ABC FAMILY PICKS UP A SECOND SEASON OF THE CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED HIT DRAMA SERIES "THE FOSTERS"

Series returns in January with new episodes

Burbank, CA (October 11, 2013) - ABC Family today announced the network has green-lit a second season of its hit original drama series, "The Fosters." The order came as production continues on the first season of the series, which premieres new episodes in January, 2014.

"'The Fosters' has demonstrated its ability to build an audience, and the creative team's compelling storytelling assures us that there will be more growth in upcoming seasons," said Kate Juergens, Chief Creative Officer and Executive Vice President, Programming, ABC Family. "The show's dynamic cast and groundbreaking storylines resonate with our core viewers and leave them wanting more."

"The Fosters" ranked as the #1 new cable TV series of the summer in Viewers 12-34 and Females 12-34, gaining momentum each week heading into the season finale, which set series highs in Total Viewers and across target 18-34, 18-49 and 12-34 demos. Of all current ABC Family original series, "The Fosters" is the network's #2 series in target demos, behind only "Pretty Little Liars."

"The Fosters" is a one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. Stef Foster, a dedicated police officer, and her partner Lena Adams Foster, a school Vice Principal, have built a close-knit, loving family with Stef's biological son from a previous marriage, Brandon, and their adopted twins Mariana and Jesus. Their lives are disrupted in unexpected ways when Lena meets Callie, a guarded teen with an abusive past who has spent her life in and out of foster homes. Lena and Stef warily welcome Callie and her younger brother Jude into their home, hoping to provide them with the guidance and nurturing they so desperately need.

Over time, Callie and Jude open up about losing their parents and the hardships they suffered while in previous foster homes. Callie grows especially close to Brandon, but their mutual attraction causes jealousy and concern since foster children are not allowed to have intimate relationships in the same household. When Callie finally gives in to those feelings, she jeopardizes Stef and Lena's offer to make her and Jude a permanent part of the family. Not wanting to ruin Jude's chances of finally finding a stable, loving home, Callie runs away.

Winner of 2013's Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Show, "The Fosters" is executive-produced by Jennifer Lopez, ("American Idol," "What to Expect When You're Expecting," "The Back-Up Plan") and created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige ("Queer As Folk"), who also serve as showrunners, writers and executive producers. "The Fosters" stars Teri Polo ("Meet the Parents") as Stef Foster, Sherri Saum ("In Treatment") as Lena Adams Foster, Jake T. Austin ("Wizards of Waverly Place") as Jesus Foster, Hayden Byerly ("Parenthood") as Jude Jacob, David Lambert ("Aaron Stone") as Brandon Foster, Maia Mitchell ("Teen Beach Movie") as Callie Jacob, Danny Nucci ("Titanic") as Mike Foster and Cierra Ramirez ("The Secret Life of the American Teenager") as Mariana Foster. Joanna Johnson ("Make it or Break it"), Greg Gugliotta, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, Benny Medina, and John Ziffren also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Nuyorican Productions, Inc., and Prodco, Inc.

Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today's families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today's relationships - told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family's programming is a combination of network-defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. Emmy(R) Award-winning ABCFamily.com provides a variety of interactive entertainment and community features from rich fan-centric programming -- including blogs, viewing parties, webisodes, full episodes of the network's hit programming, along with sneak peek exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes clips. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with "13 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas." ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.