Monarch Media's Alan Powell and Adam Anders Collaborate on New Teen Musical Series 'Youth Group'
Roger EbertPulitzer Prize-winning film critic whose reviews and essays defined cinema criticism for decades.
Monarch Media's Alan Powell and Adam Anders are collaborating on a new teen musical series, "Youth Group," a project that marks another partnership between the two creatives. This series delves into the complexities of faith and self-discovery within the setting of a contemporary megachurch. The narrative follows a pastor's son whose inquiries about his lifelong beliefs spark a widespread online movement, transforming a youth worship team into an unexpected battleground for truth and heritage. The show is currently in its developmental phase and is actively seeking a distribution platform.
The concept behind "Youth Group" is to explore the challenges and revelations faced by young individuals navigating their spiritual paths in a modern context. The series aims to blend musical elements with a compelling story of questioning and conviction, appealing to a broad audience interested in themes of personal growth and societal impact. This collaboration brings together the proven talents of Powell and Anders, both of whom have extensive experience in creating successful musical content.
Adam Anders, a highly acclaimed music producer with multiple Grammy nominations and over 100 million albums sold, brings a wealth of musical expertise to the project. His previous work includes significant contributions to popular shows like "Glee" and Disney's "High School Musical" and "Descendants" franchises. Anders also previously partnered with Monarch Media on the 2023 film "Journey to Bethlehem," where he served as writer, director, and producer.
Alan Powell, a co-founder of Monarch Media and a former member of the Christian rock band Anthem Lights, has a strong background in faith-based musical productions. He co-wrote the 2021 Netflix musical film "A Week Away," which inspired a successful spinoff series for Angel Studios in 2025. Powell served as the creator, executive producer, and showrunner for the series, which quickly became the highest-rated program on the Angel Studios platform. His involvement ensures a deep understanding of the genre and its audience.
Both Anders and Powell are credited as co-creators and co-showrunners for "Youth Group." Anders will also executive produce through his Nightlight Media banner, while Powell, alongside Steve Barnett and Vicky Patel, will executive produce under the Monarch Media umbrella. Monarch Media's diverse portfolio also includes projects such as Richard Linklater's "Hit Man," the upcoming animated film "Tangles" featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Bryan Cranston, and a reboot of the 2002 film "A Walk to Remember." The combined experience and vision of these creative forces suggest a promising future for "Youth Group" as it seeks to engage viewers with its unique blend of music, drama, and contemporary themes.
This latest venture reunites Alan Powell and Adam Anders, who have a history of crafting engaging musical narratives. Their new series, "Youth Group," promises to be a thoughtful exploration of faith and identity, set against a vibrant musical backdrop. With both creators bringing their significant experience in the entertainment industry, the project is poised to capture the attention of audiences and industry buyers alike as it moves forward in development.

