Lifetime Orders Second Season of ‘UnREAL’

Lifetime has given a second season to “UnReal,” its scripted series about the behind-the-scenes working of a reality TV series.

The series, which is co-created by Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro and stars Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer, will return next year with a 10-episode order. Noxon executive produces along with Sally DeSipio and Robert M. Sertner. Stacy Rukeyser co-exec produces and Shapiro serves as supervising producer.

“UnReal” is the first scripted series fully produced and distributed by A+E Studios, which also handles global sales for the series.

“We couldn’t be more proud to bring back ‘UnReal,’ said Liz Gateley, Lifetime’s exec VP and programming head. “With authentically flawed characters, sharp storytelling and impeccable performances, this show is propelling our brand in a truly exciting direction – an unexpected and bolder Lifetime. We are thrilled to continue our work with Marti and Sarah and the incredible A+E Studios team, as we together bring a new generation of viewers to Lifetime.”

With a median age of 43, Lifetime touts that “UnReal” brings in its youngest demographic ever for a scripted series. (Its other current scripted series, “Devious Maids,” has a median age of 46).

The show has been a modest ratings performer in its Monday 10 p.m. timeslot, though its most recent episode spiked 66% to a series-high 0.35 rating in adults 18-49. Lifetime put the first four episodes of “UnReal” online a few days after its linear series premiere; that may have been the reason for the spike for last week’s episode, which was the program’s fifth to date.

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