A+E greenlights first fully-owned scripted series

A+E Networks has commissioned its first fully-financed, produced and controlled scripted series.

Un-Real, a “dark comedy [that] gives a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos surrounding the production of a dating competition programme”, has been lined up for female-skewed cable channel Lifetime.

In-house production arm A+E Studios will fully finance and produce the show, with A+E Networks owning all rights. Marti Noxon (Mad Men, Fright Night) and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro (Sequin Raze) wrote the show and also produce.

Noxon executives produces alongside Sally DeSipio (Do Over) and Bill Davenport from Wieden+Kennedy Entertainment, with Shapiro producing.

“Un-Real is unlike anything that exists on television today,” Lifetime’s executive VP and general manager Rob Sharenow said. “It’s premium and original on every level, and we’re thrilled that Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro’s unique series will be Lifetime’s first programme produced by A+E Studios.”

Globally, Hearst- and Disney-owned A+E has been moving further into content ownership, taking over its joint venture channels operations in Asia and Italy.

In related news, A+E Studios has hired former ABC television production boss Barry Jossen as executive VP. He’ll report to A+E Studios president Bob DeBItetto.