Report: ABC Developing Streaming-Only Channel

Iliza Shlesinger

Count ABC among the growing number of TV networks developing original programming for its own new streaming effort, but not quite like all the others are doing.

Instead of launching standalone subscription services like CBS All Access or NBCUniversal’s Seeso, the Disney-owned broadcaster is assembling a slate of series intended to live only on its WatchABC app, according to Variety. The first project has already been put in development: a short-form scripted comedy starring up-and-coming standup performer Iliza Shlesinger.

An ABC rep declined comment.

The network is also said to be using the initiative as an alternative breeding ground for productions or talent that could eventually graduate to primetime. The slate won’t be confined to scripted comedies and ABC is also considering long-form series.

Select executives at the network are already making deals with talent to be cast for what has been dubbed “ABC3” internally, though that isn’t the brand the slate will be known by when it launches sometime next year.

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