USA Network has ordered high school cheerleading drama “Dare Me” to series, a show based on the novel of the same name by Megan Abbott, an individual with knowledge of the deal tells TheWrap.
Here’s the official logline for the series: “Peering behind the all-American facade, the series dives into the cutthroat world of competitive high school cheerleading. It follows the fraught relationship between two best friends (Herizen Guardiola and Marlo Kelly) after a new coach (Willa Fitzgerald) arrives to bring their team to prominence. While the girls’ friendship is put to the test, their young lives are changed forever when a shocking crime rocks their quiet suburban world. Part coming-of-age story, part small-town drama, part murder mystery, ‘Dare Me’ exposes the physical and psychological extremes that some young women are willing to endure in order to get ahead.”
Abbott will serve as writer and executive producer, along with Gina Fattore (“Dawson’s Creek,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Californication”). Peter Berg (“Friday Night Lights”) and Michael Lombardo of Film 44, Sarah Condon and Karen Rosenfelt also executive produce. Steph Green (“The Americans”) directed and executive produced the pilot.
“Dare Me” stars Fitzgerald (“Scream: The TV Series”) as Coach Colette French, Guardiola (“The Get Down”) as Addy Hanlon and Kelly (“Home & Away”) as Beth Cassidy. Additional series regulars include Rob Heaps (“Imposters”), Zach Roerig (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Paul Fitzgerald (“Veep,” “Glow,” “Younger”). Joyful Drake (“Let’s Stay Together”), Tammy Blanchard (“Tallulah,” “Into the Woods”), Antonio J. Bell (“Nigerian Prince”) and Alison Thornton (“Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce”) are also set to recur.
The series is a co-production between UCP and Netflix, in association with Film 44. The streamer will have first-run rights to the series outside of the U.S.
“Megan Abbott’s voice brings a fresh perspective to USA Network, with a gripping, female-focused story that combines the ultra-competitive world of high school cheerleading with the secrets of a seemingly-perfect small American town,” Chris McCumber, President, USA Network and SYFY, said in a statement.