TV Land ordered the dramedy “American Woman” based on the life of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards to series, the network announced Monday.
Set amid the sexual revolution and the rise of second-wave feminism in the 1970s, the half-hour show follows Bonnie (Alicia Silverstone), a mother struggling to raise her two daughters (Makenna James and Lia Ryan McHugh) after leaving her husband.
With the help of her two best friends, Kathleen (Menua Suvari) and Diana (Jennifer Bartels), each woman will try to discover her own brand of independence in a male-centric world.
The premise is inspired by the real-life upbringing of co-executive producer Richards. It is written and executive produced by Emmy winner John Riggi, and is executive produced by Emmy winner John Wells. The 12-episode series will be produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television for TV Land. Alex Hardcastle directed and served as executive producer on the pilot.
“We feel very lucky to be working with John Riggi and John Wells on this fantastic series that is not only beautifully written and directed, but has a stellar cast that portrays the themes of the ’70s in a way that is still relevant today,” said Keith Cox, president of development and original programming for TV Land.
10 of Bravo's Biggest Hits and Misses (Photos)
Hit: Showbiz Moms & Dads (2004)
Though it only aired for one season, it spawned two spinoffs for the network and inspired copycats like "Toddlers and Tiaras."
Hit and Miss: Project Runway (2004-2008)
Its best years were arguably on Bravo, but how could they have let this gem get away from them?
Miss: Queer Eye for the Straight Girl (2005)
Unlike its predecessor, this spinoff didn't present anything new for viewers. What gal doesn't already have a gay bestie to advise her?
Miss: "Hey Paula" (2007) No one watched Paula Abdul's reality series. But, it's trashtastic reality legend nonetheless. The former Laker Girl was fired from the "Bratz" movie on-screen and later accused Bravo of "creative editing."
Miss: "Chef Academy" (2009) "Top Chef" had done well for the network. So why not create a show for amateur chefs? Fine idea, but did it have to be so contrived and over the top? One and done.
Hit and Miss: NYC Prep (2009)
This stab at bringing in a younger demo only aired for one season. But it was a well-made show that took its cue from the CW's "Gossip Girl" and continues to be a cult favorite.
Miss: Miami Social (2009)
Succeeded in making Miami a yawn. But in an attempt to salvage it for another season, "The Real Housewives of Miami" was born.
Miss: Kell on Earth (2010)
Actually well done, but Bravo overestimated the interest in sharp-tongued fashion PR maven Kelly Cutrone, who appeared on MTV's "The City" and "The Hills."
Miss: The Real Housewives of D.C. (2010)
The show is best known for White House party crashers Michaele and Tareq Salahai, but the bigger problem was that the women of D.C. society lacked the ability to let their hair down in true "Real Housewives" fashion.
Miss: 'Love Broker' (2012) Is there room on the network for more than one matchmaker? The viewers voted no. After poor ratings, Bravo pulled "Love Broker" off its spring schedule and then burned off the episodes during the summer.
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It's virtually impossible to speak of the reality television world without including Bravo in the discussion, but with successful hit shows like "The Real Housewives" and "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," there's also some misses.
Hit: Showbiz Moms & Dads (2004)
Though it only aired for one season, it spawned two spinoffs for the network and inspired copycats like "Toddlers and Tiaras."
