ABC Orders Pilots for Soapy Musical, Fashion Dramas

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Callie Khouri

After picking up three comedies earlier Friday, the network gave the green light to a pair of dramas from established writers -- including a Nashville-set musical.

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The first, Americana, hails from North Country scribe Michael Seitzman and is described as a soap revolving around a legendary fashion designer and his family business. From ABC Studios and the Mark Gordon Co., the Grey's Anatomy producer is also attached to exec produce alongside Nichoals Pepper and Seitzman.

The second, titled Nashville, hails from Thelma & Louise writer Callie Khouri, who will exec produce alongside RJ Cutler, who will direct. The project, also a soap, is set against the backdrop of the Nashville music scene and revolves around one star at her peak and another on the rise.

The pickup is cast contingent based on the deal closing between co-producers ABC Studios and Lionsgate. Steve Buchanan/Grand Ole Opry are also attached to exec produce through Gaylord Entertainment.

The musical also comes as NBC is preparing to launch musical drama Smash as Fox's Glee continues to be a draw for the network in its third season.

The pair of pickups join dramas 666 Park Ave., Beauty and the Beast, Shonda Rhimes' Gilded Lillys, Shawn Ryan's Last Resort and the untitled Roland Emmerich election drama in the pilot department this season.

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