Cable network E! moves into scripted programming

NBC Universal-backed cable channel E! Entertainment has unveiled its first slate of scripted programming, which includes a Kevin Spacey series and a modern day takes on The Wizard of Oz.

The channel, which is now run by Bonnie Hammer, built its profile with entertainment news before successfully branching out into reality TV with hit shows including Keeping up with the Kardashians (and its various spin-offs).

Its development slate of drama programming stretches to nine projects.

Kevin Spacey will executive produce Upstarts, following three up and comers making their way in Silicon Valley in the late 90s. The Social Network producer Michael de Luca will also exec produce the series.

Dorothy is a Warner Horizons-produced modern-day take on the classic The Wizard of Oz story from Gossip Girl writer Natalie Krinksy.

There is also, Anne of Hollywood, a modern day retelling of the true story of the relationship between Anne Boleyn and Henrey VIII. Pitching the characters into modern day Hollywood, the show will also be produced by Warner Horizons, this time with John Wells (The West Wing).

CBS TV Studios is making Amy Devlin Mysteries, which is described as a modern day take on the procedural genre and is based on the eponymous graphic novel.

Fox TV Studios has two drama projects on the slate. Fascination Street follows two brothers in a band and The 400 is a period piece about the rise of the Vanderbilt dynasty in 1890s New York.