OWN Goes for Pair of Shows from Will Packer

OWN has ordered two new series from Will Packer (Girls Trip, Straight Outta Compton, Ride Along), including a “soapy” new drama, Ambitions.

Ambitions (working title) is a multigenerational family saga centered on one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city. The scripted drama, set to debut on OWN in 2019, will be produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate/Debmar-Mercury.

The network also went for the dating show Ready to Love (working title), which will join OWN’s Saturday night unscripted programming lineup later this year. The dating series will focus on successful men and women of all shapes, sizes and shades, each of whom is looking for lasting love. Putting a twist on the typical dating show, Ready to Love will bring the perspective of men to the forefront. The series will be produced by Will Packer Media and Lighthearted Entertainment.

Packer will serve as executive producer for both series. The new shows mark the first series to be created under Packer’s first-look deal with the network.

“Will is a creative powerhouse who knows what audiences want,” said Erik Logan, president of OWN. “He has an insightful approach to relationships and a keen eye for great storytelling that resonates with viewers across the board. We can’t wait to bring these two new series to our viewers.”

“Partnering with OWN to bring Ambitions and Ready to Love to their fast-growing lineup of critically acclaimed series is a win-win scenario,” said Packer, CEO and founder of Will Packer Media. “OWN has been on an incredible streak with its recent slate, and we’re looking forward to extending the network’s primetime success with these new shows created specifically with the OWN audience in mind.”