ABC Family Greenlights More Pilots

BURBANK: Four more pilots have been given the go-ahead from ABC Family, which has also ordered additional episodes of its hit comedy Melissa & Joey.

The network has give a back-order to Melissa & Joey, bringing its first-season total to 30 episodes. The comedy, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, premieres Tuesday nights at 8 p.m.

Pilots given the greenlight by ABC Family include Untitled Brenda Hampton Project, a one-hour scripted drama from Brenda Hampton (The Secret Life of the American Teenager, 7th Heaven) which looks at the lives of four ethnically-diverse girls at a private school in California, and The Great State of Georgia, an ABC Studios half-hour comedy about a plus-sized performer from the south and her science geek best friend who head out to New York City. Further pilots are What Would Jane Do, a one-hour scripted drama about a 16-year-old girl who lands a job at a hip retail company when they mistake her for an adult, and The Lying Game, also a one-hour scripted drama, following a kind-hearted foster kid who can’t catch a break and whose twin sister was adopted by wealthy parents.

“The addition of these four pilots to the network’s existing order, coupled with the breakout success of Melissa & Joey, reflects the incredible momentum of ABC Family,” said Michael Riley, the president of ABC Family. “This is the most aggressive development slate in the network’s history. It shows the network’s commitment to offering viewers a great mix of brand-defining original series.”

“We’re glad to have the opportunity to collaborate with Brenda again on this new project,” added Kate Juergens, the executive VP of original programming and development at ABC Family. “In addition, we couldn’t be happier to have Melissa & Joey return with more episodes. The chemistry between the two has again proven to be a hit with our viewers. We’re so proud of them and excited to have original comedy on ABC Family.”