Lifetime has picked up the scripted series Un-Real, ordering 10 episodes, it was announced today Rob Sharenow, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Lifetime. Un-Real will also become the first scripted series fully financed and controlled by A+E Studios.
Written by Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapire, the dark comedy gives a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos surrounding the production of a dating competition program.
"Un-Real is unlike anything that exists on television today," Sharenow said. "It's premium and original on every level, and we're thrilled that Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapire's unique series will be Lifetime's first program produced by A+E Studios."
Set against the backdrop of a hit dating competition show, Un-Real is led by Rachel (Shiri Appleby, Girls), a young staffer whose sole job is to manipulate her relationships with and among the contestants to get the vital dramatic and outrageous footage the program's dispassionate executive producer (Megyn Price, Rules of Engagement) demands. What ensues is a humorous, yet vexing, look at what happens in the world of unscripted television, where being a contestant can be vicious and producing it is a whole other reality.
Un-Real also stars Freddie Stroma (Pitch Perfect) as the dating show's handsome and intelligent bachelor, Adam; and Josh Kelly (One Life to Live) as Jeremy, a cameraman who is Rachel's ex-boyfriend. The dating show's contestants include Grace, portrayed by Nathalie Kelley (The Fast and the Furious), who immediately wins Adam's heart; Anna, played by Johanna Braddy (Shameless), who is eager to land a husband; Faith, a sensitive and vulnerable tomboy from the South portrayed by Breeda Wool (Betas); and Mary, played by Ashley Scott (Jericho), a gorgeous single mom who has been unlucky in love. Arielle Kebbel (The Vampire Diaries) will guest star as Courtney, a contestant who has no filter and isn't on the show to make any friends.
Inspired by Shapiro's award-winning independent short film Sequin Raze, Un-Real was written by Shapiro & Noxon. Noxon will executive produce while Shapiro will serve as producer. Sally DeSipio and Bill Davenport will executive produce for Wieden+Kennedy Entertainment. Roger Kumble directed the pilot. Un-Real will be produced by A+E Studios.
