ABC Soaps it up with 'Nashville,' 'Americana' Pilots

As ABC transitions out of the daytime soap business, the network finds itself delving deeper into primetime soaps. The alphabet network has given the green light to pair of pilots centered around the music and fashion business.

Americana, written by North Country writer Michael Seitzman is a soap revolving around a legendary fashion designer and his family and business. ABC Studios and Mark Gardon Company (Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy) produce the project. Seitzman will also executive produce with Mark Gordon (Grey’s Anatomy) and Mark Gordon Co.,’s Nicholas Pepper.

The second, family soap Nashville, is set against the backdrop of the Nashville music scene that follows one star at her peak and one on the rise. The series is helmed by Oscar-winning writer Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise) and filmmaker RJ Cutler. Cutler will direct the pilot. The pair will executive produce the series with Steven Buchanan of Gaylord Entertainment. Nashville’s pickup is cast contingent on finalizing a production deal with ABC Studios and Lionsgate.