compelling “riches to rags story that follows 23-year-old Lia, a billionaire’s daughter and Wall Street rising star who has to start from scratch after exposing her father’s white collar crimes and losing everything she once held dear. She’ll be pinned between her former glittering life and a new scrappier one as she painstakingly builds a freelance career and learns that wealth isn’t only measured in dollars.” This premise immediately establishes a potent blend of high-stakes drama, moral quandaries, and a deeply personal journey of self-discovery, promising a narrative rich with both emotional depth and aspirational messaging.
Vivian Tu’s journey to becoming a financial empowerment guru is as compelling as the story her book inspires. A former Wall Street equity trader, Tu experienced firsthand the opaque and often intimidating world of high finance. Her pivot from trading desks to digital platforms, particularly TikTok, where she amassed a massive following as a “FinTok” creator, marked a significant shift in how financial literacy is disseminated. Tu’s accessible, no-nonsense approach to explaining complex financial concepts resonated deeply with a demographic often overlooked by traditional financial institutions – young women and those new to managing their money. Her ability to demystify investing, budgeting, and wealth-building strategies, coupled with her vibrant personality, transformed her into a trusted voice for millions. “Rich AF” the book, became a New York Times bestseller, solidifying her status as a leading authority in personal finance and cementing her mission to empower individuals to take control of their economic destinies.
The series’ narrative arc, as outlined in the logline, perfectly encapsulates the core ethos of Tu’s work. Lia’s fall from grace is not merely a tale of lost privilege, but a profound opportunity for reinvention and a re-evaluation of what true wealth entails. In a world often obsessed with outward displays of affluence, Lia’s forced journey into building a freelance career from the ground up will highlight the resilience, ingenuity, and intrinsic value found in hard work and self-reliance. This exploration of “scrappier” beginnings versus a “glittering life” offers a timely commentary on societal values, the ethical dimensions of wealth accumulation, and the profound satisfaction derived from earning success on one’s own terms. For a women-focused audience, Lia’s struggle and eventual triumph will likely serve as a powerful metaphor for navigating independence, overcoming adversity, and defining success on one’s own terms, rather than inheriting or being defined by external circumstances.
Vivian Tu herself articulated the heart of the project, stating, “‘Rich AF’ is a love letter to anyone who has ever felt broke, lost, and like they wanted to hit the redo button on life!” Her words underscore the universal appeal of the story, tapping into the collective desire for second chances and the empowering belief that one can always rebuild and redefine their path. “I’m so grateful to be working with PKM, Sarah, Mallory and the phenomenal Amazon Studios team to bring the energy & empowerment of ‘Rich AF’ to life on screen,” Tu added, conveying her excitement and commitment to ensuring the series faithfully translates the spirit of her book into a visually compelling and emotionally resonant drama. This collaborative spirit, bringing together a finance expert with seasoned Hollywood talent, promises a series that is both authentic and dramatically engaging.
The creative team behind the series boasts a wealth of experience crucial for bringing this unique vision to life. Mallory Rosenthal’s background, particularly with a series like “Panic,” indicates an ability to craft tense, character-driven narratives often involving young protagonists facing difficult choices and high stakes. This experience will be invaluable in adapting a non-fiction finance book into a compelling dramatic series, focusing on Lia’s emotional journey and the external pressures she faces. Rosenthal’s skill in developing narratives that capture the complexities of young adulthood will ensure Lia’s transition is both believable and deeply relatable.
Sarah Kucserka’s involvement as an executive producer is particularly significant given the potential target demographic for the series. As co-showrunner of “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” Kucserka has demonstrated an exceptional ability to develop popular, character-rich stories that deeply resonate with young adult and female audiences. Her expertise lies in understanding the nuances of relationships, personal growth, and emotional storytelling, all of which will be critical in developing Lia’s journey from a privileged Wall Street prodigy to an independent woman forging her own path. Her presence helps to bridge the gap between financial education and engaging, heartfelt drama, ensuring the series is not only informative but also deeply entertaining.
PKM Productions’ Patrick Moran brings a formidable industry pedigree to the project. As the former president of ABC Studios, Moran oversaw the development and production of numerous iconic and critically acclaimed television series, including hits like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “Lost.” His tenure was marked by a keen eye for talent and a strategic understanding of how to build successful, long-running franchises that capture the cultural zeitgeist. This extensive experience in network television, coupled with his current first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios, underscores his ability to identify and nurture projects with broad appeal and significant dramatic potential. Moran’s role in bringing “Rich AF” to Amazon speaks volumes about the perceived strength and timeliness of Tu’s story and message. He is also currently serving as an executive producer on the USA Network series adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker,” which was recently renewed for a second season, further demonstrating his active and influential presence in the television landscape.
For Amazon MGM Studios, greenlighting a series based on “Rich AF” aligns perfectly with their broader strategic objectives in the competitive streaming landscape. The studio has been actively investing in diverse, IP-driven content that speaks to contemporary audiences, particularly those seeking empowering and aspirational narratives. Stories focused on female empowerment, financial independence, and navigating modern challenges are increasingly popular and resonate strongly with Amazon’s global subscriber base. By adapting a New York Times bestselling book from a celebrated “FinTok” personality, Amazon MGM Studios is tapping into a pre-existing, engaged audience, leveraging the power of Tu’s brand and message to attract viewers who are not only looking for compelling drama but also practical wisdom and inspiration.
Vivian Tu continues to expand her influence beyond “Rich AF.” She currently serves as the chief financial empowerment officer at SoFi, a modern financial services company, where she applies her expertise to help a broader audience achieve financial well-being. This role further solidifies her commitment to practical financial education and empowerment. Her second book, “Well Endowed: The Secrets to Strategic Spending, Building a Financial Foundation for You and Your Family, and Creating Lasting Generational Wealth,” published earlier this month, continues her mission, delving deeper into strategic financial planning and generational wealth building. These ongoing endeavors highlight Tu’s dedication to providing actionable financial advice, making her an authentic and invaluable voice for the series.
The convergence of financial literacy, social media influence, and traditional entertainment represents a significant trend in media. As audiences increasingly seek content that is not only entertaining but also enriching and relevant to their lives, projects like the “Rich AF” series stand out. It offers a unique opportunity to explore complex financial concepts through the lens of a captivating personal drama, making abstract ideas tangible and relatable. The series has the potential to educate, inspire, and empower viewers, particularly women, to confront their financial realities, challenge conventional notions of wealth, and forge their own paths to success and fulfillment.
The collaboration among such a diverse and accomplished team—Vivian Tu, a financial luminary; Mallory Rosenthal, a skilled writer; Sarah Kucserka, a proven showrunner; and PKM Productions with its industry heft—promises a series that is not only well-crafted but also deeply meaningful. Their combined talents are set to bring a fresh, relevant, and much-needed narrative to screens, demonstrating that the pursuit of financial independence can be as dramatic and inspiring as any other journey of self-discovery.
Vivian Tu is represented by WME, Hansen Jacobson, and 42West. Sarah Kucserka’s representation includes WME and 3Arts Entertainment. Mallory Rosenthal is repped by WME and Amplified Management, while Patrick Moran is represented by Myman Greenspan.
