ABC Family Orders Comedy, Supernatural Pilots

ABC Family continues to add to its original programming lineup with the greenlighting of two new pilots, the network said Friday.

The comedy Gorgeous Morons focuses on the lives of two handsome but simple brothers who take in a brilliant female literature PhD, said network officials. The series is produced by Lee Eisenberg & Gene Stupnitsky (The Office, Bad Teacher,) alongside former The Office head writer Danny Chun, said network officials.

Supernatural series Beyond, created, written and executive produced by Adam Nussdorf (Once Upon a Time in Wonderland), follows a young man who wakes up from a coma after 12 years and discovers new supernatural abilities that propel him into the middle of a dangerous conspiracy.

 “Quality comedies and epic adventures are key elements of our programming strategy," said Karey Burke, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development in a statement. "The teams behind these pilots have a history of creating amazing series in those genres, and I am thrilled to have them creating for ABC Family."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.