ABC Family Greenlights 'Dead of Summer' Series

ABC Family will add to its original programming slate with a new horror series set to debut in 2016, said network officials.

The series, Dead Of Summer, follows counselors at a summer camp dealing with a dark, ancient evil mythology, said network officials. Adam Horowitz, Edward Kitsis (Lost,Once Upon A Time) and Ian Goldberg (Once Upon a Time, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior) will write and executive-produce the series, said the network, which will change its name to Freeform in January.

"Dead of Summer is about what happens when summer camp goes wrong – really, really wrong," said Karey Burke, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development for ABC Family in a statement. "The horror genre is new for us and I’m thrilled to have Adam, Eddy and Ian bring their immeasurable talent to our network and usher us into this new space."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.