ABC Family plays 'Liars' poker, extending first-season order

Those arresting billboards and that teen-friendly premise have paid off for ABC Family. The cabler has ordered 12 additional episodes of recently premiered series "Pretty Little Liars," extending the drama's first season to a total of 22 episodes.

"Liars," which airs its fourth episode Tuesday, premiered June 8 as ABC Family's all-time best series debut in seven demos, including not only teens but also adults 18-34. The hourlong drama, with episode titles like "To Kill a Mocking Girl," has ranked first in cable at 8 p.m. Tuesdays.

“‘Pretty Little Liars’ is a breakout hit for the network,” ABC Family exec veep of original programming and development Kate Juergens said.

Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Holly Marie Combs, Lucy Hale, Ian Harding, Bianca Lawson, Laura Leighton, Chad Lowe, Shay Mitchell and Sasha Pieterse star in the show, based on Sara Sherpard's teen novels and produced by Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon TV. I. Marlene King, Oliver Goldstick and Leslie Morgenstein exec produce.

Tonight, ABC Family doubles down with its latest drama premiere, "Huge," which Variety's Brian Lowry gives high marks.