Lifetime picks up Marc Cherry’s Devious Maids

US cable network Lifetime has picked up Devious Maids, from Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, to series after the pilot was rejected by broadcast network ABC. The move is significant as it is the most high profile broadcast pilot to move to a cable network following the Upfronts.

The series, which is based on Televisa’s novela Ellas son la Alegría del Hogar (The Disorderly Maids of the Neighborhood), is produced by ABC Studios and stars Ugly Betty’s Ana Ortiz and All My Children’s Susan Lucci. It follows the lives of five maids that work for the rich and famous in Beverly Hills.

There have been a number of high profile broadcast series that have moved to cable in the last couple of years including NBC’s Southland to TNT and most recently ABC’s Cougar Town to TBS. However, this is the most high profile example of a pilot being retooled for cable.

The series, which has been handed a 13-episode order, will launch in 2013.

“We are thrilled to be getting into business with one of entertainment’s true visionaries. This show and Marc Cherry’s unique story telling voice perfectly articulate Lifetime’s strategy of attracting top-tier creatives with their most original and exciting projects,” said Nancy Dubuc, president and GM, Lifetime Networks and Rob Sharenow, Lifetime Networks’ executive VP, programming.

“Devious Maids is a perfect series for ABC Studios to continue its successful collaboration with the incredibly talented team at Lifetime,” added Barry Jossen, EVP, creative and production at ABC Studios.