Freeform Greenlights Mermaid Pilot

BURBANK: Freeform has greenlit a pilot for The Deep, a drama set in a coastal town known for once being home to mermaids.

Production on the pilot, written and exec-produced by Eric Wald and Dean White, begins in Vancouver in September, with Scott Stewart directing. The exec producer lineup also includes Brad Luff, Nate Hopper and RD Robb. Emily Whitesell will serve as showrunner.

The show is set in a coastal town called Bristol Cove that, according to legend, was once home to mermaids. When a mysterious girl arrives the folklore is proven true.

Karey Burke, executive VP of programming and development at the network, noted, “The Deep is a very different show than one would expect when they hear the word ‘mermaid’—the mermaid tale has been reinvented in this pilot. The writing is thrilling, stories complex and scary, and we are excited to explore the themes of obsession and violence through these amazing creatures.”