Freeform Orders Dark Mermaid Pilot, The Deep

Freeform has greenlit a new drama pilot, The Deep, which promises to reinvent the very concept of mermaids, the network announced Monday.

The one hour project will focus on the battle between man and mermaids after these predatory creatures return to the town of Bristol Cove to reclaim the homes.

"The Deep is a very different show than one would expect when they hear the word 'mermaid' - the mermaid tale has been reinvented in this pilot," said Karey Burke, Freeform's executive vice president of programming and development. "The writing is thrilling, stories complex and scary, and we are excited to explore the themes of obsession and violence through these amazing creatures."

Finding Carter's Emily Whitesell will act as showrunner of The Deep, which is based on a story by Eric Wald and Dean White. Wald will write the pilot and executive produce alongside White. Scott Stewart will direct.