At the inaugural Freeform Summit today in Los Angeles, opened by "grown-ish" stars and musical artists Chloe x Halle, Disney's young adult television network announced a strategic shift in the brand as they hosted a series of panel discussions addressing activism, social change, representation in television and various other important issues defining modern youth culture. "At Freeform, we're purposefully and passionately moving our brand forward by defying expectations and dismantling conventions; busting stereotypes of theme, cast and culture in service to a more inclusive world on and off screen," said Tom Ascheim, president of Freeform.The network-wide event was led by pioneers of change in television, entertainment and cultural evolution and featured the leading voices at the forefront of Freeform's 2018 programming slate, including Yara Shahidi, Karlie Kloss, Kenya Barris, Katie Stevens, Karey Burke, Aisha Dee, Nikohl Boosheri, Trevor Jackson, Melora Hardin, Joanna Coles, Marlene King, Amanda Lasher, Peter Paige, Bradley Bredeweg, Joanna Johnson, Eline Powell, Esther Povitsky, Benji Aflalo, Meghann Fahy, Elliot Fletcher, Olivia Holt, Aubrey Joseph, Jeph Loeb, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Joe Pokaski and more. Also in attendance and contributing to the conversations were key influencers, tastemakers and pop cultural titans who are impacting cultural change through storytelling, mentorship and engagement.
Freeform has announced its summer lineup schedule including the series premiere of the new original series "The Bold Type" and the return of "Shadowhunters," "Stitchers" and "The Fosters."