ABC Family is delivering on its promise to increase its original programming slate by picking up two new scripted dramas, Guilt and Beyond, to series. The pickup was announced today by Karey Burke, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, ABC Family. The network is becoming Freeform in January 2016.
"These two shows are an exciting part of our evolution into Freeform," said Burke. "Guilt is a sexy, sophisticated event series whose European location feels bigger than anything we have ever done. Beyond introduces our audience to a new hero and takes them into a complex supernatural universe with great suspense and deep emotion."
Guilt is a one-hour soapy drama about a young American woman in London who becomes the prime suspect in the savage murder of her roommate. As the investigation unfolds, viewers will question whether she's a naive, young girl whose poor decisions are being magnified under the ruthless glare of the British tabloids, or whether she's a sociopath who brutally murdered her friend. Even her sister, who comes to London to defend her, will question how well she knows her little sister as more and more ugly truths come out. This mystery will twist through all layers of London society - from a posh but depraved sex club, all the way up to the Royal Family itself.
The pilot was written by Kathryn Price and Nichole Millard, who executive produce with Stephen McPherson. Gary Fleder directed the pilot. Lionsgate Television, Thunderbird Films, Sea to Sky Entertainment and BV Family Productions produce.
Guilt stars Katrina Law, Daisy Head, Billy Zane, Zachary Fall, Kevin Ryan, Cristian Solimeno, Naomi Ryan, Simona Brown, Sam Cassidy and Dinita Gohill.
Beyond is a one-hour drama about a young man who wakes up from a coma after 12 years and discovers new supernatural abilities that propel him into the middle of a dangerous conspiracy.
The pilot was written by Adam Nussford, who executive produces with Tim Kring, Zak Kadison, Justin Levy and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones. Lee Toland Krieger directed the pilot. Imperative Entertainment and Automatik produce.
Beyond stars Burkely Duffield, Jordan Calloway, Dilan Gwyn, Romy Rosemont, Michael McGrady and Jonathan Whitesell.
Additionally, ABC Family has passed on the following pilots - drama Stay written by Spenser Cohen and single camera comedy Tough Cookie written by Lauren Iungerich. Multi-camera comedy pilot Gorgeous Morons remains in contention for a series order. The network also has an untitled Nicki Minaj project which received a series commitment and an adaptation of Famous in Love starring Bella Thorne that are currently casting.
