ABC is hoping to keep its drama momentum going into the summer, moving ahead with plans to launch three new scripted series during what had previously been TV's off-season.
Steve McPherson, head of both ABC and ABC Studios, told TheWrap Tuesday that the the network has decided to launch three new first-run dramas this summer. Scheduling hasn't been announced yet, but should come soon.
"We're doing three originals," McPherson said. "So summer now really is the third trimester for us."
ABC's big push into summer scripted isn't a complete shock, as the network has made no secret of its intention to beef up its warm weather scripted slate, developing certain projects specifically for summer. Still, network plans often change -- so McPherson's statement indicates the network has moved first-run in the summer from the "goal" box to the category of "firm plan."
The scripted shows join previously scheduled unscripted fare, including "Wipeout" and "True Beauty."
For more from McPerson, check out our Instant Q&A with him right here. Descriptions of ABCs previously announced summer shows below:
SCOUNDRELS – “Scoundrels” is an ABC one-hour comedy/drama series produced by ABC Studios that focuses on a family of small-time criminals who attempt to go straight after the father is sent to prison. Virginia Madsen, Independent Spirit Award winner as well as an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee (“Sideways,” The Astronaut Farmer”) will play Cheryl West, the mother who must take charge and try to keep her kids on the straight and narrow.
“Scoundrels” also stars David James Elliott as Wolfgang “Wolf” West; Patrick Flueger as Logan West/Calvin “Cal” West; Leven Rambin as Heather West; Vanessa Marano as Hope West and Carlos Bernard as Sergeant Mack.
“Scoundrels” is based on a New Zealand series entitled “Outrageous Fortune.” Lyn Greene & Richard Levine (“Nip/Tuck”) and Francie Calfo serve as executive producers. John Barnett, whose company South Pacific Pictures produces the New Zealand series, will also be an executive producer. Co-executive producers will include Michael Larkin, Michael Goldstein, Bruce Cervi and John Lansing.
THE GATES – Nestled inside a private mountain community are The Gates. The image of perpetual suburban bliss, each street is lined with perfectly manicured homes protected by the massive iron gates, but a dark and delicious secret is buried just beneath the surface of this picturesque neighborhood.
Like most families that settle inside The Gates, the Monahans are unmoored from a complicated life they abandoned in Chicago. Named the new police chief of The Gates, Nick Monahan is expecting a change of pace in this quiet suburb. Nick's wife Sarah and their children Charlie and Dana are embarking on new adventures as well. Their house is to die for, but amidst the excitement, Sarah is still burdened with the revelation that her husband may not be the man she thought he was. Their children Charlie and Dana will also face some challenges of their own. Along with navigating the trials and tribulations of adolescence, they will also face the daunting task of fitting into their new upscale school where their new friends run in tight knit packs.
