ABC Family says 'Pretty Little Liars' spinoff a go

ABC Family renews 'Pretty Little Liars' for 5th season, picks up spinoff called 'Ravenswood'

This publicity image released by ABC Family shows, from left, Lucy Hale, Ashley Benson and Shay Mitchell in a scene from "Pretty Little Liars." On Tuesday, March 26, 2013, ABC Family approved a new series called "Ravenswood," a spin-off of "Pretty Little Liars." (AP Photo/ABC Family, Eric McCandless)

NEW YORK (AP) -- ABC Family is banking big on its biggest hit "Pretty Little Liars," green-lighting it for another season and approving a spinoff.

The network announced Tuesday it renewed the series starring Lucy Hale and Ashley Benson for a fifth season.

The new show "Ravenswood" will follow five strangers whose lives become intertwined by a deadly curse that has plagued their town for generations.

"Pretty Little Liars" is about teens in the fictional town of Rosewood, Penn., whose best friend was murdered. Since her death they've been continuously harassed via text and pranks by a mysterious figure known as "A." It's based on the best-selling book series by Sara Shepard.

"Ravenswood" is slated to premiere in October.

"Pretty Little Liars" returns for season four in June.

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ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.