Another book by bestselling author Steven Rowley, the writer behind “The Guncle,” is headed to the screen. 

His latest novel, “Take Me With You,” was optioned by Warner Bros. Television and Bill Lawrence, of “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking” fame. 

The author posted: “We love TED LASSO. We love SHRINKING. We love SCRUBS. ROOSTER on HBO is a new favorite. And I even love COUGAR TOWN, a go to comfort show. What do all those shows have in common? The perfect balance of humor and heartfelt emotion, and super producer Bill Lawrence. And now TAKE ME WITH YOU is coming to TV with Bill Lawrence, his production company Doozer, and Warner Bros TV. I could not be more excited to see my work join this stellar line-up. LET’S GO! 👽”

“Take Me With You” was published in May and is being adapted as a TV series. The story follows Jesse, whose husband of 30 years, Norman, vanishes into a beam of light in their Joshua Tree backyard. As he grapples with grief, confusion and the possibility that Norman may never return, Jesse is forced to consider what it means to be alone for the first time in decades. Norman’s sister, Lally, suddenly arrives, and a strange man begins following him, which adds to the drama and intrigue.

Rowley is known for writing novels featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes, including “The Guncle” and “The Editor.”

He has three other adaptations in the works. “The Guncle,” which was published in 2021, was  acquired by Lionsgate in 2022. 

The heartwarming and hilarious story follows retired sitcom star Patrick O’Hara, who has to take care of his young niece and nephew, Maisie and Grant, after their mother Sara, who was Patrick’s best friend, dies and her husband, Patrick’s brother Greg, faces a health crisis. Patrick goes by the name “Guncle” and “GUP” (Gay Uncle Patrick) to his niece and nephew and teaches them his “Guncle Rules,” while sprawling in his Palm Beach home in a kaftan. He introduces them to the joys of brunch and other fine things in life and the three also grieve together.

The bestseller was followed by the 2025 sequel, “The Guncle Abroad.”

In 2018, news broke that his novel “The Editor” was being adapted by 20th Century Fox with Greg Berlanti (“Riverdale,” “You”) as director and producer.  The story follows a writer, James, in 1990s New York City whose novel is being edited by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The pair bond and Jackie helps him refine his story’s ending and navigate complicated family issues.

Amazon Studios acquired Rowley’s debut novel “Lily and the Octopus” in 2018. The Hollywood Reporter said Rowley was paid an advance of nearly a million dollars for the book, which was published in 2016.

The story follows the bond between a man and his beloved dachshund Lily, who has a tumor. An octopus attaches itself to Lily as a symbol of her illness in this magical realism tale. 

No further details are available about “The Editor” and “Lily and the Octopus” adaptations.

Rowley has had seven books published. His other novels include “The Dogs of Venice” and “The Celebrants.”

About the writer

S. Lynn Bonanno is a devoted member of the Patrick O’Hara fan club. “The Guncle” and “The Guncle Abroad” made her laugh out loud, then reach for a tissue a few pages later. She is eagerly awaiting the adaptation and firmly believes everyone should learn at least a few Guncle Rules.