FREEFORM DECLARES MARCH 29 INTERNATIONAL MERMAID DAY WITH THE PREMIERE OF NEW ORIGINAL DRAMA, 'SIREN,' AT 8 P.M. EDT

Aylya Marzoff ('Grandfathered') and Sedale Threatt Jr. ('Hap and Leonard') Set to Recur

First-Look Clip Released

In a packed room of nearly 1000 screaming fans during their New York Comic Con panel, Freeform, Disney's young adult television and streaming network, announced that their new original drama "Siren" will premiere on THURSDAY, MARCH 29, with a special two-hour episode (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT).

Also announced during today's panel was the casting of Aylya Marzoff ("Grandfathered") and Sedale Threatt Jr. ("Hap and Leonard") who will both join the cast in recurring roles. Marzoff will portray Katrina, an alpha leader of the mermaid colony, while Threatt Jr. will portray Levi, a warrior merman with an imposing presence.

What if there was something sinister swimming beneath the sea's surface? In Freeform's next epic tale, "Siren," the coastal town of Bristol Cove, known for its legend of once being home to mermaids, is turned upside down when a mysterious girl (Eline Powell) appears and begins wreaking havoc upon the small fishing town. Using their resources, marine biologists Ben (Alex Roe) and Maddie (Fola Evans-Akingbola) must work together to find out who and what drove this primal hunter of the deep sea to land, and are there more like her out there?

"Siren" is based on a story by Eric Wald and Dean White who both serve as executive producers. Emily Whitesell ("Finding Carter") serves as showrunner and executive producer. Brad Luff, Nate Hopper and RD Robb also serve as executive producers.

About Freeform

Part of the Disney|ABC Television Group, Freeform connects to audiences and goes beyond entertainment with bold original programming and immersive social engagement. As Disney's young adult television and streaming network, it delivers a unique mix of quality original and acquired series, plus fan-favorite movies and the holiday events "13 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas." The Freeform app is a service that allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on-demand access via a wide array of devices.