ABC Family, the network that is home to hit dramas including Pretty Little Liars and The Fosters, is adding a scary prank show to their lineup.
The network has announced that a “hilariously scary, hidden-camera, funny-prank show” titled Freak Out will premiere during the network’s 13 Nights of Halloween programming event this fall.
The new half-hour series is being produced by 495 Productions, which has also produced Jersey Shore and Party Down South. The first season of Freak Out has been picked up for 14 episodes.
“I’m glad to get reality back on our schedule and to continue to grow our original programming,” said Tom Ascheim, President, ABC Family. “Scary can be funny, and this series is sure to deliver the ‘sclaughing’ — the screaming and the laughing. We’re also excited to be working with 495 Productions, a company with a proven track record for delivering hugely entertaining reality series.”
Freak Out’s episode will feature an unsuspecting “mark” whose fears come to life with elaborate special effects, makeup, twisted actors, and multiple cameras capturing the events. The “victim’s” family and friends are in on the action helping to turn a situation into a scary moment until they realize they’re being pranked.
