Exclusive: ABC Family Picks Up Two New Reality Shows

ABC Family is looking to expand its presence in the reality TV world, picking up two new unscripted series: Dancing Fools, hosted by Melissa Peterman (Baby Daddy) and the docusoap The Vineyard.
Dancing Fools comes from executive producer Phil Gurin, whose credits include CMT's The Singing Bee, which Peterman also hosted. It's a busy year for Peterman, who not only stars in Baby Daddy (the No. 1 cable comedy last summer in key women demos, according to ABC Family) but will also host the upcoming ABC reality show Bet On Your Baby.
No details are out yet on Dancing Fools, but Gurin is no stranger to dancing shows, having produced the CMT series Your Chance to Dance, which followed contestants grooving to video dance moves.
As for The Vineyard, the reality soapcenters on a group of people in their 20s living in Martha's Vineyard during the summer. "Tight quarters, new friends and new rivals, all living, working and playing together makes this picturesque playground ripe for mischief and romance," ABC Family promises. Dave Broome (The Biggest Loser) and Brian Smith (Masterchef) created and executive produce the show through 25/7 Productions.
Dancing Fools and The Vineyard will both begin production this spring for air later this summer. ABC Family will premiere the new shows along side the upcoming drama debuts The Fosters (from exec producer Jennifer Lopez) and mystery drama Twisted.
ABC Family has focused most of its attention in recent years on young female-driven dramas, such as the hits Pretty Little Liars and Bunheads, and comedies like Baby Daddy and Melissa and Joey. But it also has been looking to get back in the reality TV game, first with Beverly Hills Nannies.
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