ABC Family has renewed The Fosters for a second season.
The early pickup signals the cable network's support and a big vote of confidence for the hour-long drama centered on a blended family headed by two moms. The second half of the first season returns in January 2014.
“The Fosters has demonstrated its ability to build an audience, and the creative team’s compelling storytelling assures us that there will be more growth in upcoming seasons,” said Kate Juergens, chief creative officer and executive vp programming at ABC Family. “The show’s dynamic cast and groundbreaking storylines resonate with our core viewers and leave them wanting more.”
STORY: Rosie O'Donnell Joins ABC Family's 'The Fosters'
The Fosters ranks as the top cable series of the summer among the 12-34 and females 12-34 demographics. The summer finale drew series highs in total viewers and across all key demos, including the 18-34, 18-49 and 12-34 measures. The Fosters also ranks as ABC Family's No. 2 series in the cable network's target audience, behind water-cooler drama Pretty Little Liars.
Executive produced by Jennifer Lopez and co-created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige, The Fosters enters on Stef Foster (Teri Polo) and Lena Foster (Sherri Saum), who parent Stef's biological son Brandon (David Lambert) from a previous marriage and adopted twins Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) and Jesus (Jake T. Austin). They bring in Callie (Maia Mitchell), a teen with an abusive past, and her younger brother Judd (Hayden Byerly). In the back half of the first season, Rosie O'Donnell will recur on multiple episodes.
Joanna Johnson, Greg Gugliotta, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, Benny Medina and John Ziffren also serve as EPs on the Nuyorican/Prodco Inc. production.
The news comes weeks after ABC Family president Michael Riley announced his departure from his post at the cable network.
The Fosters' early renewal firms up ABC Family's stable of originals, which include Pretty Little Liars (already picked up for a season five), Twisted (returning for the second half of its season in 2014), Chasing Life (debuting in 2014), Switched at Birth and Baby Daddy.
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