Freeform to cast a spell of toil and trouble with Motherland: Fort Salem

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Something wicked is coming to Freeform courtesy of CLAWS creator Eliot Laurence and executive producers Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick. The Disney-owned cable channel has announced that they've conjured a 10-episode series order for MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM, a witch-related drama set in an alternative present-day America where witches ended their persecution 300 years before by striking a deal with the government to fight for their country. Turning the laws of tradition of its head, the show finds gender roles reversed, with women charging to the front of the line as our defense against threats to our world. Armed with more than your average soldier, the women use supernatural weapons, tactics and spells to defeat those who would bring harm to our vulnerable doorstep. Laurence will showrun the project in addition to serving as an executive producer.

"We're so excited to be able to tell this story rich with female empowerment, complex storytelling and an incredibly creative canon," said Tom Ascheim, president, Freeform. "While set in an alternative universe, Motherland: Fort Salem will continue the authentic and issues-driven storylines that our network is known for, and what our audience has come to expect. We are thrilled to be working with Eliot, Will, Adam and Kevin on this exceptionally creative tale and look forward to bringing this even further to life."

At the center of MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM are three young witches: Raelle (Taylor Hickson), a reluctant recruit whose mother was killed in the line of duty. Tally (Jessica Sutton), a kind, strong-willed and curious witch who enlisted over her mother's objections, and Scylla (Amalia Holm), a playful yet dark and mischievous recruit who's not what she appears to be. Demetria McKinney also stars as Anacostia, a drill sergeant whose chief concern is keeping the recruits alive through basic training. (via THR)

"Will, Adam and I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to take Eliot's vision to series," said Messick. "Motherland: Fort Salem is bold and original storytelling and Freeform has been incredibly supportive in helping us realize Eliot's alternate version of America. We can't wait to get started on the season."

I don't think that Freeform will have to cast a spell to get me to tune into this one, I'm already very interested. Truth be told, I've always been fascinated by the events of the Salem Witch Trials, and using them as a platform to launch a supernaturally-charged series about three badass witches on the warpath sounds like a great platform for a bit of alt-history fun. Oh, and before you make a face, yes, I am well aware that the Salem Witch trials were anything but a good time. What say you? Will you be tuning in for MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM? Let us know in the comments section below.