In a new video released today in conjunction with the inaugural Freeform Summit today in Los Angeles, it was announced that the former ABC FAMILY channel is looking to move even further from hits wholesome roots by moving “a little forward.”

Disney’s young adult television network announced a strategic shift in the brand as they hosted a series of panel discussions addressing activism, social change, representation in television and various other important issues defining modern youth culture. “At Freeform, we’re purposefully and passionately moving our brand forward by defying expectations and dismantling conventions; busting stereotypes of theme, cast and culture in service to a more inclusive world on and off screen,” said Tom Ascheim, president of Freeform.

The network-wide summit was led by pioneers of change in television, entertainment and cultural evolution and featured the leading voices at the forefront of Freeform’s 2018 programming slate, including Yara Shahidi, Karlie Kloss, Kenya Barris, Katie Stevens, Karey Burke, Aisha Dee, Nikohl Boosheri, Trevor Jackson, Melora Hardin, Joanna Coles, Marlene King, Amanda Lasher, Peter Paige, Bradley Bredeweg, Joanna Johnson, Eline Powell, Esther Povitsky, Benji Aflalo, Meghann Fahy, Elliot Fletcher, Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Jeph Loeb, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Joe Pokaski and more. Also in attendance and contributing to the conversations were key influencers, tastemakers and pop cultural titans who are impacting cultural change through storytelling, mentorship and engagement.

In addition, they made several announcements about the upcoming roster of entertainment coming to the channel…

Marvel’s CLOAK AND DAGGER

Also as part of the festivities, FREEFORM unveiled a new video for the upcoming CLOAK AND DAGGER. The show follows the story of Tandy Bowen (Olivia Holt) and Tyrone Johnson (Aubrey Joseph) – two teenagers from very different backgrounds, who find themselves burdened and awakened to newly acquired superpowers which are mysteriously linked to one another. Tandy can emit light daggers and Tyrone has the ability to engulf others in darkness. They quickly learn they are better together than apart, but their feelings for each other make their already complicated world even more challenging.

“Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” stars Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Andrea Roth, Gloria Reuben, Miles Mussenden, Carl Lundstedt, Emma Lahana, Jaime Zevallos, and J.D. Evermore. The series will premiere on Thursday, June 7 (8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Siren

In advance of the March 29 premiere, Freeform unveiled a new cast photo from the upcoming mermaid drama “Siren,” at today’s event. In the epic tale, the coastal town of Bristol Cove, known for its legend of once being home to mermaids, is turned upside down when a mysterious girl (Eline Powell) appears and begins wreaking havoc upon the small fishing town. Using their resources, marine biologists Ben (Alex Roe) and Maddie (Fola Evans-Akingbola) must work together to find out who and what drove this primal hunter of the deep sea to land, and are there more like her out there?

“Siren” will premiere on International Mermaid Day, Thursday, March 29 (8:00 – 10:00 p.m. EDT/PDT).

PARTY OF FIVE reboot

Freeform, Disney’s young adult television network, today announced a put pilot commitment for a reboot of the fan-favorite “Party of Five” series with original creators Chris Keyser and Amy Lippman. From Sony Pictures Television, the reboot will follow the five Buendias children as they navigate daily life struggles to survive as a family unit after their parents are suddenly deported back to Mexico. Keyser and Lippman will write the pilot with Rodrigo Garcia set to direct. “Party of Five” is created by Keyser and Lippman, who also serve as executive producers and writers. Garcia will also serve as executive producer and will direct the pilot. Michal Zebede serves as co-executive producer and writer.

CLEOPATRA

Freeform’s first-ever period drama will be an epic, female-centric adventure series following the life of the most beloved ruler in Egyptian history, Cleopatra, who after being exiled as a young woman decides to stand up against the patriarchy and fight back for her freedom and rightful place as heir. This tale will follow her rise and transition to becoming not only the first, last and only female Pharaoh, but also the world’s most

powerful person all while engaging in a classic love triangle that changed the map of the world forever. “Cleopatra” is produced by ABC Signature Studios and executive produced by Michael Sietzman (“Quantico,” “Code Black”), Christina Davis, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Daniel McDermott and Mike Weiss.

AUGS

The network is developing the hour-long drama “Augs,” created and directed by Scott Stewart (Blumhouse’s “Dark Skies”). The series is set in the all-to- near future when society is divided into two classes: Augs, the privileged who can afford the latest technological-biological enhancements that provide an always-connected augmented reality view of the world; and Norms, the disenfranchised rest who've become a nearly invisible underclass. Set in the moneyed, suburban enclave of Cambio Point, “Augs” follows Gennifer Wells, an ambitious and popular Aug girl, who falls in love with Bodhi Bright, the mysterious new guy in town. The only problem is he’s a Norm, and this causes her friends and family to turn against her. As she realizes being enhanced isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, Gennifer is forced to make a choice between the privileged augmented world she knows and the strange boy she loves, who prefers to see things through his “unenhanced” eyes. But her choice will not be easy, as forces on both sides conspire to keep them apart. Stewart and Anonymous Content’s Jeff Okin will produce.

Other News

It was also confirmed that THE BOLD TYPE returns for Season 2 on Tuesday June 12. Nikhol Boosheri and Stephen Conrade Moore are being elevated to series regulars. Also, FREEFORM’s Original series FAMOUS IN LOVE returns for a second season with a 2-hour premiere on April 4.