ABC Family Boosts Original Production, Renews ‘American Teenager,’ ‘Greek’

By Jon Lafayette

ABC Family said it is launching three new series this summer and bringing back its hits “Secret Life of the American Teenager,” “Lincoln Heights” and “Greek.”

The network, which made its upfront presentation to advertisers Tuesday in New York, has a busy summer schedule. In addition to the series, it has original movie “Labor Pains,” starring Lindsay Lohan, and a 10-day programming event called “Campus Crush” that will include the premiere of “Legally Blondes,” the direct-to-video successor to “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde.”

“This summer we’re excited to launch an unprecedented slate of programming, including the premiere of our three new original series, plus all-new original movies, all of them told with the bright, optimistic storytelling that’s at the heart of our Millennial brand,” said Paul Lee, president of ABC Family, which is coming off a record ratings year in 2008 and a record first quarter.

The new series are:

—“Make It or Break It,” a one-hour scripted drama set in the world of competitive gymnastics, starring Peri Gilpin and Candace Cameron Bure as the grownups. It premieres June 22.

—“10 Things I Hate About You,” a half hour series inspired by the movie of the same name, set to premiere July 7.

— “Ruby & the Rockits,” a half-hour comedy about a former teen idol turned family man, executive produced by Shaun Cassidy and starring David Cassidy and Patrick Cassidy.

The network also announced a slate of movies for its annual 25 Days of Christmas holiday programming stunt. The films include the original “Santa Baby 2” with Jenny McCarthy, “Rudolph’s Shiny New Year,” “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”