Lifetime has renewed its critically acclaimed scripted series UnREAL (#UnREALTV) for a second season with a 10-episode order, it was announced today by Liz Gateley, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming for Lifetime. Produced by A+E Studios, UnREAL will return next year.
To date, the first three episodes of the provocative drama, which stars Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer, and gives a fictitious behind-the-scenes glimpse into the chaos surrounding the production of a dating competition program, are averaging more than 4.8 million views across all available platforms.
Regarding the announcement, Gateley said, “We couldn’t be more proud to bring back UnREAL. 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.”
Co-created by Marti Noxon and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro, and recently honored as one of 2015’s Most Exciting New Series at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards, UnREAL was inspired by Shapiro’s 2013 SXSW award-winning independent short film, Sequin Raze.
Set against the backdrop of the hit dating competition show Everlasting, UnREAL is led by flawed heroine Rachel Goldberg (Appleby), a young producer whose sole job is to manipulate her relationships with, and among, the contestants to get the vital dramatic and outrageous footage that the program’s dispassionate executive producer, Quinn King (Zimmer), demands. What ensues is an eye-opening look at what happens in the outrageous world of unscripted television, where being a contestant can be vicious and being a producer is a whole other reality.