On Freeform’s Fourth Birthday, they would like to remind every viewer that they are NOT what they once were when they were known as ABC Family.
What’s Happening:
- Across Freeform’s social media presence, a reminder to viewers was issued that they are no longer the network they used to be.
- “It’s Freeform’s 4th birthday, and well… There still seems to be a bit of confusion surrounding who we are now, so let’s clear that up.
ABC Family was a brand you knew and loved for years. Nostalgia is legit. But so is the reality that bold ideas outgrow the past. Which is not to say that Freeform is not for family viewing. It still is. Sometimes. SOMETIMES. Like how your favorite Disney and Pixar movies are still in full effect on Funday weekends.
The thing is…there are adults and “almost-adults”—a lot of them—who love both the animated classics ~and~ unapologetic conversation about what propels society forward. Y’all. Mickey Mouse has a Gucci line now. We out here. And Freeform is for us.
And while we’re telling good stories and having fun, we’re also doing things like—oh idk—championing racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, women deserving equal pay for equal work, putting an end to standards of beauty and “the right body type” that are oh so tired, and <whispers> sex… 'Cause this stuff is all real and relevant to a lot of people.
We’re going to continue to be a different kind of network. One with a point of view that dares to talk about what matters, even at the risk of making a few folks uncomfortable, at first. To have meaningful conversation, sometimes you have to *start* the conversation. Listen, our social accounts are a place for discussion, and we always want to hear from you. So chime in, let your voice be heard. We've got lots to talk about and we're just getting started. We're not a traditional "family network" anymore, but you all are our family.”
- Keeping in brand with the new focus they implemented four years ago, Freeform has a number of new programs launchung, such as a brand-new original movie themed to Valentine’s Day called The Thing About Harry, premiering February 15th, 2020. This is the network’s first same-sex romantic comedy.
- Freeform has also recently debuted a rebooted Party of Five that is heavily influenced by more politically-based plot lines regarding deportation.