Just a few months after ABC Family relaunched and became Freeform, the cable channel continues to evolve as its viewers (and viewership) grows. This week in New York City, the network announced many new and exciting shows in the works. These new shows range from dramas to sci-fi to scripted comedies and of course, Freeform wouldn’t be a leader in the diversity forefront without adding some multi-cultural, bi-racial, and LGBTQ awareness to their new projects!
I cannot explain how excited I am for these new pilots and shows in development! Let’s jump right in and chat about a few of the ones I’m looking forward to the most!
Guilt
Kicking off my list is the new summer series “Guilt,” premiering Monday, June 13, 2016. Everyone loves a murder mystery right? In the murder of Molly Ryan, many are guilty in different ways, but only one is truly guilty of her murder. In the one-hour soapy drama, the mystery will twist through all layers of London society – from a posh but depraved sex club and all the way up to the Royal Family itself.
Dead of Summer
What seems like a fun time at Camp Stillwater, turns into an evil one. Set in the late 1980’s, Stillwater’s dark, ancient mythology awakens, and turns into one of unforgettable scares! From ABC Signature Studios and executive producers Adam Horowitz, Edward Kitsis, Ian Goldberg and Steve Pearlman, the series premieres Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 9:00 p.m. This sounds like it might be a bit scary to watch before bed! Proceed to camp with caution!
Famous in Love
Slated for an early 2017 release, I. Marlene King, who everyone knows as the woman and mastermind behind “Pretty Little Liars” has a new show on her hands starring Bella Thorne (The Duff, Shake it Up). Based on the novel by Rebecca Serle, “Famous in Love.” The show follows an ordinary college student, Paige (Thorne), as she gets her big break after auditioning for the starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster. She must now navigate her new star-studded life and undeniable chemistry with her two co-leads, while discovering the highs and lows that come with being the new It Girl in town.
I am a huge fan of I. Marlene King and the entire “Pretty Little Liars” franchise, so you better believe I’ll be tuning in for this show! I also think Bella Thorne is an amazing actress and a great choice for this role since she has been part of the Disney ABC Television family for pretty much all of her career.
The below series are still in development
Rising
As many readers know, I am a huge Selena Gomez supporter! The songstress is currently working on a show for Freeform called “Rising.” It’s set in a low-income Latino neighborhood, and is told through the eyes of an 18-year-old girl destined for greatness. I’ve heard people will see similarities to the hit show, “Empire,” which also is a guilty pleasure of mine.
Gomez will be working on the series with co-executive producers, Mandy Teefey and Aaron Kaplan. Kaplan previously produced ABC Family shows, “Chasing Life” and “Kevin From Work.”
Hunted
Another big name being added to the Freeform roster is Mila Kunis. The former “The 70’s Show” actress will be producing the drama, “Hunted.” The show is centered around Valerie, who escapes prison to prove she did not murder her husband — and along the way we find out if she is really innocent!
With the rebrand of Freeform, I’ve noticed some of the shows have darker tones to them. I can totally see fans of “Pretty Little Liars” being into this mystery.
Made in LA
In addition to “Hunted,” Mila Kunis, along with Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage will produce, the comedy, “Made in LA,” centering on two friends who join their different skill sets to become fashion entrepreneurs. I think this show will especially resonate with the network’s college-aged viewers. I’ll definitely be tuning into this show too!
Lore
With the success of the fantasy drama “Shadowhunters,” executive producer McG will have another sci-fi adventure on his plate. “Lore” will bring mystery and magic when a lone survivor of an ancient race of paranormal beings who is abducted and forced to put his extraordinary abilities to work for the government.
New People
As I mentioned before, ABC Family/Freeform has always done an excellent job showing many different family types and bringing awareness. “New People” is based on the book Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family. It will be about a middle class family who adopted identical twin boys at birth. One is a boy, while the other one grew up trans. With the success of “I Am Cait” and “Transparent” I hope that this show brings the success in the millennial demographic.
In addition to the above in development, “Misfits,” “Nine Years Under,” “Alone Together” and “Paige One” are also in the beginning stages of show development.
I think many “Young & Hungry” fans will be excited to learn that Logan Rawlings (Ashley Tisdale) will be getting her own spin-off show!
Tell me what shows you are most looking to seeing on the Freeform roster of the next year! Tweet @PopHeartsTV with your comments!
