TwitterIt's a new kind of family. No, really!
RIP, ABC Family. Wait, before you freak out, the network isn't going anywhere, just its name. That's right, ABC Family is changing its name.
In a video posted on Tuesday, the network revealed it will now be called Freeform, and the name-change will officially happen in January 2016. And don't worry, your favorite shows aren't going anywhere, as the network tweeted, "New name, same awesome shows!" Phew.
The major revamp was teased by many of the network's biggest stars in the video, including the Pretty Little Liars ladies and talent from The Fosters, Baby Daddy and Shadowhunters.
So why the change?
"Freeform evokes the spirit and adventure of our audience," ABC Family president Tom Ascheim said in a statement. "Freeform will deliver new, exciting original content as well as all the favorite shows our viewers already love on ABC Family." The change goes along with the network's goal of attracting "Becomers," viewers between 14-34
The network has gone by the name ABC Family since 2001, and was previously called Fox Family and The Family Channel.
As for the programming, Pretty Little Liars, The Fosters, Young and Hungry and Baby Daddy will all return in 2016, with new series Shadowhunters and Recovery Road also making their debut.