Freeform Extends Original Programming Slate, Launches Comedy Block

Freeform is adding a fourth night of original programming from January 2018 with the launch of a comedy block on Wednesdays that includes the new shows grown-ish and Alone Together.

From executive producer Kenya Barris and starring black-ish actress Yara Shahidi reprising her role as Zoey, grown-ish will make its one-hour premiere on January 3 at 8 p.m. The series follows Shahidi’s black-ish character as she goes off to college. On January 10 at 8:30 p.m., Freeform will debut Alone Together, a buddy comedy from executive producers Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, and starring comedians Esther Povitsky and Benji Aflalo.

In addition to the comedy night, Freeform will roll out further programming blocks featuring original series. Monday nights will focus on unscripted originals, kicking off with the series premiere of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings in the spring. Tuesday nights will feature original dramas, beginning with The Fosters and leading into Shadowhunters on April 3. The Bold Type and Famous in Love will occupy the drama block for the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, Thursday nights will be dedicated exclusively to genre programming beginning January 18 with the two-hour season premiere of Beyond, followed by the debut of Siren on March 29. Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger will also air on Thursday nights.

“At Freeform, we are committed to our audience; and this past year, we refined our programming strategy to be a destination for trendsetting originals that champion youth culture,” said Tom Ascheim, the president of Freeform. “Our upcoming slate is our biggest, boldest and most diverse ever; we look forward to making each show its own event and delivering empowering and entertaining originals to our viewers.”