ABC Family set to change its name to Freeform in January

NEW YORK -- ABC Family is getting a new name. The network announced Thursday it soon will be known as Freeform.

The rechristening happens Jan. 12, the same day the network welcomes back "Pretty Little Liars" for its season premiere, along with the series debut of "Shadowhunters."

The network said the name Freeform speaks to its ongoing mission to serve the span of viewers who are in high school, college and the decade that follows.

ABC Family president Tom Ascheim said the Freeform brand "represents the passion, fun, energy and new ideas that infuse young adulthood."

While the name Freeform will replace ABC Family on all channel lineups Jan. 12, the network said its channel number will not change.