"Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes is working on yet another potential ABC hit show: a "Romeo and Juliet" TV sequel based on the book, "Still Star-Crossed."
Rhimes will serve as the show's executive producer together with Betsy Beers, while "Scandal" and "Grey's Anatomy" producer Heather Mitchell will write and produce as well. According to TV Line, "Still Star-Crossed" author Melinda Taub sold the rights of her novel to ABC. The network is now working on a one-hour drama that will be built around the story's plotline.
The young adult novel is set after the death of legendary star crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. The Montagues and Capulets have become even more irate with each other. Brawls between the warring families erupt on the streets of the city.
For Prince Escalus, the only solution to such problem is to reconcile the two clans with nothing less but a marriage, literally. Benvolio, Romeo's best friend will be betrothed to Rosaline, Juliet's cousin and Romeo's first love. And so the story of "Still Star-Crossed" begins.
Taub's novel has received mixed reviews from readers since its debut in 2013. Still it has managed to attract a solid fan base. If Rhimes can get through to the book aficionados, the drama most likely would end up as another hit show under her belt, joining the likes of "Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy," and "How to Get Away with Murder." If Shondaland stays true to the setting of the novel, viewers will be seeing a period drama, which is something primetime television lacks.
Amid all the buzz for the upcoming TV series, ABC will be airing another show from Rhimes titled, "The Catch." It will be aired over the midseason break, according to EW.
"Still Star-Crossed" is one of the few TV adaptations and sequels currently being made. Earlier media reports state that CW picked up a follow-up series for "The Notebook." CBS is doing a "Training Day" spin-off, while NBC is said to work on a sequel series for "Cruel Intentions."