The six-episode summer series will feature current hitmakers and classic artists performing songs from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
ABC is diving back into the music world for its latest unscripted effort.
The network has ordered six episodes of the new series Greatest Hits for a summer launch, it was announced Wednesday.
The series, hosted by Arsenio Hall and country singer Kelsea Ballerini, will see iconic artists as well as current hitmakers take the stage to perform memorable tunes from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
The episodes will feature special solo performances, never-before-seen duets and tributes. Greatest Hits is set to launch Thursday, June 30, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
From AEG Ehrlich Ventures, Greatest Hits will be executive produced by Ken Ehrlich, James McKinlay and Raj Kapoor. Leon Knoles will direct, and David Wild will write and produce.
For his part, Hall most recently hosted a syndicated late-night talk show that ran for one season. Ballerini, who received Billboard's Rising Star Award last year, most recently appeared as herself on the ABC country music drama Nashville.
After premiering more scripted original shows last summer, including the limited series Astronaut Wives Club and the sci-fi drama The Whispers, ABC is returning to an unscripted-heavy schedule this coming summer. In addition to the returning quiz show 500 Questions, ABC will have a full night of game show revivals with Celebrity Family Feud, Match Game and $100,000 Pyramid.
The series order for Greatest Hits comes two years after ABC last tried its hand at a music series with the competition show Rising Star, based on an Israeli singing competition show. Featuring judges Kesha, Ludacris and Brad Paisley, as well as host Josh Groban, Rising Star's ratings couldn't compete with rivals like Fox's American Idol and NBC's The Voice and lasted just one season.
she performed an awesome duet with Tori Kelly, will be aired on ABC in the summer! https://t.co/h4thrc7s6d
— CAtcher of the Rye (@inKELigent) May 24, 2016
Look for a beautiful collaboration by @jeweljk & @ToriKelly on @greatesthitsabc. The series starts 6/30 @ABCNetwork pic.twitter.com/kXnjxb0Rbv
— David Wild (@Wildaboutmusic) June 22, 2016
"Greatest Hits" is a new music series featuring Hit-Makers of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Each episode will highlight a five-year period celebrating the biggest hits from that time, hosted by Arsenio Hall and Kelsea Ballerini. Each week, iconic music artists, as well as today's music chart-toppers, will take the stage and perform the songs that defined the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The series also features special solo performances, never-before-seen duets and incredible tributes. "Greatest Hits" premieres THURSDAY, JUNE 30 at 9|8c on the ABC Television Network
“Greatest Hits: 1995-2000” – The second half of the 1990s launched huge careers for the biggest names in pop, rap, hip-hop and rock music. This episode celebrates the greatest hits of the musical era from 1995-2000 with never-before-seen collaborations with Backstreet Boys & Meghan Trainor, Coolio & CeeLo Green, Jewel & Tori Kelly, LL COOL J & Wiz Khalifa and an unforgettable acoustic performance by Hanson. The episode also features John Legend’s captivating rendition of Lauryn Hill’s smash hits “Ex Factor” and “Doo Wop (That Thing).” Hosted by actor and comedian Arsenio Hall and country music star Kelsea Ballerini, “Greatest Hits” will air THURSDAY, JULY 7 (9:00–10:00 p.m. EDT), on the ABC Television Network.
Musical performances from 1995-2000 include:
Backstreet Boys & Meghan Trainor – “I Want It That Way”
Coolio & CeeLo Green – “Gangsta’s Paradise”
John Legend – “Ex Factor/Doo Wop (That Thing)” (Lauryn Hill)
Jewel & Tori Kelly – “You Were Meant For Me”
LL COOL J & Wiz Khalifa – “Loungin’/We Dem Boyz”
Hanson – “Mmbop”
Backstreet Boys – “Everybody”
I don't think Jewel and Tori good pals.
1. That was the most awkward hug I think I've ever seen when the two of them "meet" for the interview.
3. That Tori chick was definitely not playing the song correctly. I don't actually think that proves they aren't pals, but I just wanted to post that observation.
"love used to be" describes their relationship the best :lol:
Hey @jeweljk, in the words of Crystal's Fernando character, "you look marvelous"! Thanks for gracing our stage. 🎶🎤 pic.twitter.com/VC5Milpybd
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) July 8, 2016