Amber Riley brings the beloved character to life in CW's rom-com "Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell"

Reel Perspectives

November 30, 2025

The CW is bringing viewers another romantic comedy this holiday season as part of its adaptation of six Harlequin romance novels into original primetime movies. Premiering tonight at 8 pm, the network will premiere "Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell," based on the beloved 2022 novel by award-winning author Taj McCoy. The film stars Amber Riley in the titular role and it's a special treat for Black audiences, as Riley beautifully embodies the character from the acclaimed novel, promoting positive body image and delivering an uplifting message.

Produced by Neshama Entertainment in association with Circle Blue Entertainment, the film is directed by Samantha MacAdam and written by Miriam van Emst and Shelley Scarrow. It follows Savvy Sheldon (Glee's Amber Riley), who is juggling a lot—a high-stress/low-thanks job, a situationship that has run its course, and the love-worn kitchen she inherited from her cherished grandma, who left Savvy her love of cooking and a treasure trove of recipes. Supported by her ride or die mom and best friend, Savvy decides to take control of her destiny and sets out on some renovations, from her career to her kitchen. Isaiah (Transplant's Dorian Grey), the dashing contractor, falls for more than Savvy's delectable cuisine and may just be the secret ingredient to heating up Savvy's love life, even as she finds her true calling. Nadine Whiteman (Designated Survivor) and Malaika Hennie-Hamadi (Bria Mack Gets a Life) co-star.

Rounding out the cast for the feel-good romantic comedy are Dorian Grey, Nadine Whiteman, Malaika Hennie-Hamadi, Kevin Hanchard, and Golden Madison.

Riley took to her social media account to express her excitement for the film, stating, "I can't wait for you all to see this one! We had a TIME filming this! Before adding "This is one of my favorite projects I've filmed to date."

Don't miss "Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell" on November 30 at 8 p.m. ET on The CW, with next-day streaming available on The CW App.

In addition to Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell, catch the rest of CW's Harlequin-adapted lineup, which includes Montana Mavericks, Ordinary Girl in a Tiara, Paws in the City, Recipe for Romance, and Second Guessing Fate.