‘Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger,’ Bella Thorne Drama Ordered to Series at Freeform

Network also picks up variety series “Alice” and “Issues” pilot from Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief

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Freeform

Freeform announced series pickups for three new shows, a comedy pilot from Cosmopolitan’s editor-in-chief and a new development slate at its upfront presentation on Thursday.

Among the newly announced series are “Famous in Love,” a romantic drama starring Bella Thorne from “Pretty Little Liars creator I. Marlene King; “Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger,” the network’s first Marvel series, following in the footsteps of sister network ABC; and the late-night variety series “Alice.”

The network also ordered the pilot “Issues,” inspired by and executive produced by Cosmopolitan’s Joanna Coles.

Among the projects in development at the network are a “Greek” reunion movie; a “Young & Hungry” spinoff starring executive producer Ashley Tisdale; and the network’s first late-night talk show, “Later Bitches,” from “The Daily Show” alums Jennifer Flanz and Elise Terrell.

Freeform is also developing short-form projects specifically for linear and digital platforms, including “Rio Squad” (working title), a series of shorts featuring female athletes who have dedicated their lives to being the best at their sport; “Open Roads”; “My Boyfriend is a Robot”; “Untitled Punam Patel Project” and “Just Josh.”

See the complete list of new projects below:

Newly Announced Series

Famous in Love

Based on the novel by Rebecca Serle published by Little, Brown and Company, “Famous in Love” 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 undeniable chemistry with her two co-leads, while 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.

Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger

“Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger” is an adaptation of the 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.

Pilots

Issues

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 heart broken, 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.

Development Projects

Late Night

Later Bitches

“Later Bitches,” a fresh take on after-hours talk, 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

Freeform Presents: Snapshot

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.

Drama

The Deep

In the mermaid-obsessed sea town of Bristol Cove, everyone’s lives will 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

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

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

A drama based on a hit British series, a group of twenty-somethings 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, this dramedy focuses on a middle class family who adopted identical twin boys at birth. One is all boy, one 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, “Nine Years Under” 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

Executive-produced by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey and Aaron Kaplan, this drama 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

Alone Together

From The Lonely Island’s Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, 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.

Made in LA

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

Elizabeth Banks executive-produces 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

A spinoff of the network’s popular sitcom “Young & Hungry” executive-produced by and starring Ashley Tisdale as Logan Rawlings.

Movies

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

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

Focusing on 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

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.

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