‘Victorious’ Star Lands Lead in ABC Family Drama Pilot ‘Socio’ (Exclusive)

ABC Family has found its sociopath for one of its new drama pilots.

Victorious star Avan Jogia has been cast in the lead role in Socio, the cable network’s hourlong project from executive producer Gavin Polone, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. Jogia will play Danny, described as likable, brash, sexy and charismatic, joining previously cast Maddie Hasson and Kylie Bunbury.

STORY: ‘The Finder’s’ Maddie Hasson, ‘Prom’s’ Kylie Bunbury to Star in ‘Socio’

Socio centers on Danny (Jogia), a 16-year-old alleged sociopath who reconnects with his two childhood best friends (Hasson and Bunbury) when he returns to his hometown to attend high school. However, once he arrives, he finds himself the prime suspect when a fellow student is murdered.

Danny proves to have a shady past: The teen is a convicted murderer who killed his aunt five years ago and has recently been released from custody. Though he admits to the murder of his aunt, Danny claims there was reasoning behind his action — one that he has yet to reveal.

Greek’s Adam Milch wrote the pilot and will serve as co-executive producer. The pilot will be produced by Prodco, Inc.

STORY: ABC Family Orders Pilots From Jennifer Lopez and Gavin Polone

Jogia played Beck Oliver on Nickelodeon’s Victorious opposite Victoria Justice. Other credits include iCarly and Caprica.

Socio is one of several pilots that ABC Family has ordered, including several comedies, The Fosters from Jennifer Lopez and an adaptation of the Mexican format Terminales. Should it be ordered to series, Socio would join the recently renewed Pretty Little Liars, Switched at Birth and The Lying Game.

E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com