ABC FAMILY CASTS DENISE RICHARDS IN DRAMA PILOT "SOCIO," EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY GAVIN POLONE

Burbank, CA (October 12, 2012) - ABC Family has cast Denise Richards ("Madea's Witness Protection," "Two and a Half Men") to star in drama series pilot "Socio," as Karen Ryder. Also cast is Kimberly Quinn ("Terriers," "House") as Tess. They join the previously announced Avan Jogia as Danny, Maddie Hasson as Jo and Kylie Bunbury as Lacey in the project. The pilot is currently in preproduction.

"Socio" follows Danny Ryder (Jogia), who has returned to town after serving five years in custody for murdering his aunt when he was 11. Admitting his guilt, but stubbornly refusing to discuss his motive, Danny returns to a hostile reception and a media firestorm. Ostracized by his peers, Danny reconnects with his former best friends Jo (Hasson) and Lacey (Bunbury), who are still struggling to put the past behind them. But when another student is murdered, suspicion falls on Danny and the question remains: Is Danny a serial slayer, a "socio," or is he a victim with a shocking secret?

Richards will portray Karen Ryder, Danny's perfectly coiffed mother who once ruled the town's social scene but who now struggles to put on a brave face with her son returning home under a cloud of scandal and shame. Quinn portrays Jo's mother, Tess, who tries to give Danny the benefit of the doubt and clashes with her husband over his harsh attitude towards the teen.

Gavin Polone is the executive producer of the pilot, which was written by Adam Milch ("Greek").

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