Freeform Programming Coming in Early 2017
2017 will find Freeform welcoming back some familiar favorites and introducing exciting new series that will soon become favorites.
Returning Series
From Imperative Entertainment and Automatik, “Beyond” is a one-hour drama about Holden, a young man who wakes up from a coma after 12 years and discovers new abilities that propel him into the middle of a dangerous conspiracy. Now Holden must try and figure out what happened to him during those 12 years; how to survive a world that changed while he was gone; and answer the question, why did this happen to him? “Beyond” is a modern-day take on the Rip Van Winkle story and stars Burkely Duffield, Romy Rosemont, Michael McGrady, Jonathan Whitesell, Dilan Gwyn, and Jeff Pierre. “Beyond” is created, written and executive-produced by Adam Nussdorf. Tim Kring, David Eick, Steven Adelson, Zak Kadison, Justin Levy and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones will serve as executive producers.
“The Letter” is a bold, new relationship show that asks the simple question: If you could, without identifying yourself, would you tell your best friend what he or she really needed to hear? In each stand-alone episode, four people close to one another draw names and anonymously write to the selected person a thoughtful, yet totally honest letter outlining their opinion of what needs to be changed in order to improve and transform the life of the recipient for the better. For one week, each “reader” must follow ALL the rules and instructions outlined in the letter – culminating in a dramatic and emotionally charged meeting where the authors of each letter reveal themselves to their best friends.
Season two of the popular show, “Shadowhunters” will pick up where the dramatic season one finale left off, with Jace standing alongside Valentine and his friends fearing the worst. Clary, Alec and Isabelle will stop at nothing to bring their brother back, including seeking help from Luke, Magnus, Simon and a now awake Jocelyn. Season two will bring fans more demon fighting, more werewolves and vampires, and a lot more Malec. The series stars Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Matthew Daddario, Emeraude Toubia, Alberto Rosende, Isaiah Mustafa and Harry Shum Jr.
“Switched at Birth”, the Peabody Award-winning drama series begins its fifth and final season – including the milestone 100th episode – in 2017. The new season will pick up at the cliffhanger finale with Daphne and Bay living in China. A mysterious call has them packing for home, where they try to settle back in, but ten months has brought some changes. Daphne finds herself in the midst of racial tensions at the university and witnesses the racism faced by her black friends Iris, Sharee, and new baseball star Chris, in a landmark episode told solely from their perspectives.
The 100th episode sees the return of Angelo Sorrento (guest star Gilles Marini) as a vision brought about by a young woman with an unexpected link to the Kennish/Vasquez families. The series is executive-produced by Lizzy Weiss, Paul Stupin and Linda Gase and stars Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Constance Marie, D.W. Moffett, Lea Thompson, Lucas Grabeel, with guest stars Sean Berdy and Marlee Matlin.
Newly Announced Series
“Famous in Love” is based on the novel by Rebecca Serle published by Little, Brown and Company, the series follows ordinary college student Paige 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 her undeniable chemistry with her two co-leads, while at the same time, discovering the highs and lows that come with being the new It Girl in town. Bella Thorne (“The DUFF”) will star as Paige. I. Marlene King (“Pretty Little Liars”), Miguel Arteta (“Getting On”) and Dan Farah (“Ready Player One”) are executive producers, and Rebecca Serle is co-executive producer. The series is produced by Long Lake Media, Farah Films and Carmina Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Horizon Television. I. Marlene King and Rebecca Serle wrote the teleplay for the pilot, which was directed by Miguel Arteta.
Capitalizing on the popularity of the Marvel universe, Freeform will introduce, “Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger”. This is an adaptation of beloved Marvel characters whose story is aimed squarely at young adults. This live-action interracial romance follows Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson, two teenagers from very different backgrounds, who find themselves burdened and awakened to newly acquired superpowers while falling in love. Tandy can emit light daggers and Tyrone has the ability to engulf others in darkness. They quickly learn they are better together than apart — but their feelings for each other make their already complicated world even more challenging. “Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger” is a co-production of Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios.
Freeform will also launch the pilot for “Issues” a series which was inspired by the life of Joanna Coles, editor in chief of Cosmopolitan. The scripted show is a glimpse into the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for a global women’s magazine. Their struggles are about finding your identity, managing friendships, and getting your heartbroken, all while wearing the perfect jeans to flatter any body type. The series was created by Sarah Watson (“Parenthood”). David Bernad (“Superstore”), Joanna Coles and Ruben Fleischer (“Superstore,” “Zombieland”) will serve as executive producers. Holly Whidden is a co-executive producer. The series is a Universal Television and The District production.