True crime is getting more and more entertaining by the day and I don’t if that’s a good thing or a bad one. We have another brilliant true crime drama series, Under the Bridge, created by Quinn Shephard. Based on a 2005 book of the same name by Rebecca Godfrey, the Hulu series is set in 1997 and it follows the murder case of a 14-year-old girl which we see through the eyes of local police officer Cam Bentland and the author Godfrey. Under the Bridge stars Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough in the lead roles with Virtika Gupta, Chloe Guidry, Javon “Wanna” Walton, and Izzy G starring in supporting roles. So, if you love the thrilling and dreadful story of Under the Bridge, here are some other shows that have similar tone and story elements that you should check out next.
Under the Banner of Heaven (Hulu) Credit – FX...
Under the Banner of Heaven (Hulu) Credit – FX...
- 4/21/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
The end has come for Freeform series Cruel Summer and Good Trouble. The Disney-owned cable net has canceled Cruel Summer after two seasons and Good Trouble will end with the second half of its upcoming fifth season, Deadline has confirmed.
We hear Good Trouble will be given the opportunity to film some additional scenes for a supersized series finale episode to properly wrap up the series. Season 5B premieres on January 2.
The series were Freeform’s last remaining scripted originals following the November cancellation of animated comedy Praise Petey.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the final chapter of Cruel Summer followed the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twisted and turned as it tracked the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed,...
We hear Good Trouble will be given the opportunity to film some additional scenes for a supersized series finale episode to properly wrap up the series. Season 5B premieres on January 2.
The series were Freeform’s last remaining scripted originals following the November cancellation of animated comedy Praise Petey.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the final chapter of Cruel Summer followed the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twisted and turned as it tracked the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform will not be moving forward with new seasons of “Cruel Summer” and “Good Trouble,” Variety has confirmed.
An anthology series, Season 2 of of “Cruel Summer” followed the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. “Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward,” reads the official description.
After making waves with its explosive first season (which averaged multiplatform+35 viewership of 6.8 million viewers per episode) that quickly became the network’s most-watched series ever, Freeform followed up the performance with a fast Season 2 renewal in 2021 — a move Freeform president Tara Duncan called an “easy decision” at the time.
Variety previously reported on creator Bert V. Royal’s exit from “Cruel Summer...
An anthology series, Season 2 of of “Cruel Summer” followed the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. “Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward,” reads the official description.
After making waves with its explosive first season (which averaged multiplatform+35 viewership of 6.8 million viewers per episode) that quickly became the network’s most-watched series ever, Freeform followed up the performance with a fast Season 2 renewal in 2021 — a move Freeform president Tara Duncan called an “easy decision” at the time.
Variety previously reported on creator Bert V. Royal’s exit from “Cruel Summer...
- 12/8/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
“Cruel Summer” is a suspenseful and mysterious television series created by Bert V. Royal. The second season stars Sadie Stanley as Megan Landry, Lexi Underwood as Isabella Larue, and Griffin Gluck as Luke Chambers.
Cruel Summer
With new protagonists but the same style and new mysteries, this Prime Video series has already become a hit among young audiences.
Do you enjoy series set in small and charming towns where not everything is as charming as it seems? Stephen King turned this setting into a whole genre, and now “Cruel Summer” takes it up again to offer us this new vision with many flashbacks and intertwining stories.
Very interesting in terms of cinematography, with an elaborate script and a cast of young actors that make the plot worthwhile.
Second Season
The second season takes place in the fictional town of Chatham, Washington, spanning three time periods from 1999 to 2000. It follows three teenagers: Megan,...
Cruel Summer
With new protagonists but the same style and new mysteries, this Prime Video series has already become a hit among young audiences.
Do you enjoy series set in small and charming towns where not everything is as charming as it seems? Stephen King turned this setting into a whole genre, and now “Cruel Summer” takes it up again to offer us this new vision with many flashbacks and intertwining stories.
Very interesting in terms of cinematography, with an elaborate script and a cast of young actors that make the plot worthwhile.
Second Season
The second season takes place in the fictional town of Chatham, Washington, spanning three time periods from 1999 to 2000. It follows three teenagers: Megan,...
- 8/11/2023
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
“Cruel Summer” is a suspenseful and mysterious television series created by Bert V. Royal. The second season stars Sadie Stanley as Megan Landry, Lexi Underwood as Isabella Larue, and Griffin Gluck as Luke Chambers.
Cruel Summer
With new protagonists but the same style and new mysteries, this Prime Video series has already become a hit among young audiences.
Do you enjoy series set in small and charming towns where not everything is as charming as it seems? Stephen King turned this setting into a whole genre, and now “Cruel Summer” takes it up again to offer us this new vision with many flashbacks and intertwining stories.
Very interesting in terms of cinematography, with an elaborate script and a cast of young actors that make the plot worthwhile.
Second Season
The second season takes place in the fictional town of Chatham, Washington, spanning three time periods from 1999 to 2000. It follows three teenagers: Megan,...
Cruel Summer
With new protagonists but the same style and new mysteries, this Prime Video series has already become a hit among young audiences.
Do you enjoy series set in small and charming towns where not everything is as charming as it seems? Stephen King turned this setting into a whole genre, and now “Cruel Summer” takes it up again to offer us this new vision with many flashbacks and intertwining stories.
Very interesting in terms of cinematography, with an elaborate script and a cast of young actors that make the plot worthwhile.
Second Season
The second season takes place in the fictional town of Chatham, Washington, spanning three time periods from 1999 to 2000. It follows three teenagers: Megan,...
- 8/11/2023
- by TV Shows Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid - TV
Exclusive: Cruel Summer has made a splashy return to Freeform, with the Season 2 premiere marking the network’s top telecast in two years — since the Season 1 finale of the hit series in June 2021.
After seven days of delayed viewing, the Season 2 premiere drummed up 2.6M viewers across linear and digital platforms, according to Freeform. That’s up more than 1,000% from the live+same-day audience of 223,000.
Through two episodes, Cruel Summer is averaging 2.3M total viewers, marking Freeform’s most-watched season two series of all-time and Freeform’s No. 1 current series.
The series is finding continued success due to its next-day availability on Hulu, which is opening it up to a wider audience. In its debut week, the first two episodes of Cruel Summer Season 2 were the most-watched scripted TV episodes on Hulu via SVOD on-demand.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of Cruel...
After seven days of delayed viewing, the Season 2 premiere drummed up 2.6M viewers across linear and digital platforms, according to Freeform. That’s up more than 1,000% from the live+same-day audience of 223,000.
Through two episodes, Cruel Summer is averaging 2.3M total viewers, marking Freeform’s most-watched season two series of all-time and Freeform’s No. 1 current series.
The series is finding continued success due to its next-day availability on Hulu, which is opening it up to a wider audience. In its debut week, the first two episodes of Cruel Summer Season 2 were the most-watched scripted TV episodes on Hulu via SVOD on-demand.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of Cruel...
- 6/16/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Unlike so many other ill-fated stabs at the anthology format, the second season of Cruel Summer counts on some rather distinct storytelling techniques, including frequent jumps between three different timelines. Each period is separated by mere months yet signifies a huge shift in the lives of its protagonists—often with the help of unmistakable fashion makeovers and ostentatious color filters. The result is another kitschy season of the Bert V. Royal series that’s nevertheless rewarding for its ambitious, unpredictable thrills.
The show’s first timeline is set in the summer of 1999, with studious 17-year-old Megan Landry (Sadie Stanley) dismayed at her mother Debbie’s (KaDee Strickland) decision to host exchange student Isabella Larue (Lexi Underwood), who was born in the United States but spent most of her life abroad. The new girl’s mysterious, globe-trotting history couldn’t be further removed from that of Megan, who’s from a...
The show’s first timeline is set in the summer of 1999, with studious 17-year-old Megan Landry (Sadie Stanley) dismayed at her mother Debbie’s (KaDee Strickland) decision to host exchange student Isabella Larue (Lexi Underwood), who was born in the United States but spent most of her life abroad. The new girl’s mysterious, globe-trotting history couldn’t be further removed from that of Megan, who’s from a...
- 6/2/2023
- by Steven Scaife
- Slant Magazine
Freeform’s coming-of-age drama Cruel Summer will finally return for season two on June 5, 2023 with episode one, “Welcome to Chatham.” New season two episodes will air on Mondays at 9pm Et/Pt.
Season two of the anthology series created by Bert V. Royal stars Sadie Stanley as Megan Landry, Lexi Underwood as Isabella Larue, Griffin Gluck as Luke Chambers, KaDee Strickland as Debbie, Lisa Yamada as Parker, and Sean Blakemore as Sheriff Myer. Paul Adelstein and Braeden De La Garza appear in recurring roles.
“Welcome to Chatham” Plot: In Summer 1999, small-town computer genius Megan resents the arrival of outgoing and mysterious foreign exchange student Isabella. Little does she know how her life will change by Summer 2000.
Griffin Gluck, Sadie Stanley, and Lexi Underwood in ‘Cruel Summer’ season 2 episode 1 (Freeform/Justine Yeung)
The Season 2 Plot, Courtesy of Freeform:
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter...
Season two of the anthology series created by Bert V. Royal stars Sadie Stanley as Megan Landry, Lexi Underwood as Isabella Larue, Griffin Gluck as Luke Chambers, KaDee Strickland as Debbie, Lisa Yamada as Parker, and Sean Blakemore as Sheriff Myer. Paul Adelstein and Braeden De La Garza appear in recurring roles.
“Welcome to Chatham” Plot: In Summer 1999, small-town computer genius Megan resents the arrival of outgoing and mysterious foreign exchange student Isabella. Little does she know how her life will change by Summer 2000.
Griffin Gluck, Sadie Stanley, and Lexi Underwood in ‘Cruel Summer’ season 2 episode 1 (Freeform/Justine Yeung)
The Season 2 Plot, Courtesy of Freeform:
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter...
- 5/25/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
‘Cruel Summer’ Season 2 Trailer Earns Record-Breaking Viewership For Freeform Ahead Of June Premiere
Exclusive: Audiences appear to be eagerly awaiting Season 2 of Freeform’s Cruel Summer.
In the 10 days since the trailer dropped on Freeform’s social media, it has amassed more than 24M views across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.
It’s on track to become the network’s most-watched trailer ever, surpassing the total views over the same time period for Cruel Summer Season 1 as well as Freeform’s other thriller series, The Watchful Eye.
Watch the Cruel Summer Season 2 trailer above.
Related: We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023
“Fans have been eagerly awaiting season two of Cruel Summer and we are so happy to see them engaging with the new trailer,” said Simran Sethi, EVP, Programming and Content Strategy, ABC Entertainment and Freeform. “The imaginative creative team has outdone themselves with the new and intriguing mystery at the center of this next chapter.
In the 10 days since the trailer dropped on Freeform’s social media, it has amassed more than 24M views across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.
It’s on track to become the network’s most-watched trailer ever, surpassing the total views over the same time period for Cruel Summer Season 1 as well as Freeform’s other thriller series, The Watchful Eye.
Watch the Cruel Summer Season 2 trailer above.
Related: We’ll Be Back: Photo Gallery Of TV Series Renewed In 2023
“Fans have been eagerly awaiting season two of Cruel Summer and we are so happy to see them engaging with the new trailer,” said Simran Sethi, EVP, Programming and Content Strategy, ABC Entertainment and Freeform. “The imaginative creative team has outdone themselves with the new and intriguing mystery at the center of this next chapter.
- 5/19/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
The trailer for Freeform’s Cruel Summer teases the new murder at the heart of season two. It also introduces the teenagers who pledge to be ride-or-die friends…even when the “die” portion of the equation might actually turn out to be taken literally.
Season one starred Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Brooklyn Sudano. Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada, and Sean Blakemore star in season two, with Paul Adelstein and Braeden De La Garza appearing in recurring roles.
The anthology series was created by Bert V. Royal, and Elle Triedman serves as showrunner. Triedman, Bill Purple, Tia Napolitano, and Iron Ocean Productions’ Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple serve as executive producers.
The first season debuted in April 2021 and wrapped up in June 2021. Season two will premiere on June 5, 2023 at 9pm Et/Pt with the...
Season one starred Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Brooklyn Sudano. Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada, and Sean Blakemore star in season two, with Paul Adelstein and Braeden De La Garza appearing in recurring roles.
The anthology series was created by Bert V. Royal, and Elle Triedman serves as showrunner. Triedman, Bill Purple, Tia Napolitano, and Iron Ocean Productions’ Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple serve as executive producers.
The first season debuted in April 2021 and wrapped up in June 2021. Season two will premiere on June 5, 2023 at 9pm Et/Pt with the...
- 5/8/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Lexi Underwood, Sadie Stanley, Griffin Gluck, Lisa Yamada, KaDee Strickland, and Sean Blakemore in ‘Cruel Summer’ (Freeform/Frank Ockenfels)
It’s taken two years, but Freeform’s finally set a premiere date for the second season of Cruel Summer. Season one of the coming-of-age anthology series debuted in April 2021 and wrapped up in June 2021. Season two will launch on June 5, 2023.
The second season will kick off with the release of the first two episodes at 9pm Et/Pt. Additional new season two episodes will air on Mondays at 10pm Et/Pt.
The first season starred Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Brooklyn Sudano. Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada, and Sean Blakemore star in season two, with Paul Adelstein and Braeden De La Garza appearing in recurring roles.
Bert V. Royal created the series, and Elle Triedman...
It’s taken two years, but Freeform’s finally set a premiere date for the second season of Cruel Summer. Season one of the coming-of-age anthology series debuted in April 2021 and wrapped up in June 2021. Season two will launch on June 5, 2023.
The second season will kick off with the release of the first two episodes at 9pm Et/Pt. Additional new season two episodes will air on Mondays at 10pm Et/Pt.
The first season starred Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Brooklyn Sudano. Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada, and Sean Blakemore star in season two, with Paul Adelstein and Braeden De La Garza appearing in recurring roles.
Bert V. Royal created the series, and Elle Triedman...
- 4/17/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Freeform has set its summer slate premiere dates, with the sophomore installment of the anthology series “Cruel Summer” and the sixth and final season of “Grown-ish” eyeing June debuts.
“Cruel Summer” Season 2, which stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood and Griffin Gluck, will launch Monday, June 5 at 9 p.m. Et with a special two-episode premiere and subsequent episodes premiering during at 10 p.m.
The final chapter of “Grown-ish,” which follows Andre Johnson Jr. (Marcus Scribner) as he makes a name for himself on campus and overcomes Zoey’s (Yara Shahidi) overshadowing presence, premieres the first half of the season on Wednesday, June 28, at 10 p.m. Et. The second half of the season is set to air in 2024.
The network also makes its animated debut with “Praise Petey,” an adult animated comedy centering on New York City “it” girl Petey, will launch Friday, July 21, at 10 p.m. Et. After Petey’s life crashes down around her,...
“Cruel Summer” Season 2, which stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood and Griffin Gluck, will launch Monday, June 5 at 9 p.m. Et with a special two-episode premiere and subsequent episodes premiering during at 10 p.m.
The final chapter of “Grown-ish,” which follows Andre Johnson Jr. (Marcus Scribner) as he makes a name for himself on campus and overcomes Zoey’s (Yara Shahidi) overshadowing presence, premieres the first half of the season on Wednesday, June 28, at 10 p.m. Et. The second half of the season is set to air in 2024.
The network also makes its animated debut with “Praise Petey,” an adult animated comedy centering on New York City “it” girl Petey, will launch Friday, July 21, at 10 p.m. Et. After Petey’s life crashes down around her,...
- 4/17/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Freeform is kicking off its summer slate with the return of its hit series Cruel Summer and the final season of grown-ish.
The second season of Cruel Summer will debut on June 5 with a special two-episode premiere, the network announced Monday. The premiere episodes will air at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, before the show transitions to its normal timeslot at 10 p.m.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of Cruel Summer follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
The series stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore.
The second season of Cruel Summer will debut on June 5 with a special two-episode premiere, the network announced Monday. The premiere episodes will air at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, before the show transitions to its normal timeslot at 10 p.m.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of Cruel Summer follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
The series stars Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore.
- 4/17/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has picked “Jeopardy! Masters,” a new primetime version of the game show that will pit six of its top-ranked, current champions in a Champions League style event. The goal: To crown the a new “Jeopardy! Masters” champion. Ken Jennings will host the series, from Sony Pictures TV.
The following contestants will be the first-ever “Jeopardy! Masters”: Matt Amodio, whose 38-game winning streak spanned seasons 37 and 38, holds the No. 3 spots for both all-time consecutive games won and highest winnings in regular season play; Sam Buttrey, who became the 2021 Professors Tournament champion; Andrew He, a season 38 five-day champion; James Holzhauer, who held a 32-game streak in season 35 and is No. 4 on the all-time consecutive wins list, setting the single-game winnings record with a 131,127 score; Mattea Roach, the youngest contestant currently ranked in the Top 5 for all-time consecutive games won; and Amy Schneider, whose 40-game streak in season 38 landed her at No.
The following contestants will be the first-ever “Jeopardy! Masters”: Matt Amodio, whose 38-game winning streak spanned seasons 37 and 38, holds the No. 3 spots for both all-time consecutive games won and highest winnings in regular season play; Sam Buttrey, who became the 2021 Professors Tournament champion; Andrew He, a season 38 five-day champion; James Holzhauer, who held a 32-game streak in season 35 and is No. 4 on the all-time consecutive wins list, setting the single-game winnings record with a 131,127 score; Mattea Roach, the youngest contestant currently ranked in the Top 5 for all-time consecutive games won; and Amy Schneider, whose 40-game streak in season 38 landed her at No.
- 1/12/2023
- by Julia MacCary, Katie Reul and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Freeform’s “Cruel Summer” has unveiled the first look at its new cast for Season 2, which will tackle the twists and turns of an intense friendship set in the early 2000s.
The second installment of the anthology series — which is the highest rated show in the network’s history — will premiere Summer 2023.
In a new mystery, “Cruel Summer” Season 2 is set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, tracing the rise and fall of a trio of friends. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season tracks the relationships among Megan (“The Goldbergs” actress Sadie Stanley), Isabella (“Little Fires Everywhere” star Lexi Underwood) and Megan’s best friend Luke (Griffin Gluck of “American Vandal”), the love triangle that blossomed and the unknown factors that impact all of their lives.
Also Read:
‘Cruel Summer’ Season 2 Adds Lexi Underwood in Recasting
As previously shared by Freeform,...
The second installment of the anthology series — which is the highest rated show in the network’s history — will premiere Summer 2023.
In a new mystery, “Cruel Summer” Season 2 is set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, tracing the rise and fall of a trio of friends. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season tracks the relationships among Megan (“The Goldbergs” actress Sadie Stanley), Isabella (“Little Fires Everywhere” star Lexi Underwood) and Megan’s best friend Luke (Griffin Gluck of “American Vandal”), the love triangle that blossomed and the unknown factors that impact all of their lives.
Also Read:
‘Cruel Summer’ Season 2 Adds Lexi Underwood in Recasting
As previously shared by Freeform,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Freeform‘s breakout anthology series Cruel Summer is set to return for a second season this summer, featuring a new cast and a new mystery. On Wednesday, the network released a first look at the new ensemble.
The cast includes Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore. Paul Adelstein will recur. Freeform hasn’t given a specific release date for the season yet.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of Cruel Summer follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
Related Story ‘Grown-ish’ Renewed For Season 6 At Freeform...
The cast includes Sadie Stanley, Lexi Underwood, Griffin Gluck, KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore. Paul Adelstein will recur. Freeform hasn’t given a specific release date for the season yet.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of Cruel Summer follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
Related Story ‘Grown-ish’ Renewed For Season 6 At Freeform...
- 1/11/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
The minds of teenage girls have always beguiled us. From the Salem witch trials to the Satanic Panic to the college rape crisis, young women’s memories have been weaponized, dissected, repurposed, debated. But the experiences of this group are rarely earnestly considered without agenda.
It naturally follows that much media about and for teenage girls approaches them shallowly. Notably, “Euphoria,” perhaps this season’s most popular series about teenage girls, only managed to keep its protagonist, Rue — whose arc is inspired by writer Sam Levinson’s own life — three-dimensional. Its other young women were sacrificed to inane stories of romance and cattiness.
Luckily, change has been coming. A few recent shows have demonstrated some much-needed interest in the teen girl psyche. Showtime’s “Yellowjackets,” Amazon Prime’s “The Wilds” and Freeform’s “Cruel Summer” all center young women’s experiences. These girls are often unreliable narrators, and their accounts...
It naturally follows that much media about and for teenage girls approaches them shallowly. Notably, “Euphoria,” perhaps this season’s most popular series about teenage girls, only managed to keep its protagonist, Rue — whose arc is inspired by writer Sam Levinson’s own life — three-dimensional. Its other young women were sacrificed to inane stories of romance and cattiness.
Luckily, change has been coming. A few recent shows have demonstrated some much-needed interest in the teen girl psyche. Showtime’s “Yellowjackets,” Amazon Prime’s “The Wilds” and Freeform’s “Cruel Summer” all center young women’s experiences. These girls are often unreliable narrators, and their accounts...
- 6/17/2022
- by Lena Wilson
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Nile Bullock, Jenna Lamb and Braedan De La Garza have joined the cast of Freeform’s Cruel Summer and will recur in the series’ sophomore season. The will join Lexi Underwood, Sadie Stanley, Griffin Gluck and KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of Cruel Summer follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
Bullock will recur as Jeff, a filmmaker who is more comfortable experiencing life from behind the camera lens. He has long nursed a crush on Megan and finally gets the opportunity to make his feelings clear.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of Cruel Summer follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
Bullock will recur as Jeff, a filmmaker who is more comfortable experiencing life from behind the camera lens. He has long nursed a crush on Megan and finally gets the opportunity to make his feelings clear.
- 5/6/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
There is a change in the Season 2 cast Freeform’s Cruel Summer unveiled last week. Lexi Underwood has been tapped for a role in the second installment of the anthology series, which features a new cast, a new mystery and a new showrunner.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the second chapter follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
Underwood joins previously announced series regulars Sadie Stanley, Griffin Gluck and KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore and recurring Paul Adelstein. She replaces Eloise Payet after the character of Isabella was reworked.
Cruel Summer comes from...
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the second chapter follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
Underwood joins previously announced series regulars Sadie Stanley, Griffin Gluck and KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore and recurring Paul Adelstein. She replaces Eloise Payet after the character of Isabella was reworked.
Cruel Summer comes from...
- 4/27/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform has lined up the cast and announced the newcomers and storyline for the second season of “Cruel Summer.”
The anthology series will follow a new set of characters in the Y2K era.
Here’s the logline: “Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of ‘Cruel Summer’ follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.”
Here’s the casting details announced Thursday:
Sadie Stanley (“The Goldbergs”) is playing Megan Landry, “a computer coder and honor student from a blue-collar family. Once Megan meets Isabella, she begins to live in the moment and embrace her true self.
The anthology series will follow a new set of characters in the Y2K era.
Here’s the logline: “Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the next chapter of ‘Cruel Summer’ follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.”
Here’s the casting details announced Thursday:
Sadie Stanley (“The Goldbergs”) is playing Megan Landry, “a computer coder and honor student from a blue-collar family. Once Megan meets Isabella, she begins to live in the moment and embrace her true self.
- 4/21/2022
- by Jolie Lash
- The Wrap
Cruel Summer is returning to Freeform as an anthology series.
The second season will feature a whole new cast, a new mystery and the show’s third showrunner.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the second chapter follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
Sadie Stanley, Eloise Payet, Griffin Gluck and KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore are among the stars. Paul Adelstein recurs.
Power Book IV: Force co-exec producer Elle Triedman replaces Tia Napolitano as showrunner. Napolitano replaced creator Bert V. Royal after disagreements with the network.
The series comes from studio eOne. Executive producers include Triedman,...
The second season will feature a whole new cast, a new mystery and the show’s third showrunner.
Set in an idyllic waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest, the second chapter follows the rise and fall of an intense teenage friendship. Approaching the story from three different timelines surrounding Y2K, the season twists and turns as it tracks the early friendship between Megan, Isabella and Megan’s best friend Luke, the love triangle that blossomed, and the mystery that would impact all of their lives going forward.
Sadie Stanley, Eloise Payet, Griffin Gluck and KaDee Strickland, Lisa Yamada and Sean Blakemore are among the stars. Paul Adelstein recurs.
Power Book IV: Force co-exec producer Elle Triedman replaces Tia Napolitano as showrunner. Napolitano replaced creator Bert V. Royal after disagreements with the network.
The series comes from studio eOne. Executive producers include Triedman,...
- 4/21/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“Shang-Chi” headliner Simu Liu has joined the cast of Warner Bros’ “Barbie” film, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
Greta Gerwig is directing “Barbie,” in which Ferrera will star opposite Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie. Robbie will play Barbie and Gosling will play Ken, but it is not yet known which role Ferrera will play.
Gerwig wrote the screenplay, along with her partner Noah Baumbach, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. This will be Gerwig’s third feature film following her debut, “Lady Bird,” and her adaptation of “Little Women,” both of which scored Best Picture nominations at the Oscars.
Executive producers are Josey McNamara for LuckyChap Entertainment. Robbie will also produce with Tom Ackerley for LuckyChap Entertainment alongside Mattel executive producer Robbie Brenner, who heads the toy company’s film division.
The film moved from Sony — where it was slated for a June 29, 2018 release and was...
Greta Gerwig is directing “Barbie,” in which Ferrera will star opposite Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie. Robbie will play Barbie and Gosling will play Ken, but it is not yet known which role Ferrera will play.
Gerwig wrote the screenplay, along with her partner Noah Baumbach, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. This will be Gerwig’s third feature film following her debut, “Lady Bird,” and her adaptation of “Little Women,” both of which scored Best Picture nominations at the Oscars.
Executive producers are Josey McNamara for LuckyChap Entertainment. Robbie will also produce with Tom Ackerley for LuckyChap Entertainment alongside Mattel executive producer Robbie Brenner, who heads the toy company’s film division.
The film moved from Sony — where it was slated for a June 29, 2018 release and was...
- 2/11/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
America Ferrera has joined the cast of Warner Bros’ “Barbie” film, TheWrap confirmed.
Greta Gerwig is directing “Barbie,” in which Ferrera will star opposite Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie. Robbie will play Barbie and Gosling will play Ken, but it is not yet known which role Ferrera will play.
Gerwig wrote the screenplay, along with her partner Noah Baumbach, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. This will be Gerwig’s third feature film following her debut, “Lady Bird,” and her adaptation of “Little Women,” both of which scored Best Picture nominations at the Oscars.
Executive producers are Josey McNamara for LuckyChap Entertainment. Robbie will also produce with Tom Ackerley for LuckyChap Entertainment alongside Mattel executive producer Robbie Brenner, who heads the toy company’s film division.
The film moved from Sony — where it was slated for a June 29, 2018 release and was to be produced by Amy Pascal, Walter F. Parkes,...
Greta Gerwig is directing “Barbie,” in which Ferrera will star opposite Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie. Robbie will play Barbie and Gosling will play Ken, but it is not yet known which role Ferrera will play.
Gerwig wrote the screenplay, along with her partner Noah Baumbach, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap. This will be Gerwig’s third feature film following her debut, “Lady Bird,” and her adaptation of “Little Women,” both of which scored Best Picture nominations at the Oscars.
Executive producers are Josey McNamara for LuckyChap Entertainment. Robbie will also produce with Tom Ackerley for LuckyChap Entertainment alongside Mattel executive producer Robbie Brenner, who heads the toy company’s film division.
The film moved from Sony — where it was slated for a June 29, 2018 release and was to be produced by Amy Pascal, Walter F. Parkes,...
- 2/9/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Greta Gerwig will direct the “Barbie” movie starring Margot Robbie, in addition to writing the screenplay along with her partner Noah Baumbach, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Though Gerwig became attached to “Barbie” in 2019, Robbie revealed in a new interview with British Vogue that Gerwig would also be stepping into the director’s chair on the film.
In discussing the film with British Vogue, Robbie said that playing Barbie comes with “a lot of baggage” and a lot of “nostalgic connections,” but it’s not quite the movie you’re expecting.
“People generally hear ‘Barbie’ and think, ‘I know what that movie is going to be,’ and then they hear that Greta Gerwig is writing and directing it, and they’re like, ’Oh, well, maybe I don’t,’” Robbie said.
This will be Gerwig’s third feature film following her debut, “Lady Bird,” and her adaptation of “Little Women,...
Though Gerwig became attached to “Barbie” in 2019, Robbie revealed in a new interview with British Vogue that Gerwig would also be stepping into the director’s chair on the film.
In discussing the film with British Vogue, Robbie said that playing Barbie comes with “a lot of baggage” and a lot of “nostalgic connections,” but it’s not quite the movie you’re expecting.
“People generally hear ‘Barbie’ and think, ‘I know what that movie is going to be,’ and then they hear that Greta Gerwig is writing and directing it, and they’re like, ’Oh, well, maybe I don’t,’” Robbie said.
This will be Gerwig’s third feature film following her debut, “Lady Bird,” and her adaptation of “Little Women,...
- 7/9/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The creator of Cruel Summer is stepping away.
Per Deadline, Bert V. Royal is no longer involved in the young-skewing drama.
Royal is said to have left after the pilot amid disagreements with a Freeform exec.
No details have been revealed beyond that, but it's unclear whether the disagreements were about the show's creative vision.
In the entertainment industry, creative differences are not uncommon.
Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller that follows two young women: Kate Wallis, the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner, the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate's disappearance.
All signs point to Jeanette's guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be?
Set over three summers and told through shifting points of view, the series challenges perception and follows how one girl can go from being a sweet outlier to the most despised person in America.
Per Deadline, Bert V. Royal is no longer involved in the young-skewing drama.
Royal is said to have left after the pilot amid disagreements with a Freeform exec.
No details have been revealed beyond that, but it's unclear whether the disagreements were about the show's creative vision.
In the entertainment industry, creative differences are not uncommon.
Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller that follows two young women: Kate Wallis, the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner, the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate's disappearance.
All signs point to Jeanette's guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be?
Set over three summers and told through shifting points of view, the series challenges perception and follows how one girl can go from being a sweet outlier to the most despised person in America.
- 7/7/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Bert V. Royal, creator of Freeform’s Cruel Summer, has exited the YA drama.
The Disney-owned youth-skewing network has confirmed that Royal is no longer involved in the Jessica Biel-exec produced show. It’s understood that he left after the pilot with reports suggesting that it came after disagreements with a network exec.
News of Royal’s exit comes less than a month after Freeform handed Cruel Summer a Season 2 renewal.
Created by Royal, Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller that follows two young women: Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt), the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia), the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. All signs point to Jeanette’s guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be? Set over three summers and told through shifting points of view, the series challenges...
The Disney-owned youth-skewing network has confirmed that Royal is no longer involved in the Jessica Biel-exec produced show. It’s understood that he left after the pilot with reports suggesting that it came after disagreements with a network exec.
News of Royal’s exit comes less than a month after Freeform handed Cruel Summer a Season 2 renewal.
Created by Royal, Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller that follows two young women: Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt), the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia), the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. All signs point to Jeanette’s guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be? Set over three summers and told through shifting points of view, the series challenges...
- 7/6/2021
- by Peter White and Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
“Cruel Summer” creator Bert V. Royal is no longer affiliated with the series, Variety has confirmed.
According to sources, Royal departed the series after the pilot finished filming last year due to creative differences. He was still credited as the creator and executive producer for Season 1 of the hit drama, but it is unclear what his credit will be on Season 2 at this time. Tia Napolitano remains onboard the series as executive producer and showrunner.
“Cruel Summer” received a second season order back in June. Starring Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee and Brooklyn Sudano, the series centers on the story of two young women across three summers — the popular Kate Wallis, who mysteriously goes missing, and the nerdy Jeanette Turner, who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. “Cruel Summer” is produced by eOne. Napolitano executive produces alongside...
According to sources, Royal departed the series after the pilot finished filming last year due to creative differences. He was still credited as the creator and executive producer for Season 1 of the hit drama, but it is unclear what his credit will be on Season 2 at this time. Tia Napolitano remains onboard the series as executive producer and showrunner.
“Cruel Summer” received a second season order back in June. Starring Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee and Brooklyn Sudano, the series centers on the story of two young women across three summers — the popular Kate Wallis, who mysteriously goes missing, and the nerdy Jeanette Turner, who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. “Cruel Summer” is produced by eOne. Napolitano executive produces alongside...
- 7/6/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Cruel Summer is a newly minted hit for Freeform and its new Tara Duncan-led regime, but it became a breakout series for the Disney-backed cable network without its creator’s involvement.
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that creator Bert V. Royal quit his Freeform series after clashing with an exec at the basic cabler last summer, after the pilot wrapped last summer. Reps for Freeform and studio Entertainment One declined comment; reps for Royal did not respond to multiple requests.
Royal received a created by and exec producer credit on season one of Cruel Summer and was compensated for all 10 episodes of ...
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that creator Bert V. Royal quit his Freeform series after clashing with an exec at the basic cabler last summer, after the pilot wrapped last summer. Reps for Freeform and studio Entertainment One declined comment; reps for Royal did not respond to multiple requests.
Royal received a created by and exec producer credit on season one of Cruel Summer and was compensated for all 10 episodes of ...
Cruel Summer is a newly minted hit for Freeform and its new Tara Duncan-led regime, but it became a breakout series for the Disney-backed cable network without its creator’s involvement.
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that creator Bert V. Royal quit his Freeform series after clashing with an exec at the basic cabler last summer, after the pilot wrapped last summer. Reps for Freeform and studio Entertainment One declined comment; reps for Royal did not respond to multiple requests.
Royal received a created by and exec producer credit on season one of Cruel Summer and was compensated for all 10 episodes of ...
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that creator Bert V. Royal quit his Freeform series after clashing with an exec at the basic cabler last summer, after the pilot wrapped last summer. Reps for Freeform and studio Entertainment One declined comment; reps for Royal did not respond to multiple requests.
Royal received a created by and exec producer credit on season one of Cruel Summer and was compensated for all 10 episodes of ...
Exclusive: Olivia Holt, who currently stars in Freeform’s hit series Cruel Summer, has signed with WME for representation. The agency plans to expand the actress-singer’s interests across film, TV, music, branding, fashion, digital, philanthropy and more.
Holt, whose acting credits include Freeform’s Marvel series Cloak & Dagger, plays Kate Wallis in Cruel Summer, which received a Season 2 renewal just before its Season 1 finale earlier this month. The psychological thriller follows two young women: Kate, the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia), the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. The story is set over three summers and told through shifting points of view.
Cruel Summer, created by Bert V. Royal and executive produced by Jessica Biel, is Freeform’s most-watched series ever and was the No. 1 new cable drama of the year in the women 18-34 demo.
Holt, whose acting credits include Freeform’s Marvel series Cloak & Dagger, plays Kate Wallis in Cruel Summer, which received a Season 2 renewal just before its Season 1 finale earlier this month. The psychological thriller follows two young women: Kate, the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia), the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. The story is set over three summers and told through shifting points of view.
Cruel Summer, created by Bert V. Royal and executive produced by Jessica Biel, is Freeform’s most-watched series ever and was the No. 1 new cable drama of the year in the women 18-34 demo.
- 6/28/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Ahead of its Season 1 finale, psychological thriller “Cruel Summer” is getting a second season at Freeform after becoming the network’s most-watched series ever.
“Renewing Cruel Summer for a season 2 was an easy decision,” said Freeform president Tara Duncan. “It’s the biggest series debut in Freeform’s history and the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. Jessica, Michelle and Tia did a phenomenal job telling an addictive story that’s tapped into the cultural zeitgeist. I’m excited to see where they take the series next.”
Starring Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee and Brooklyn Sudano, the series centers on the story of two young women across three summers — the popular Kate Wallis, who mysteriously goes missing, and the nerdy Jeanette Turner, who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. “Cruel Summer” is produced by eOne and was created by Bert V. Royal.
“Renewing Cruel Summer for a season 2 was an easy decision,” said Freeform president Tara Duncan. “It’s the biggest series debut in Freeform’s history and the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive. Jessica, Michelle and Tia did a phenomenal job telling an addictive story that’s tapped into the cultural zeitgeist. I’m excited to see where they take the series next.”
Starring Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee and Brooklyn Sudano, the series centers on the story of two young women across three summers — the popular Kate Wallis, who mysteriously goes missing, and the nerdy Jeanette Turner, who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. “Cruel Summer” is produced by eOne and was created by Bert V. Royal.
- 6/15/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Cruel Summer, which is the most-watched series ever for Freeform, has been renewed for a second season.
The “easy” decision comes ahead of the season one finale, tonight, Tuesday June 15.
However, how the Jessica Biel-exec produced series returns is still up in the air; the mystery could return with a new story with the same characters and actors or using the same storytelling device featuring a whole new cast of characters.
The series, which was the first scripted series to debut under new Freeform President Tara Duncan, who started the job just under a year ago, became the Disney-owned network’s most-watched series ever, ranking as the number one new cable drama of the year among women aged 18-34, with the most recent episode delivering the drama’s biggest linear TV audience yet, rising by 31% over its premiere. In multiplatform+35 day, the series, which is available on Hulu the day after its linear airing,...
The “easy” decision comes ahead of the season one finale, tonight, Tuesday June 15.
However, how the Jessica Biel-exec produced series returns is still up in the air; the mystery could return with a new story with the same characters and actors or using the same storytelling device featuring a whole new cast of characters.
The series, which was the first scripted series to debut under new Freeform President Tara Duncan, who started the job just under a year ago, became the Disney-owned network’s most-watched series ever, ranking as the number one new cable drama of the year among women aged 18-34, with the most recent episode delivering the drama’s biggest linear TV audience yet, rising by 31% over its premiere. In multiplatform+35 day, the series, which is available on Hulu the day after its linear airing,...
- 6/15/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s a happy summer at Freeform.
The Disney-owned basic cable network has handed out a second-season renewal for its breakout hit Cruel Summer. The series has also now become the younger-skewing cabler’s most watched ever. An episode count and return time frame for season two have yet to be determined.
Picked up to series a year and a half ago under then-Freeform president Tom Ascheim, Cruel Summer is from Entertainment One and Jessica Biel’s Iron Ocean banner, with the company’s Michelle Purple exec producing alongside Biel, series creator Bert V. Royal and showrunner Tia Napolitano.
“Renewing Cruel ...
The Disney-owned basic cable network has handed out a second-season renewal for its breakout hit Cruel Summer. The series has also now become the younger-skewing cabler’s most watched ever. An episode count and return time frame for season two have yet to be determined.
Picked up to series a year and a half ago under then-Freeform president Tom Ascheim, Cruel Summer is from Entertainment One and Jessica Biel’s Iron Ocean banner, with the company’s Michelle Purple exec producing alongside Biel, series creator Bert V. Royal and showrunner Tia Napolitano.
“Renewing Cruel ...
- 6/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
It’s a happy summer at Freeform.
The Disney-owned basic cable network has handed out a second season renewal for its breakout hit Cruel Summer. The series has also now become the younger-skewing cabler’s most-watched series ever. An episode count and return time frame for season two have yet to be determined.
Picked up to series a year and a half ago under then-Freeform president Tom Ascheim, Cruel Summer is from Entertainment One and Jessica Biel’s Iron Ocean banner, with the company’s Michelle Purple also exec producing alongside series creator created Bert V. Royal and showrunner Tia Napolitano.
“...
The Disney-owned basic cable network has handed out a second season renewal for its breakout hit Cruel Summer. The series has also now become the younger-skewing cabler’s most-watched series ever. An episode count and return time frame for season two have yet to be determined.
Picked up to series a year and a half ago under then-Freeform president Tom Ascheim, Cruel Summer is from Entertainment One and Jessica Biel’s Iron Ocean banner, with the company’s Michelle Purple also exec producing alongside series creator created Bert V. Royal and showrunner Tia Napolitano.
“...
- 6/15/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Fineman Entertainment literary manager Dana Jackson has moved over to Echo Lake Entertainment where she will continue to represent a roster of film and TV directors and writers. Echo Lake’s management division has been growing in recent months with Jackson being the fifth management hire during the pandemic lockdown.
Jackson has built and guided the careers of such scribes as Bert V. Royal, the award-winning playwright of Dog Sees God and screenwriter of the critically acclaimed hit film Easy A, and Karen Diconcetto who, along with Royal, created the television series Recovery Road for Freeform.
In 1997, she was named SVP of Hunt/Tavel Productions, the Sony-based production company of Oscar winning actor-producer Helen Hunt and producer/manager Connie Tavel. While there she developed and was a Co-Producer of Hunt’s directorial debut Then She Found Me, which the actress starred in with Bette Midler and Colin Firth.
Jackson has built and guided the careers of such scribes as Bert V. Royal, the award-winning playwright of Dog Sees God and screenwriter of the critically acclaimed hit film Easy A, and Karen Diconcetto who, along with Royal, created the television series Recovery Road for Freeform.
In 1997, she was named SVP of Hunt/Tavel Productions, the Sony-based production company of Oscar winning actor-producer Helen Hunt and producer/manager Connie Tavel. While there she developed and was a Co-Producer of Hunt’s directorial debut Then She Found Me, which the actress starred in with Bette Midler and Colin Firth.
- 5/27/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Cruel Summer has posted Freeform’s most-watched overall series debut ever, averaging 3.81 million average multi-platform viewers in its first week. The Jessica Biel-produced drama also ranks as the network’s best-ever series debut among Adults 18-49 (2.65 million) and Adults 18-34 (1.33 million).
Only a sliver of Cruel Summer‘s premiere viewership comes from the series’ live linear debut. The multi-platform totals include delayed viewing for the premiere linear telecast (Live+7 ratings) and viewership on the Freeform app/site, Hulu and set-top box VOD in the first 7 days available.
Cruel Summer eclipsed Freeform’s previous biggest debut, Shadowhunters in January 2016 by +22% among A18-49, +9% among A18-34 and +2% among total viewers, using the same methodology.
Additionally, the series from studio Entertainment One is the No. 1 most social scripted series premiere across cable year-to-date, according toTalkWalker Social Content Ratings.
Only a sliver of Cruel Summer‘s premiere viewership comes from the series’ live linear debut. The multi-platform totals include delayed viewing for the premiere linear telecast (Live+7 ratings) and viewership on the Freeform app/site, Hulu and set-top box VOD in the first 7 days available.
Cruel Summer eclipsed Freeform’s previous biggest debut, Shadowhunters in January 2016 by +22% among A18-49, +9% among A18-34 and +2% among total viewers, using the same methodology.
Additionally, the series from studio Entertainment One is the No. 1 most social scripted series premiere across cable year-to-date, according toTalkWalker Social Content Ratings.
- 4/30/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A worse teen crime drama than “Cruel Summer” would play to conventions and pit the high school archetypes such as the spoiled mean girl against the nerdy, innocent girl, with no real estate between them for character growth. But the new Freeform series, created by Bert V. Royal and produced by, among others, Jessica Biel and Max Winkler, discards stereotypes and tropes, at least those concerning character, in favor of a modernized portrayal of teenhood.
Continue reading ‘Cruel Summer’ Is A Smart, Pulpy Mystery Series With A Bit Too Much Flash [Review] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Cruel Summer’ Is A Smart, Pulpy Mystery Series With A Bit Too Much Flash [Review] at The Playlist.
- 4/22/2021
- by Andrew Crump
- The Playlist
Network: Freeform
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing
TV show dates: April 20, 2021 -- present
Series status: Has not been cancelled
Performers include: Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Brooklyn Sudano.
TV show description:
A psychological mystery series, the Cruel Summer TV show was created by Bert V. Royal.
The story follows two young women. Kate Wallis (Holt) is a popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing without a trace. Jeanette Turner (Aurelia) is the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate's disappearance. All signs point to Jeanette's guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be?
Read More…...
Episodes: Ongoing (hour)
Seasons: Ongoing
TV show dates: April 20, 2021 -- present
Series status: Has not been cancelled
Performers include: Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee, and Brooklyn Sudano.
TV show description:
A psychological mystery series, the Cruel Summer TV show was created by Bert V. Royal.
The story follows two young women. Kate Wallis (Holt) is a popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing without a trace. Jeanette Turner (Aurelia) is the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate's disappearance. All signs point to Jeanette's guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be?
Read More…...
- 4/21/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Freeform is taking viewers back to the 1990s to unravel the mystery of what happened during one Cruel Summer.
Premiering with two episodes this Tuesday (at 9/8c), the ’90s-set drama centers around awkward teen Jeanette (Tell Me Your Secrets‘ Chiara Aurelia), who longs to be pretty and popular like her classmate Kate (Cloak & Dagger‘s Olivia Holt). Jeanette gets her wish — and much more than she bargained for — as she seemingly takes over Kate’s life when the other girl goes missing. As each twisty installment explores Jeanette’s possible connection to Kate’s disappearance, the drama goes all-in...
Premiering with two episodes this Tuesday (at 9/8c), the ’90s-set drama centers around awkward teen Jeanette (Tell Me Your Secrets‘ Chiara Aurelia), who longs to be pretty and popular like her classmate Kate (Cloak & Dagger‘s Olivia Holt). Jeanette gets her wish — and much more than she bargained for — as she seemingly takes over Kate’s life when the other girl goes missing. As each twisty installment explores Jeanette’s possible connection to Kate’s disappearance, the drama goes all-in...
- 4/19/2021
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Cobra Kai‘s Barrett Carnahan, Andrea Anders (Ted Lasso), Benjamin J. Cain Jr. (Mixed-ish) and Nicole Bilderback (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and are set for recurring roles on Freeform’s upcoming thriller drama series Cruel Summer (fka Last Summer), from Bert V. Royal, executive producer Jessica Biel, eOne, and Iron Ocean Productions.
Created by Royal, Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller that follows two young women: Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt), the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia), the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. All signs point to Jeanette’s guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be? Set over three summers and told through shifting points of view, the series challenges perception and follows how one girl can go from being a sweet outlier to the most despised person in America.
Carnahan plays Derek.
Created by Royal, Cruel Summer is a psychological thriller that follows two young women: Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt), the popular girl with a charmed life who one day goes missing, and Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia), the nerdy wannabe who is accused of being connected to Kate’s disappearance. All signs point to Jeanette’s guilt, but is Kate really who she seems to be? Set over three summers and told through shifting points of view, the series challenges perception and follows how one girl can go from being a sweet outlier to the most despised person in America.
Carnahan plays Derek.
- 3/11/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video has taken the worldwide rights to Freeform’s upcoming thriller drama series Cruel Summer (formerly known as Last Summer), from Bert V. Royal, Jessica Biel, eOne, and Iron Ocean Productions.
Amazon will premiere the series outside of U.S., Canada, and China after its launch on Freeform. Cruel Summer takes place over three summers — 1993-95 — in a small Texas town when a beautiful popular teen, Kate (Olivia Holt), is abducted and, seemingly unrelated, a girl, Jeanette (Chiara Aurelia), goes from being a sweet, awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town and, by ’95, the most despised person in America. Each episode is told from the Pov of one of the two main girls, which will have the viewers’ loyalties constantly shifting as more information is revealed.
“With Cruel Summer, Jessica Biel, Michelle Purple, Bert V. Royal and Tia Napolitano have created a unique drama that will...
Amazon will premiere the series outside of U.S., Canada, and China after its launch on Freeform. Cruel Summer takes place over three summers — 1993-95 — in a small Texas town when a beautiful popular teen, Kate (Olivia Holt), is abducted and, seemingly unrelated, a girl, Jeanette (Chiara Aurelia), goes from being a sweet, awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town and, by ’95, the most despised person in America. Each episode is told from the Pov of one of the two main girls, which will have the viewers’ loyalties constantly shifting as more information is revealed.
“With Cruel Summer, Jessica Biel, Michelle Purple, Bert V. Royal and Tia Napolitano have created a unique drama that will...
- 1/13/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jacqueline Sacerio has been promoted at Entertainment One. Previously SVP Scripted Television, she is now EVP Scripted Television at the company. It comes the same day that Yellowjackets, which she shepherded at eOne, was ordered to series by Showtime.
In addition to the survival drama series, which was created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Sacerio developed upcoming Freeform thriller Cruel Summer from Bert V. Royal and Jessica Biel, and is working on More Happy Than Not at HBO Max and Philly Reign at USA Network.
She has also been instrumental in the creative development of the development of Hasbro brands such as Dungeons and Dragons and Ouija for television.
Prior to joining eOne, Sacerio was a film and television agent at CAA for nearly eight years. She made the move to television producing in 2015 when she joined the Mark Gordon Co. and was the executive in charge of Designated Survivor starring Kiefer Sutherland.
In addition to the survival drama series, which was created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Sacerio developed upcoming Freeform thriller Cruel Summer from Bert V. Royal and Jessica Biel, and is working on More Happy Than Not at HBO Max and Philly Reign at USA Network.
She has also been instrumental in the creative development of the development of Hasbro brands such as Dungeons and Dragons and Ouija for television.
Prior to joining eOne, Sacerio was a film and television agent at CAA for nearly eight years. She made the move to television producing in 2015 when she joined the Mark Gordon Co. and was the executive in charge of Designated Survivor starring Kiefer Sutherland.
- 12/17/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
With Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital now firmly in her rearview mirror, Sarah Drew is making tracks for Texas, recurring in Freeform’s upcoming thriller Cruel Summer, our sister site Deadline reports.
The Freeform drama is set over the course of three summers — 1993, 1994 and 1995 — in a tiny Texas town, where a beautiful young woman named Kate (played by Cloak & Dagger‘s Olivia Holt) is abducted. Meanwhile, an awkward loner named Jeanette (Tell Me Your Secrets‘ Chiara Aurelia) suddenly becomes the most popular girl in town… until she becomes the most hated person in America.
More from TVLine25 Best Grey's Characters Ever,...
The Freeform drama is set over the course of three summers — 1993, 1994 and 1995 — in a tiny Texas town, where a beautiful young woman named Kate (played by Cloak & Dagger‘s Olivia Holt) is abducted. Meanwhile, an awkward loner named Jeanette (Tell Me Your Secrets‘ Chiara Aurelia) suddenly becomes the most popular girl in town… until she becomes the most hated person in America.
More from TVLine25 Best Grey's Characters Ever,...
- 10/30/2020
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Grey’s Anatomy alumna Sarah Drew is set for a season-long arc in Freeform’s upcoming thriller drama series Cruel Summer (fka Last Summer), from Bert V. Royal, Jessica Biel and eOne.
Cruel Summer takes place over three summers — 1993-95 — in a small Texas town when a beautiful popular teen, Kate (Olivia Holt), is abducted and, seemingly unrelated, a girl, Jeanette (Chiara Aurelia), goes from being a sweet, awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town and, by ’95, the most despised person in America. Each episode is told from the Pov of one of the two main girls, which will have the viewers’ loyalties constantly shifting as more information is revealed.
2020 Freeform Pilots & Series Orders
Drew will play Cindy Turner, mother to Jeanette. Although once the most popular girl in town, Cindy struggles to hold her family together while being in the crosshairs of town gossip.
Royal executive produces...
Cruel Summer takes place over three summers — 1993-95 — in a small Texas town when a beautiful popular teen, Kate (Olivia Holt), is abducted and, seemingly unrelated, a girl, Jeanette (Chiara Aurelia), goes from being a sweet, awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town and, by ’95, the most despised person in America. Each episode is told from the Pov of one of the two main girls, which will have the viewers’ loyalties constantly shifting as more information is revealed.
2020 Freeform Pilots & Series Orders
Drew will play Cindy Turner, mother to Jeanette. Although once the most popular girl in town, Cindy struggles to hold her family together while being in the crosshairs of town gossip.
Royal executive produces...
- 10/30/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Spyglass Media Group has made a deal to turn adventure photographer Ben Moon’s memoir Denali: A Man A Dog, A Friendship Of A Lifetime into a feature that will star Charlie Hunnam, with Max Winkler adapting and directing the touching drama about Moon and his 15 year bond with a rescue dog. Max Winkler will adapt and direct. Hunnam will produce Bona Fide Productions’ Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa.
Denali reteams Winkler with Hunnam; they recently collaborated in Lionsgate’s upcoming boxing drama Jungleland, which also stars Jack O’Connell and Jessica Barden. Hunnam earlier worked with Berger & Yerxa on Cold Mountain.
All this started for Moon when he made an eight minute film and called it Denali, simply as a love letter to his dog. It went viral and received millions of views in 2015, winning several festival awards and gaining TV exposure. Five years later, Penguin Random House published...
Denali reteams Winkler with Hunnam; they recently collaborated in Lionsgate’s upcoming boxing drama Jungleland, which also stars Jack O’Connell and Jessica Barden. Hunnam earlier worked with Berger & Yerxa on Cold Mountain.
All this started for Moon when he made an eight minute film and called it Denali, simply as a love letter to his dog. It went viral and received millions of views in 2015, winning several festival awards and gaining TV exposure. Five years later, Penguin Random House published...
- 5/22/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Some bittersweet news for Freeform fans. The network just announced new episodes of Grown-ish and Good Trouble and the new TV show Cruel Summer won't premiere until 2021.
Grown-ish, a spin-off of Black-ish, aired half of its third season earlier this year before production shut down. Cruel Summer (fka Last Summer) is a new series from Bert V. Royal and Jessica Biel that "takes place over three summers in the 90s when a beautiful and popular teen goes missing, and a seemingly unrelated girl transforms from a sweet and awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town, eventually becoming the most despised person in America. The cast includes Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee and Brooklyn Sudano.
Read More…...
Grown-ish, a spin-off of Black-ish, aired half of its third season earlier this year before production shut down. Cruel Summer (fka Last Summer) is a new series from Bert V. Royal and Jessica Biel that "takes place over three summers in the 90s when a beautiful and popular teen goes missing, and a seemingly unrelated girl transforms from a sweet and awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town, eventually becoming the most despised person in America. The cast includes Olivia Holt, Chiara Aurelia, Michael Landes, Froy Gutierrez, Harley Quinn Smith, Allius Barnes, Blake Lee and Brooklyn Sudano.
Read More…...
- 5/20/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Freeform is delaying some of its series in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
With several TV shows forced to shut down amid stay-at-home orders, there are some changes coming to the network's schedule.
Freeform’s number one comedy series grown-ish, which had its midseason finale in March, will return to the network next year to finish up season three.
Starring Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Francia Raisa, Emily Arlook, Jordan Buhat, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Luka Sabbat, and Diggy Simmons, grown-ish is produced by ABC Signature Studios, a part of Disney Television Studios, and executive produced by Kenya Barris, Julie Bean, Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry, Craig Doyle, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and E. Brian Dobbins.
From executive producers Bert V. Royal and Jessica Biel, Freeform’s highly anticipated psychological thriller Cruel Summer will now debut in 2021.
Olivia Holt (Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger) returns to the network to co-star in the series.
With several TV shows forced to shut down amid stay-at-home orders, there are some changes coming to the network's schedule.
Freeform’s number one comedy series grown-ish, which had its midseason finale in March, will return to the network next year to finish up season three.
Starring Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Francia Raisa, Emily Arlook, Jordan Buhat, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Luka Sabbat, and Diggy Simmons, grown-ish is produced by ABC Signature Studios, a part of Disney Television Studios, and executive produced by Kenya Barris, Julie Bean, Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry, Craig Doyle, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and E. Brian Dobbins.
From executive producers Bert V. Royal and Jessica Biel, Freeform’s highly anticipated psychological thriller Cruel Summer will now debut in 2021.
Olivia Holt (Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger) returns to the network to co-star in the series.
- 5/19/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Freeform announced a range of programming news on Tuesday.
For starters, the Disney-owned cabler has renewed the freshman comedy “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” as well as the freshman drama “Motherland: Fort Salem.”
“Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” is created, executive produced and stars Josh Thomas. It follows Nicholas (Thomas), a neurotic twenty-something-year-old who is forced to raise his two teenage half-sisters, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, after the untimely death of their father.
The series also stars Kayla Cromer, Adam Faison and Maeve Press. It is produced and distributed internationally by Avalon. Thomas, Stephanie Swedlove and Kevin Whyte serve as executive producers, with David Martin, Jon Thoday and Richard Allen-Turner executive producing for Avalon. Additionally, “Please Like Me” collaborator Thomas Ward reunites with Thomas as co-executive producer.
“Motherland” is set in an alternate, present-day America where witches ended their persecution over 300 years ago by cutting a deal with...
For starters, the Disney-owned cabler has renewed the freshman comedy “Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” as well as the freshman drama “Motherland: Fort Salem.”
“Everything’s Gonna Be Okay” is created, executive produced and stars Josh Thomas. It follows Nicholas (Thomas), a neurotic twenty-something-year-old who is forced to raise his two teenage half-sisters, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, after the untimely death of their father.
The series also stars Kayla Cromer, Adam Faison and Maeve Press. It is produced and distributed internationally by Avalon. Thomas, Stephanie Swedlove and Kevin Whyte serve as executive producers, with David Martin, Jon Thoday and Richard Allen-Turner executive producing for Avalon. Additionally, “Please Like Me” collaborator Thomas Ward reunites with Thomas as co-executive producer.
“Motherland” is set in an alternate, present-day America where witches ended their persecution over 300 years ago by cutting a deal with...
- 5/19/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Freeform has plotted out its original programming plans for the next 12 months with second-season renewals for Everything’s Gonna Be Okay and Motherland: Fort Salem and the move of grown-ish, Good Trouble and Cruel Summer to next year.
The news, released ahead next week’s Disney Advertising Sales Virtual Roadshow presentation, comes as the network looks to get out in front of the Covid-19 production shutdown, which impacted a number of its originals, including the three series pushed to next year. In a video message to fans (watch it below the story), Good Trouble stars Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez explain how production on Season 3 of The Fosters spinoff was suspended over the pandemic and it won’t be ready for a summer 2020 launch as originally planned.
With Good Trouble, new drama series Cruel Summer and Part 2 of grown-ish‘s third season all postponed until next year, Freeform’s summer 2020 lineup...
The news, released ahead next week’s Disney Advertising Sales Virtual Roadshow presentation, comes as the network looks to get out in front of the Covid-19 production shutdown, which impacted a number of its originals, including the three series pushed to next year. In a video message to fans (watch it below the story), Good Trouble stars Maia Mitchell and Cierra Ramirez explain how production on Season 3 of The Fosters spinoff was suspended over the pandemic and it won’t be ready for a summer 2020 launch as originally planned.
With Good Trouble, new drama series Cruel Summer and Part 2 of grown-ish‘s third season all postponed until next year, Freeform’s summer 2020 lineup...
- 5/19/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Freeform has cast Olivia Holt as a lead in its upcoming series “Cruel Summer” in a recasting.
The Jessica Biel-produced series was previously titled “Last Summer.”
Holt, known for “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger,” will play Kate, “the embodiment of teenage perfection. Her life is one to be envied until she mysteriously disappears,” according to Freeform’s description. She replaces Mika Abdalla, who played Kate in the pilot.
Also Read: Jessica Biel's Production Company Signs First-Look Deal With Paramount Television Studios
Here is the description for the series, which was ordered in January:
“The unconventional drama takes place over three summers in the 90s when a beautiful and popular teen goes missing, and a seemingly unrelated girl transforms from a sweet and awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town, eventually becoming the most despised person in America. Each episode is told from alternating POVs.”
Max Winkler will direct...
The Jessica Biel-produced series was previously titled “Last Summer.”
Holt, known for “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger,” will play Kate, “the embodiment of teenage perfection. Her life is one to be envied until she mysteriously disappears,” according to Freeform’s description. She replaces Mika Abdalla, who played Kate in the pilot.
Also Read: Jessica Biel's Production Company Signs First-Look Deal With Paramount Television Studios
Here is the description for the series, which was ordered in January:
“The unconventional drama takes place over three summers in the 90s when a beautiful and popular teen goes missing, and a seemingly unrelated girl transforms from a sweet and awkward outlier to the most popular girl in town, eventually becoming the most despised person in America. Each episode is told from alternating POVs.”
Max Winkler will direct...
- 5/18/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
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