ABC Family Orders Pilots From Jennifer Lopez and Gavin Polone

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Jennifer Lopez and Gavin Polone

ABC Family is banking on industry veterans for potential new series.

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The cable network, home to Pretty Little Liars and Switched at Birth, has greenlighted two drama pilots: The Fosters (working title) from Jennifer Lopez and Socio from Gavin Polone, whose Jane by Design was recently canceled after one season.

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From executive producer Lopez and co-creators Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige, The Fosters is a one-hour drama revolving around a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms Stef and Lena. Simon Fields and Greg Gugliotta will serve as EPs on the pilot to be produced by Nuyorican Productions and Prodco.

Nearly a week after fashion drama Jane by Design was axed, Polone will get another chance at ABC Family with a concept similar to Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game.

The Prodco-produced one-hour drama Socio centers on a charismatic 16-year-old alleged sociopath who recently reconnected with his two female best friends from childhood and becomes the prime suspect when a fellow student is murdered. Polone will executive produce, with Adam Milch (Greek) as co-EP and writer.

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“We are thrilled to be producing such an exceptional and timely project with ABC Family,” said Fields of Nuyorican. “The show will entertain and provoke meaningful discussion about the contemporary definition of ‘family.' ”

“ABC Family continues to find and develop original programming that adds new dimension and depth to the storytelling we offer,” said Kate Juergens, the net's executive vp original programming and development. “Both these shows are headed by wonderful executive producers who know the millennial space well and know how to connect with audiences.”

The news comes after ABC Family renewed three series, including Switched at Birth and rookie comedy Baby Daddy, and ordered more Bunheads. Pretty Little Liars boss Marlene King is developing a TV adaptation of her 1995 movie Now and Then.

E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com