In its first order of the new season, ABC Family greenlit three pilots; a teen superhero fantasy, a case of mistaken identity and a cheerleading drama. Network president Michael Riley announced the new projects Monday.
"Nine Lives" is a story about girl who realizes she is part of an ancientt race after she develops superpowers. It based on the young-adult novel "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" by Celia Thompson. "Nine Lives" will be executive produced and written by Dan Berendsen. Leslie Morgenstein and Gina Girolamo are also attached to executive produce. Teen fiction powerhouse Alloy Entertainment will produce the series.
"Switched at Birth" is a one-hour drama about a pair of teenswere accidentally swapped at the maternity board. Lizzy Weiss will serve as executive producer and writer.
"Strut" is a cast-contingent one-hour drama about a former showgirl who works with a struggling high school drill team in Texas. Lamar Damon is head writer. Karey Burke, Charlie Stratton, Anna Mastro and Norman Buckley will executive produce.
An individual at the network also confirmed that a fourth pilot, "The Lying Game," is "near a greenlight."
Riley said the new slate is ABC Family's effort to continue the growth is has enjoyed thanks to original series like "Pretty Little Liars" and "The Secret Life of the American Teenager."
"ABC Family is coming off another summer of record ratings … Adding depth to the network’s original programming slate is one of our biggest priorities going into next year,
Riley said.
This summer, ABC Family posted ratings gains over last year's numbers with total viewers, adults 18-34, adults 18-39, women 18-34 and women 12-34.
