Freeform
April 7
 
Adding to its history of soapy dramas, Freeform picked up to series Famous in Love, from Pretty Little Liars executive producer I. Marlene King and starring Bella Thorne. Based on the novel by Rebecca Serle, series follows ordinary college student Paige (Thorne) as she gets her big break after auditioning for the starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster and discovers the highs and lows that come with being the new It Girl in town.
 
There’s a spinoff on the horizon for Young & Hungry. Currently in development, the untitled series stars Ashley Tisdale as Logan Rawlings, a lesbian magazine editor.
 
The network heats up the summer with three new dramas. Set in the late 1980s, Dead of Summer, from Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis (Once Upon a Time), focuses on the seemingly idyllic Camp Stillwater. (Bows Tuesday, June 28 at 9p.) Guilt, from Lionsgate TV and Thunderbird Films, is a one-hour soapy drama surrounding the murder of a young girl. (Debuts Monday, June 13 at 9p.) Docuseries Cheer Squad follows two-time World Cheerleading Champions on the long road to defending their title. (Premieres Monday, August 22 at 10p.)
 
Switched at Birth will end its five-season run in 2017 with a special 90–minute series finale. The Peabody Award-winning drama delves into racial tensions at Daphne’s college and celebrates its 100th episode with the return of Gilles Marini.
 
Freeform make its first venture into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with new series Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger, a superhero love story. The net is also launching original programming in late night with Alice, a half-hour weekly variety-style platform showcasing experimental short-form content.
 
The network also gave a green light to pilot Issues. Inspired by Cosmopolitan editor in chief Joanna Coles, the scripted show is a glimpse into the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for a global women’s magazine.