E! is officially expanding into scripted programming - handing out a series order to drama series The Royals executive produced, written and directed by One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn. The series will premiere in early 2015.
Produced by Lionsgate Television, The Royals is an hourlong drama that explores a fictional British Royal family set in modern-day London. The series pits public perception of the royal family against the reality of life inside the castle walls - from parties and high-stakes political summits to the private family gatherings and secret romances.
The ensemble drama is toplined by Elizabeth Hurley who plays Queen Helena and will protect her family's image by any means necessary. Vincent Regan, William Moseley, Alexandra Park, Tom Austen, Jake Maskall, Ukweli Roach and Oliver Milburn co-star on the drama, which will film in Great Britain.
Schwahn, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola will serve as executive producers.
"We are excited that E!'s first originals scripted series will transport viewers into a world that they are already intensely interested in, but reality cameras would never give them access to," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Development, E!. "The Royals will offer a fictional look behind the very public gilded facade of the palace gates to imagine the private, lush, fun, sexy world of the most-watched celebrity family on the planet. It's a perfect series to introduce E! viewers to scripted pop culture programming on the network."
"This is a big idea and Mark, Brian, Joe and the Lionsgate team delivered. They have an extraordinary track record at crafting buzzworthy content that reflects and drives the pop culture discussion. This team, working on this concept, with this cast is a great way for us to launch our first scripted show," added Kevin Plunkett, Senior Vice President, Scripted Programming, E!.
