In a world where dating apps, social media drama, and modern pressures often leave relationships feeling more toxic than transformative, a new film is arriving just in time to offer something different: hope. Relationship Goals, streaming February 4, 2026, on Prime Video, adapts Pastor Michael Todd’s New York Times bestselling book Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex into a heartfelt romantic comedy. Produced by DeVon Franklin and directed by Linda Mendoza, the film stars Kelly Rowland as ambitious TV producer Leah Caldwell, with Cliff “Method Man” Smith as her ex, Jarrett Roy, who claims personal growth inspired by the very book that inspired the movie.
In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, Franklin and Todd opened up about the six-year journey to bring this project to life, the film’s timely message, and why now is the perfect moment for audiences to rediscover what healthy love really looks like.
The conversation kicked off with excitement about the film’s positive vibe in a “strange time in the world.” Todd, whose Transformation Church in Tulsa served as a filming location for one of the major scenes, described the project as a blessing timed perfectly by God. “We set out on this journey almost six years ago,” Todd shared, “and only God knew the exact timing… It’s going to give people hope.”
Franklin, a seasoned producer known for faith-infused storytelling, admitted he approached the adaptation on faith alone. The book isn’t a traditional narrative—it’s advice and principles—so crafting a feature-length story meant honoring the core tenets while building an engaging plot. “I had hope and faith that it would [make a great movie],” Franklin said. “Most films I produce have a beginning, middle, and end. This was taking a book of advice and crafting a narrative.”
The result? A story where Leah is on the cusp of breaking barriers as the first woman to run New York’s top morning show—until her ex, Jarrett, competes for the same role, touting transformation from Todd’s book. As Leah’s friends dive into the same wisdom, they rethink their own approaches to love. Amid undeniable chemistry and career ambitions, Leah must confront whether she’s ready to believe in second chances.
Filming brought its own joys and star power. “Every day on set, I’m like, ‘Wait, that’s Kelly Rowland, that’s Method Man,'” Franklin recalled with a laugh. Scenes shot in Tulsa and Toronto blended fun with purpose, ensuring the movie stayed authentic to the book’s message. “We want people to watch it and say, ‘I want to get that book. I want to go to that church. I want to know who Pastor Mike is.'”
The film’s core theme? Many people chase what they want in a partner, not what they need. “Rip up your list,” Todd advised. “We have non-negotiables that, if you really think about it, are negotiable.” Drawing from his own 16-year marriage and four kids with his high school sweetheart, Todd emphasized growth through ups and downs. Franklin, reflecting on his own journey through divorce and remarriage, noted the principles apply “no matter what season of life you are in.”
Both men described the project as a “Hail Mary” moment—miraculous in Hollywood terms, especially for a pastor seeing his book become a movie where he appears. “Any movie that gets made is a miracle,” Franklin said. Todd added that writing down the vision (even when it seemed crazy) and doing his part—preaching the series, writing the book—allowed God to bring the pieces together, including Franklin’s call six years ago.
They offered advice for anyone with a dream: pair faith with process and patience. “You need a word and you need to work,” Todd quipped. Franklin stressed decades of studying the industry, while Todd highlighted not giving up just before the breakthrough. After six years, with partners like Amazon MGM Studios committed, they’re proud of the result.
Rated PG-13 and running 1 hour 31 minutes, Relationship Goals features a talented ensemble including Robin Thede, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert, and Matt Walsh. Written by Laura Lekkos, Michael Elliot, and Cory Tynan, and executive produced by Bart Lipton, Michael Todd, and Kelly Rowland, it’s designed to entertain while inspiring change.
As Todd put it, “This is nothing but God… bringing this movie together at this time” to heal wounds in love and relationships. Franklin hopes audiences laugh, reflect, and walk away ready to “fix their aim” in life and love.
Mark your calendars for February 4, 2026, on Prime Video. In a culture craving connection, Relationship Goals might just be the catalyst for winning at love—God’s way.
