Upfronts 2013: WE tv Expanding Originals to Fridays

Orders three new unscripted series to fill out weekend programming

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/10/2013 2:46:15 PM

Complete Coverage: Upfronts 2013

As part of a new weekend scheduling strategy, WE tv will now air originals on Friday nights in addition to Thursday and Saturdays, the network announced.

The move follows the network's success on Thursdays with series like Braxton Family Values, L.A. Hair, Tamar & Vince and Mary Mary. WE also saw both My Fair Wedding: Unveiled and Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? improve its delivery with women 25-54 when they moved to Saturday nights.

"As viewing patterns continue to evolve, WE tv is focused on creating a destination for smart and successful women that makes sense in their busy lives and offers compelling programming on days when they are currently underserved," said WE tv president and GM Kim Martin.

To help fill out the weekends, the network has greenlit three new unscripted series: The Lylas, following the sisters of Bruno Mars in a pop band of the same name; Pregnant & Dating, about five single women tackling motherhood and their love lives at the same time; and The Ruckers: Southern Royals, following three African American sisters who are heirs to one of the oldest and most prominent families in South Carolina.

The Lylas will air on Friday nights starting this fall. Pregnant & Dating will air Saturday nights starting this summer. The Ruckers: Southern Royals joins the network's Thursday night schedule in the fall.