Tag: ABC Family

Posted on

ABC Family Channel Is Becoming “Freeform”

ABC Family is changing it’s name in an attempt to woo younger viewers.

The network will be known as FREEFORM come January 2016.

From Deadline:

ABC Family’s decision to go for a new name was triggered by a gap in perception, said ABC Family President Tom Ascheim, noting that, according to research, core viewers understand the younger, social-media active brand while non-viewers associate it with wholesome and family-friendly programming. “We wanted to harmonize our content and out brand,” he said. “By achieving that harmony, we would be much better positioned to keep our core viewers and add new viewers.”

Despite dropping the ABC moniker which ties it to the Disney universe, “the freeformFreeform brand will be very much nestled in the Disney ethos — full of optimism and imagination, said Nigel Cox-Hagan, ABCF’s SVP Marketing, Creative and Branding.

ABC Family plans to use some of its top franchises, including flagship drama Pretty Little Liars and the popular 25 Days of Christmas holiday event, to promote the new branding. Additionally, there will be a big campaign around new drama Showdowhunters, which will be “ambassador for the new brand,” Cox-Hagan said.

Posted on

TV Tonight: “Becoming Us” On ABC Family

Tonight, ABC Family will air its ABC Family’s new trans-focused documentary series, “Becoming Us.”

From Ryan Seacrest Production, “Becoming Us” focuses on one family’s teenage son, Ben Lehwald, and his journey to understanding his parent’s transition.

As more and more transgender people share their stories, the public’s understanding of gender identity and expression builds.

A recent national HRC survey revealed that 22 percent of likely voters personally know or work with someone who is transgender, and, of that group, two-thirds expressed favorable feelings toward them. That’s up from 17 percent who said they knew a transgender person just a year ago.

Tune in tonight to ABC Family at 9/8 c to see the premiere of “Becoming Us.”

(source)

Posted on

ABC Family’s The Fosters Makes History With Youngest Same-Sex Kiss

ABC Family’s “Jude” and “Connor” make history with first kiss

This past Monday night’s episode of ABC Family’s The Fosters made history by featuring a story line which led to the youngest sam-sex kiss in television history.

Plenty of TV shows explore the coming of age aspect of growing up and experiencing romantic attraction between opposite-sex teens. But for the first time, two 13 year-old male characters saw their way to a first kiss during the episode.

The smooch aired on Monday night’s episode of The Fosters and took place between main character Jude (played by 14-year-old actor Hayden Byerly) and his best friend, Connor (played by 15-year-old actor Gavin MacIntosh).

“This story line is important in so many ways,” said MacIntosh in an interview with entertainment site Just Jared Jr. “It’s been eye-opening about how many kids struggle with feeling ‘OK’ about questioning their sexuality.”

Now observers are viewing the “Jonner” kiss as a milestone in diversity. “Boy/girl crushes at 13 are portrayed a lot on TV,” MacIntosh said in his Just Jared Jr. interview. “But to represent something different — I am proud of that.”

Jennifer Lopez serves as an executive producer on the series.