Pretty Little Liars spin-off The Perfectionists with Janel Parrish, Sasha Pieterse gets pilot order

It shouldn’t come as much of a shock that there is a possible Pretty Little Liars spin-off on the horizon. It also shouldn’t be a shock that it is The Perfectionists. The idea of this series coming to fruition was first discussed earlier this year, and it is now seemingly official — at least for a pilot. There is no guarantee here, (or anywhere else for that matter) that the show will become a series beyond that, but a pilot is promising.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sasha Pieterse (Alison) and Janel Parrish (Mona) will reprise their roles on the prospective series, which is based on a different book series from original source author Sara Shepard. Pretty Little Liars showrunner Marlene King is also back on board to continue this story, so we know it’s going to be good.

We’re not altogether shocked to see this come together, and that the two returning stars are outside of the “Core Four” who had the bulk of the scenes in the original show (Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, Shay Mitchell, and Ashley Benson). They have moved on to do some other projects, but Freeform must feel that there is still a market here worth tapping into. We don’t blame them for trying, given that this show remains one of the highest-rated franchised in the network’s history (even back when it was called ABC Family).

The logline for this series, which could technically be called Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists (that’s a mouthful), is as follows:

“Everything about the town of Beacon Heights seems perfect, from their top-tier college to their overachieving residents. But nothing in Beacon Heights is as it appears to be. The stress of needing to be perfect leads to the town’s first murder. Behind every Perfectionist is a secret, a lie and a needed alibi.”

As for how the show is going to work logistically, that’s a good question given that Alison had a relationship and a family with Emily Fields (Mitchell) at the end of the series finale for the other show. Is the Emison ‘ship still going to be a thing, and will Shay make periodic appearances? Time will tell.

For now, check out a statement from Karey Burke, executive vice president of programming and development at Freeform, on the subject of the new project:

“At Freeform, we are committed to delivering shows that push boundaries and become a part of our viewers’ lives. Pretty Little Liars was a cultural phenomenon so it’s no wonder fans wanted more … We can’t wait to continue Marlene King’s rich and revolutionary storytelling with a new crop of leading ladies from Beacon Heights who will hold just as many secrets and lies as Rosewood did.”

Basically, this is a show that will combine the familiar of the original show with fresh new storytelling! We just have to wait and see if the pilot order becomes a series order, and if anyone watches after that. Just remember that this is not the first time we’ve seen the network try to adapt Pretty Little Liars in some shape or form. Just take a look over at Ravenswood and what went down with that series.

Do you think that this Pretty Little Liars spin-off is a great idea?

Share now in the CarterMatt comments below! Meanwhile, be sure to click here if you want to read our review of the series finale. (Photo: Freeform.)