Freeform has handed out a pilot order to The Deep, a dark hour-long mermaid drama from Eric Wald and Dean White, TVWise has learned.
The Deep is set in Bristol Cove, a coastal town known for its legend of once being home to mermaids. When the arrival of a mysterious girl proves this folklore all too true, the battle between man and sea takes a very vicious turn as these predatory beings return to reclaim their right to the ocean.
“The Deep is a very different show than one would expect when they hear the word ‘mermaid’ – the mermaid tale has been reinvented in this pilot”, said Karey Burke, Executive Vice-President of Programming and Development. “The writing is thrilling, stories complex and scary, and we are excited to explore the themes of obsession and violence through these amazing creatures.”
The hour-long drama, which was one of the first projects that was put into development following ABC Family’s rebrand to Freeform, is being penned by Eric Wald and Dean White, both of whom will also executive produce alongside Brad Luff, Nate Hopper and RD Robb. Dominion helmer Scott Stewart is attached to direct the pilot, which is set to enter production in Vancouver in September. Emily Whitesell will serve as the showrunner.
The official pilot green-light for The Deep comes mere weeks after the network also handed out a pilot order to comedy project Alone Together from Lonely Island’s Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone & Akiva Schaffer. Freeform also recently picked up Baby Daddy for a sixth season and picked up dramas Famous In Love and Marvel’s Cloak And Dagger to series.