Freeform to telecast 'Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists,' as well as a host of new and returning shows
Freeform will look to build on the success of its popular comedy 'grown-ish,' as well as the likes of acclaimed drama series 'Siren' and 'The Bold Type' by introducing two new series into their programming and renewing some of the aforementioned shows.
The network's incorporation of an all-inclusive nature — half of Freeform’s episodic directors are female, diverse, or LGBTQ, 60% of the writers are female or diverse, and every original series on the network has a female producer — combined with the strong female representation on the screens has earned it many plaudits, and the latest signs indicate that the good times are only beginning.
Following the success of Kenya Barris' coming-of-age show 'grown-ish,' Freeform has greenlighted 'Besties,' a half-hour multi-camera comedy that will be helmed by Barris and Ranada Shepard. The show will revolve around two lifelong best friends as they go through some of the most difficult challenges they have ever faced and will explore friendships, identity, race, and class while they figure out who they are and who they want to be.
Fans of 'Pretty Little Liars' can rejoice as well, with Freeform set to expand the universe of the popular show with a 10-episode series, 'Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists.' Familiar faces will be returning to the fold. Marlene King, who was the executive producer and the showrunner of the original, wrote the pilot for the reboot and will serve as the executive producer for this series as well.
The show will be set in Beacon Heights, where a group of three college friends struggle with the stress of being overachievers. In the aftermath of the town’s first murder, each Perfectionist hides behind a secret, a lie and an alibi, and like its predecessor, 'Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists' too is based on a book penned by Sara Shephard.
Fan favorites Sasha Pieterse and Janel Parrish have been cast as Alison and Mona respectively, with Sofia Carson (Disney's Descendants) set to play the role of Ava. Also cast are Sydney Park (The Walking Dead) as Caitlin, newcomer Eli Brown as Dylan, Graeme Thomas King (The Widow) as Jeremy, Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl) as Claire, and Hayley Erin (General Hospital) in an undisclosed role.
Besides 'Besties' and 'Pretty Little Liars,' the 'Siren' will also be making a return to programming. It's a testament to the popularity of the mermaid thriller - which has not even aired its season one finale (May 24) - that it has already been given the go-ahead for a second season. The story of the mysterious Ryn and how she wreaks havoc on the small fishing town of Bristol Cove has caught the imagination of audiences around the country.
As a part of their holiday programming initiative, titled '31 Nights of Halloween' and '25 Days of Christmas,' Freeform will also be releasing two original holiday films: 'Life Size 2' and 'Sleeping Together.' Both will carry a heavy festive theme and carry the lighthearted tones that families love to gather around and watch.
Another possible series in the making is 'Everything's Gonna Be Okay.' The network has okayed a pilot order for the series which will be written by the critically acclaimed writer and comedian Josh Thomas. It will chronicle the life of 25-year-old Nicholas as he deals with looking after his two teenage half-sisters after their dad becomes terminally ill.