With ABC Family changing its name to Freeform this week, it is appropriate to reflect on some of the greatest shows that this channel has ever produced. I found it very, very hard to narrow this list down, since I’m such a sucker for all of the shows the channel airs. Here, in my opinion, is the list of the best of the best series from ABC Family, no matter how long or short-lived:
12. "The Nine Lives of Chloe King"
This show was cancelled after its first 10 episodes, but holds a place on this list for one main reason. Besides the fact that it had a generally good, basic storyline, the cast went on to bigger and better things after its cancellation. Skyler Samuels, who played the titular character Chloe King, now has a lead role on the breakout show "Scream Queens." Grace Phipps has guest starred on several shows ranging from "The Vampire Diaries" to "Scream Queens," and Ki Hong Lee has a role in "The Maze Runner"series. This show was not only great to watch, it led to better roles for its cast.
11. "Jane By Design"
If I could, I would put this at the top of my list. However, the Cancellation Gods have forbid me from doing so. "Jane bBy Design" was cancelled after its first full season, and I’ve been in mourning ever since this happened three years ago. It was a fun, light-hearted show that could get dramatic when it wanted to -- but not too much. It was a great way to spend an hour. Whether you were always rooting for Jane and Billy (or not, totally up to you) to get together in the end, or simply just wanted Jane to find a way to continue leading the double life she had, there was something in it for everyone, guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of those watching.
10. Bunheads
This is yet another show cancelled too soon (this is a common theme for ABC Family, but I won’t get into it). "Bunheads" was also cancelled after its first full season, bringing all of its stars on to bigger and better things, with Sutton Foster on "Younger," Bailey De Young on "Faking It," and Emma Dumont on "Aquarius." This was an enjoyable hour of television, reminding everyone who watched this of "Gilmore Girls" leaving everyone in pieces after its painful cancellation.
9. "Young and Hungry"
This show is still airing on ABC Family with a season three renewal, and it makes me happy that this is so. Given ABC Family’s track record with cancelling fan-favorites, I’m happy that this half-hour comedy is here to stay. It stars Emily Osment, giving everyone all grown-up Hannah Montana vibes. It’s funny, refreshing, and cool- everything a comedy targeted at a young adult audience should be. This show has subtle digs along with genuine laugh-worthy moments, making me hope it is here to stay for a while.
8. Greek
I never really watched "Greek," maybe a few episodes here and there, but it deserves a mid-range place on this list just from its reputation and from the general consensus regarding the show. With its die-hard fan base, "Greek"was a quality show that kept its viewers coming back for more, and I can respect that. With four great seasons, the show presented college life in a way people enjoyed watching- which really was enough for it to thrive on its own.
7. "Make It or Break It"
Obsession. I had an obsession with this show throughout the three seasons it aired on this channel. Whether I was getting annoyed with Lauren’s antics, or sympathized with Payson’s dramatic injuries, I was constantly kept hooked. In the grand scheme of things, was it the greatest show ever? No. And I notice that now. But, at the time, MIOBI had its dedicated fandom, too, and it never wanted to let this show die when it should have.
6. "Kyle XY"
This is one of ABC Family’s oldest original shows, and one of its most memorable. "Kyle XY" brought ABC Family into embracing its young adult-genre type of show, and it has not looked back since. No one can deny that they did not love the no-belly button main character, along with the family that takes him in and the ensuing drama. The show had a great three season run, and even led to Jean-Luc Bilodeau’s future success within the network (attention: mega-sitcom "Baby Daddy").
5. "Baby Daddy"
This show is by far the network’s best comedy to-date, and will have its fifth season premiere later in 2016. StarringJean-Luc Bilodeau of "Kyle XY," it details the life of Ben Wheeler, his daughter, Emma, as well as his friends and family. Filled with laughs, this show is a personal favorite of mine- and I’m so happy that the network agrees. I would have hated to see this show get cancelled too soon before it could live up to its full potential.
4. "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"
OK, OK. I personally did not like "Secret Life," but everyone and their mother was addicted. I tried to get into it, and I would, but then I’d lose interest, and it would be a repeating cycle. Its five seasons make it one of ABC Family’s longest running shows, and is known for introducing Hollywood to Shailene Woodley. It earns the No. 4 spot since it is an iconic show for ABC Family, but grew boring very fast. This show made the topic of teenage pregnancy not-so taboo, and for that it earns the highest spot here for any shows not currently airing on the network anymore.
3. "Switched at Birth"
With a season five renewal, "Switched at Birth"is on its way to becoming part of ABC Family’s canon. Its borderline-unbelievable storyline topped with drama on drama on drama makes for a great television series. No one truly knows what direction the show is going to go in next. Even more so, this series earns the No. 3 spot here because it is able to discuss being deaf in a way no television show has truly done before. I find this show to be widely uplifting and eye-opening on many fronts.
2. "Pretty Little Liars"
Before anyone is quick to disagree, there is a good reason "PLL"is not number one on the list. Although this show is by far the network’s most popular television show, as well as probably the most popular scripted cable show in years, I just could not justify giving it the number one spot. If this list was made a few years ago, without a doubt it would be No. 1. "PLL"has drama, romance, mystery, suspense, even a little comedy- and it has tackled almost every social issue that holds relevance in society. However, no one can deny that it has lost its magic over the years. With a guaranteed seven season, "PLL"seems dragged out now, with its huge reveals gaining less and less momentum. So, even though at one point I was a diehard fan (to the point where I needed to calm down about the show), "PLL" today just is not the same as it used to be, making it earn its second-place position.
1. "The Fosters"
I could probably write a novel about how much I love this show if I wanted to, but I will spare everyone the pain and agony. From its heavy drama to its tear-inducing sappy moments all the way to its uplifting storylines, "The Fosters" has it all. There is something everyone can relate to in some way when watching this show, and that is why it earns the #1 spot. I never lost interest in any storylines here, whether it is me loving to hate Brallie or hating the fact that I love Jesus, even when he makes a stupid decision (remember the tattoo?). Jude and Connor make me want to cry out of joy, while Stef and Lena have become true relationship goals in the year 2016. I love, love, love "The Fosters" and think that this is ABC Family’s finest work to date.
So, here’s to new winter premieres and for many, many more season renewals of everyone’s favorite shows on ABC Family, soon to be Freeform.