Franco to play recurring role on Nick at Nite soap

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 21 (UPI) -- A U.S version of the Mexican telenovela "Alcanzar una Estrella" is being added to the Nick at Nite lineup this summer, Nickelodeon said Monday.

Oscar-nominated actor James Franco is to play a recurring role on the nightly prime-time drama "Hollywood Heights," which is to make its debut June 18.

The show follows the journey of "a teenage girl whose life changes drastically when she becomes a star and wins the love of her rock 'n' roll idol, and both are tested by setbacks, heartbreak and deception," a synopsis said.

Franco will play an eccentric movie mogul on the show.

The first season of the 80-episode series, co-produced with Televisa in association with Sony Pictures Television, will air weeknights at 9 p.m. eastern time through October.

"'Hollywood Heights,' in the great tradition of telenovelas, serves up relatable characters and compelling storylines that hook you and keep you coming back to see what happens next," Marjorie Cohn, Nickelodeon's president of development and original programming, said in a statement.

"The stories are about love, family and following your dreams and summertime offers a great window for this kind of viewing commitment."

The show stars Brittany Underwood, Cody Longo and Carlos Ponce.