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Jessica Simpson to produce scripted series based on her mid-20s

Jessica Simpson and Amazon Studios announce partnership, have two shows in the works.
Jessica Simpson and Amazon Studios announce partnership, have two shows in the works. (Photo: Getty Images)

By Taryn Ryder

Jessica Simpson’s bestselling memoir is getting the TV treatment.

The singer and Amazon Studios announced a multimedia partnership on Wednesday, including a new unscripted docuseries, plus a new coming-of-age scripted series inspired by Open Book.

Simpson said she’s “humbled and honoured” to bring her “story and heart to life on the screen.” The entrepreneur will executive produce the fictionalised show, which she said will be “about my mid-twenties” — and there is plenty of material. (Cue the casting debate over who should play Nick Lachey and John Mayer. )

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“I am a huge TV fan and many of my favourite shows live on Amazon, so the gift of this unprecedented collaboration is the brightest visible dream for me,” Simpson shared on Instagram. “From our first meeting I had a visceral connection to every member of this team. I know that parts of my life have been extraordinary, but I also know that many of my struggles are universal. I hope to continue the mission I set out to accomplish in writing Open Book — to inspire others to be entertained, moved, and empowered to walk through fear and come out on the other side even stronger.”

Simpson will also publish two new original essays “where I will share my soul and perspective while holding your heart close to mine.”

In a press release, Amazon Studios shared more information about the forthcoming projects.

Watch: Jessica Simpson shares she has dyslexia

Simpson’s “raw” unscripted docuseries will feature “never-before-seen personal footage shot over the last decade and will explore the highs and lows of Simpson’s life, including her singing career, her journey to sobriety, starting a family, the rise of creating a billion-dollar business and finding her voice.” It will premiere on Amazon Prime Video.

Read more: Jessica Simpson goes public with alcohol addiction

The fictionalised drama series takes place after Simpson’s divorce from Lachey and will be about “the journey to discovering herself.” Music will be a key component of both the scripted and unscripted series.

As for the essays, the first will focus on motherhood and the second will focus on gratitude. They will be published through Amazon Original Stories and Simpson will narrate the audio editions, as she did for the acclaimed audiobook of Open Book.

Simpson became the highest selling female pop culture celebrity author of all time with Open Book’s debut. It sold nearly half a million copies in 14 weeks in 121 countries.

Watch: Jessica Simpson on how she forgave her abuser