Freeform Announces Projects in Development
This week at their Upfront in NYC, Tom Ascheim made a number of announcements regarding programming on the rebranded network both for this year and the next. He also spoke about projects currently under development. Keep reading to see what Freeform has up their sleeves.
Late Night Programming
“Later Bitches,” a fresh take on after-hours talk shows, is a half-hour, comedic talk show, hosted by a group of smart, alluring and dynamic ladies having fun on their own terms and redefining late night in the process. It’s everything traditionally great about late night doused in sugar, spice, and everything nice (and not so nice). It’s the latest in pop culture, unique celebrity interviews, whatever’s going viral, lifestyle takeaway, adrenaline-fueled debates and tell-all conversations usually reserved ONLY for therapy – while sipping champagne cocktails, of course. It’s late-night talk meets “Sex and the City” – and it’s about time. Longtime producers Jennifer Flanz (“The Daily Show”) and Elise Terrell (“The Daily Show”) will consult. “Later Bitches” will be produced by Omelette Bar Productions and True Entertainment.
Docuseries Programming
What ESPN’s “30 for 30” did to illuminate the world of sports, we’re doing through the lens of pop culture and iconic cultural happenings. “Freeform Presents: Snapshot” takes a closer look inside the most pivotal moments of the last 20 years, while exploring how those events have been shaped by a continually more connected population.
Dramatic Programming
“The Deep” takes place in the mermaid-obsessed sea town of Bristol Cove. Where everyone’s lives change when actual mermaids come ashore, causing sides to be taken, loyalties to be tested and a war between man and mermaid to begin. Executive producers include Eric Wald, Dean White, Brad Luff, RD Robb and Nate Hopper.
“Hunted” is from executive producer Mila Kunis. “Hunted” centers on Valerie who escapes prison to prove she did not murder her husband. While the police hunt for her and attempt to prove her family helped her escape, Valerie fights to exonerate herself – but is she really innocent? Along with Kunis, Ed Bernero and Hugh Sterbakov executive-produce.
“Lore” is a sci-fi drama from executive producer McG, “Lore” tells the story of the lone survivor of an ancient race of paranormal beings who is abducted and forced to put his extraordinary abilities to work for the government. When an old nemesis resurfaces, this arrangement turns into an uneasy alliance, and the only hope for survival in a dangerous world of mystery and magic. The series is written by Zack Stentz (“Thor”) and executive-produced by McG, Mary Viola, Zach Stentz, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross.
“Misfits” brings us a drama based on a hit British series about a group of twenty-somethings who are exposed to a mysterious chemical, and subsequently develop peculiar superpowers. The series is from ABC Signature Studios and executive-produced by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage.
“New People” executive-produced by Joel Silver and writer/director Don Roos, in association with Lionsgate, focuses on a middle class family who adopted identical twin boys at birth. One is all boy; the other grew up trans. The series is inspired by the book “Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family.”
“Nine Years Under” from executive producer Will Packer, tells the story of a law school grad who blows off the bar exam to take a job at a funeral home after the sudden death of her mother. Along with Packer, Korin Huggins executive-produces.
“Rising” which is Eexecutive-produced by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey and Aaron Kaplan, is set in a low-income Latino neighborhood, and is told through the eyes of an 18-year-old girl destined for greatness. Ana Cobarrubias will be a consultant on the project.
Comedy Programming
From The Lonely Island’s Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, “Alone Together” tells the tale two misfits from different backgrounds try to make their way into the vain and status-obsessed culture of Los Angeles. Along the way, they find salvation in their male/female, strictly platonic friendship.
From executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, along with Mila Kunis, “Made in LA” is a half-hour comedy set in the world of fashion, centering on two friends who join their different skill sets to become fashion entrepreneurs. The series is loosely inspired by the creators of fashion label Juicy Couture and the authors of “The Glitter Plan.” The series is from ABC Signature Studios.
“Paige One” is executive-produced Elizabeth Banks. This single-camera comedy that follows the insulated life of a children’s book author who hates children. Her life is turned upside down when her brother shows up on her door with his young daughter. The show comes from Brownstone Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television, and executive producers Banks, Max Handelman and executive producer/writer Susan Jaffee.
“Young & Hungry Spinoff” is a spinoff of the network’s popular sitcom “Young & Hungry” executive-produced by and starring Ashley Tisdale as Logan Rawlings.
Movies
In “Greek: The Reunion” The characters from “GREEK” return to Cypress Rhodes University for their five-year reunion. It will be executive-produced by Shawn Piller, Lloyd Segan and Patrick Sean Smith.
“Angry Angel” From executive producer Will Gluck, a disgruntled angel tries to make it back into heaven after being kicked out.
Short-Form Development Projects
“Just Josh” This docuseries follows professional dancer Josh Horner as he gives unconventional crash courses in dancing for special events.
“My Boyfriend is a Robot” is a romantic fish-out-of-water comedy centering on the relationship between a girl and her boyfriend – who happens to be a robot. The project is from executive producers Deb Spera and Maria Grasso.
“Open Roads” will focus on the nonprofit organization Open Roads, which provides filmmaking wilderness camps for high school students, this docuseries follows campers’ experiences in the wild, making documentaries, and creating new relationships. Viewers will also get to see completed documentaries from the Open Roads campers.
Untitled Punam Patel Project Comedienne Punam Patel hosts this unconventional interview-based show. Each episode finds Punam tucking in a celebrity/person of influence into bed, using children’s stories as a launching pad for fun and personal conversation topics.
Rio Squad (working title) In a collaboration with ESPNW, “Rio Squad” (working title) highlights four uniquely powerful female athletes who have dedicated their lives to being the best at their sport. It follows these women as they pursue their dreams, prepare for the Summer Games, and demonstrate that a female hero doesn’t have to take the shape of a princess.
“School of Doodle” will present a series of short videos acquired from School of Doodle, an organization that creates inspiring content for girls and women. This series will celebrate the arts and provide the audience the tools to turn creative potential into success.