WGN relaunches with drama focus

WGN America has ordered three scripted series, including one about The Ten Commandments from The Weinstein Company (TWC), as it looks to reposition itself with an original drama focus.

WGN has greenlit the trio which includes The Commandments, a new 10-part scripted TWC project. The series will play out over 10 days and see different filmmakers including Wes Craven (Scream), Lee Daniels (Precious) and Michael Cera (Juno) each tackle one of Christian tenets.

Elsewhere, Tribune Broadcasting-owned WGN has made straight-to-series orders for Salem, which will air in April, and Manhattan, which has been slated for broadcast in July.

Salem explores those involved in the infamous witch trials during the 17th Century and was created, exec produced and written by Brannon Braga (24) and Adam Simon (The Haunting in Connecticut), with Fox 21 producing.

Manhattan, which is being produced by Tribune Studios in partnership with Skydance Television and Lionsgate Television, is written and created by Sam Shaw (Masters of Sex) and follows the lives of those involved in creating the world’s first atomic bomb.

Matt Cherniss, president and general manager at WGN, said the new trio of shows and the local station operator’s wider relaunch was part of its attempt to develop a “true national identity, driven by provocative, brand-defining programming of the highest quality.”

“With this relaunch and our expanded portfolio of original content, we expect to significantly strengthen our position as a destination for viewers.”