Freeform, the Disney-owned cable network, has made the decision to cancel two of its scripted originals – “Single Drunk Female” and “The Watchful Eye.” These cancellations come following a recent executive shuffle at Disney, which resulted in Simran Sethi taking on the role of overseeing Freeform. Tara Duncan, former president of Freeform, is now exclusively focused on the Onyx Collective studio.
“Single Drunk Female” starred Sofia Black-D’Elia, Ally Sheedy, Rebecca Henderson, Sasha Compère, Lily Mae Harrington, and Garrick Bernard. The comedy series, created by Simone Finch (“The Connors”), and executive produced by Jenni Konner (“Girls”), was produced in-house by Disney’s 20th Television. Konner has an overall deal with the company. Unfortunately, the show did not make it past its second season.
“The Watchful Eye,” a rookie drama, ran for one season on Freeform. The thriller series starred Mariel Molino as a young nanny who goes to work for a wealthy New York family. Julie Durk (“Grace and Frankie”) served as the creator and consultant for the show, with Emily Fox (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”) as the showrunner. ABC Signature and Ryan Seacrest Productions were involved in the production of the series.
With the cancellations of “Single Drunk Female” and “The Watchful Eye,” Freeform’s current scripted roster includes the final season of “Grown-ish,” the animated comedy “Praise Petey,” and the scripted originals “Good Trouble,” “Cruel Summer,” and “While You Were Breeding.” However, sources indicate that Freeform has several projects in development which will be announced in the coming months.
Freeform’s decision to cancel these shows may have been influenced by various factors. One possible reason could be ratings performance, as networks often base renewal decisions on viewership numbers. Another factor could be the network’s desire to make room for new programming and fresh concepts. Networks are constantly looking for innovative and engaging content to attract and retain audiences.
While the cancellations may come as a disappointment to fans of the shows, it’s important to remember that the television landscape is ever-evolving. Networks, including Freeform, are constantly evaluating their programming lineup to ensure they are delivering content that resonates with their target audience.
As the television industry continues to evolve, the demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling is on the rise. Networks like Freeform are recognizing the importance of representing a wide range of perspectives and experiences on screen. This push for inclusivity is evident in Freeform’s scripted originals, such as “Good Trouble” and “Grown-ish,” which tackle relevant social issues and resonate with younger viewers.
In conclusion, Freeform has chosen to cancel two of its scripted originals, “Single Drunk Female” and “The Watchful Eye,” following a recent executive shuffle. While this may be disappointing news for fans of the shows, Freeform remains committed to delivering compelling and diverse content to its audience. With several projects in development, the network continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing television landscape.