Viacom is continuing to make a couple of key moves with its networks and programming. This afternoon, it was announced that the hourlong Heathers reboot and American Woman starring Alicia Silverstone will debut on the Paramount Network (the rebranding of Spike in 2018) from TV Land, where they both were developed and ordered to series.
The move comes under new Viacom CEO Bob Bakish. Earlier this year, he outlined his plans to focus on six key networks: MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Paramount Network. It was in that announcement that plans to rebrand Spike as Paramount in early 2018 were first announced. After that Keith Cox became president of development and production at Paramount Network in addition to his duties (in the same capacities) at TV Land. American Woman and Heathers are the first shows to move to the new network from the company's portfolio. Additional shows will likely make the transition as well.
Inspired by the upbringing of Kyle Richards, American Woman is set in the 1970s amid the sexual revolution and the rise of feminism. Bonnie Nolan (Silverstone) is a mother with two daughters who finds herself facing an entirely new world after she leaves her husband. With the help of her two best friends, these three women will each discover their own brand of independence in a world reluctant to give it.
The comedy also stars Mena Suvari, Jennifer Bartels, Makenna James, Lia Ryan McHugh and Cheyenne Jackson.
John Riggi created the series. He executive produces with John Wells and Kyle Richards. Warner Bros. Television and John Wells Productions will produce.
Heathers is an anthology reboot based on the cult movie of the same name starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. The setting and characters are set to change with each season.
The first season stars Grace Victoria Cox, James Scully, Melanie Field, Brendan Scannell and Jasmine Mathews.
Jason Micallef developed the series. He executive produces with Leslye Headland, Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi. Lakeshore Entertainment produce.
