Tuesday, June 4 - WGN America is officially entering the original scripted programming fray - ordering its first ever scripted series, drama project Salem. The project has received a straight-to-series 13-episode order. Production is slated to begin in the fall for a 2014 premiere.Salem, from Brannon Braga and Adam Simon as well as Fox 21 Productions, is set in the volatile world of 17th century Massachusetts and explores what really fueled the town's infamous witch trials and dares to uncover the dark, supernatural truth hiding behind the veil of this infamous period in American history. The show, which centers on an epic romance, will deliver a new vision of witches who are real though they are not who or what they seem.
Braga and Simon created the series and will serve as executive producers alongside Prospect Parks' Josh Barry and Jeff Kwatinetz.
"Brannon and Adam have an amazing vision for the world and characters that comprise Salem, Massachusetts during the witch trials and we believe that a great adventure full of supernatural, romance and action awaits the viewers," said Matt Cherniss, President of WGN America.
Tribune CEO Peter Ligouri added, "As WGN America launches its strategy of programming distinctive original content, Salem is the perfect vehicle, and Gary Newman, Dana Walden, Bert Salke and everyone at 20th Television with whom we have worked in the past is the perfect studio for us to begin this journey."
Finally, Gary Newman and Dana Walden chipped in, "Our studio has had a long and successful relationship with Peter and Matt, so we are thrilled to be back in business with them on this fantastic new project."
