ABC Family Picks Up 'Huge' and 'Pretty Little Liars'
The cable network has given a 10-episode order to both series, one about a weight-loss camp and the other about a missing girl who threatens to reveal the dirty little secrets of her former circle of friends.
Lucy Hale in "Privileged"
Lucy Hale in "Privileged" - © The CW
BURBANK, CA — Paul Lee, president, ABC Family, today announced the pick-up of two one-hour dramas, "Huge" and "Pretty Little Liars." Each series has been given a 10-episode order and is scheduled to premiere in 2010.
"ABC Family is coming off another record year of growth," said Lee. "We're excited about the addition of these two new original series to the network's already strong slate of programming. Both have their own unique voice that will speak to our Millennial viewers."
"Huge," based on author Sasha Paley's book of the same name, is being developed by Winnie Holzman ("Wicked," "My So-Called Life," "Once & Again") and daughter Savannah Dooley. Holzman will be executive producer on the premiere episode, and will serve as consultant for the remainder of the episodes. Dooley will serve as producer on the series. Alloy Entertainment's Bob Levy and Leslie Morgenstein will serve as executive producers; Robin Schiff ("Romy & Michele's High School Reunion" and ABC Family's "10 Things I Hate About You") will serve as a consulting producer. Funny, heartbreaking and provocative, "Huge" follows the lives of six teens and the staff at a weight-loss camp, as they look beneath the surface to discover their true selves and the truth about each other.
"Pretty Little Liars" follows four estranged best friends who are reunited one year after their best friend and queen bee of the group, Alison, goes missing only to discover they are receiving messages from an anonymous "A" who knows all their secrets. The drama stars Lucy Kate Hale ("Privileged") as Aria, Troian Bellisario ("Navy NCIS") as Spencer, Ashley Benson ("Eastwick") as Hanna and Shay Mitchell as Emily. Also starring are Laura Leighton ("Melrose Place") and Nia Peeples ("The Young and the Restless"). Additionally, Bianca Lawson ("The Vampire Diaries") has been cast in a recurring role as Maya. Warner Horizon and Alloy Entertainment are producing; Bob Levy, Leslie Morgenstein and Marlene King are executive-producing.
"ABC Family is coming off another record year of growth," said Lee. "We're excited about the addition of these two new original series to the network's already strong slate of programming. Both have their own unique voice that will speak to our Millennial viewers."
"Huge," based on author Sasha Paley's book of the same name, is being developed by Winnie Holzman ("Wicked," "My So-Called Life," "Once & Again") and daughter Savannah Dooley. Holzman will be executive producer on the premiere episode, and will serve as consultant for the remainder of the episodes. Dooley will serve as producer on the series. Alloy Entertainment's Bob Levy and Leslie Morgenstein will serve as executive producers; Robin Schiff ("Romy & Michele's High School Reunion" and ABC Family's "10 Things I Hate About You") will serve as a consulting producer. Funny, heartbreaking and provocative, "Huge" follows the lives of six teens and the staff at a weight-loss camp, as they look beneath the surface to discover their true selves and the truth about each other.
"Pretty Little Liars" follows four estranged best friends who are reunited one year after their best friend and queen bee of the group, Alison, goes missing only to discover they are receiving messages from an anonymous "A" who knows all their secrets. The drama stars Lucy Kate Hale ("Privileged") as Aria, Troian Bellisario ("Navy NCIS") as Spencer, Ashley Benson ("Eastwick") as Hanna and Shay Mitchell as Emily. Also starring are Laura Leighton ("Melrose Place") and Nia Peeples ("The Young and the Restless"). Additionally, Bianca Lawson ("The Vampire Diaries") has been cast in a recurring role as Maya. Warner Horizon and Alloy Entertainment are producing; Bob Levy, Leslie Morgenstein and Marlene King are executive-producing.