E! Adds Second Scripted Series

LOS ANGELES: Following on the success of The Royals, E! has greenlit a second scripted series, The Arrangement.

The 10×1-hour drama is being produced by Universal Cable Productions. It stars Josh Henderson (Dallas), Christine Evangelista (Chicago Fire), Michael Vartan (Alias) and Lexa Doig (Continuum). The pilot was written by Jonathan Abrahams (Mad Men), who will serve as executive producer on the series. Jimmy Fox of Objective Productions USA, an All3Media company, along with Layla Smith and Gregory Lipstone of All3Media America, will also serve as executive producers. The pilot was directed by Ken Olin (Alias, Sleepy Hollow).

The plot centers on a beautiful young actress who auditions for the female lead in a summer blockbuster playing opposite one of the world’s top action movie stars. After her audition and a date with the leading man, she is presented with a contract that could change her life.

E!’s first original scripted series, The Royals, was recently greenlit for a third season.

“E! viewers have shown a strong appetite for scripted fare, and we look forward to building on the success of The Royals with this exciting, new drama,” said Jeff Olde, E!’s executive VP of programming and development. “We love the way Jonathan has juxtaposed dark story lines against a backdrop of Hollywood glitz and glamour. His unique and sinister twist on the classic fairy tale love story is a perfect addition to E!’s pop culture lineup.”

“Jonathan is a great writer with a sophisticated and fun voice,” added Dawn Olmstead, the executive VP of development at Universal Cable Productions. “He has an uncanny knack for turning everyday events into complicated and compelling morality tales. We’re thrilled to be working with him.”