ABC Family has finally figured out that it has outgrown its name. The network, which is home to the hit Pretty Little Liars, announced on Tuesday that it will change its name next year to the catch-all Freeform.
This is going to be the first time that the Disney-owned network will drop the word "Family." As TVByTheNumbers points out, the network was started by Pat Robertson, then it was sold to Fox in 1998. Disney took control in 2001 and dubbed it "ABC Family."
In recent years, the network has moved away from family-friendly entertainment and began to focus on the 14-34 demographic, especially after Pretty Little Liars became a smash hit. The network is also home to the just-cancelled Chasing Life, the sitcom Baby Daddy, Melissa & Joey and Switched at Birth.
The new name "evokes the spirit and adventure of our audience. Freeform will deliver new, exciting original content as well as all the favorite shows our viewers already love on ABC Family," channel president Tom Ascheim said on Tuesday.
ABC Family will officially become Freeform in January 2016. Below is the teaser the network released.