Alicia Silverstone, Mena Suvari to star in 1970s-set, TV dramedy 'American Woman'

NEW YORK, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- TV Land says it has ordered a 1970s period dramedy called American Woman, starring Alicia Silverstone, Mena Suvari and Jennifer Bartels.

Written and executive produced by John Riggi, the 12-episode series is inspired by the real-life upbringing of co-executive producer Kyle Richards. The show will follow Bonnie, "an unconventional mother struggling to raise her two daughters [played by Makenna James and Lia Ryan McHugh] after leaving her husband."

"With the help of her two best friends, Kathleen [played by Suvari] and Diana [played by Bartels,] these three women will each discover their own brand of independence in a world reluctant to give it," a press release explained.

"We feel very lucky to be working with John Riggi and John Wells on this fantastic series that is not only beautifully written and directed, but has a stellar cast that portrays the themes of the '70s in a way that is still relevant today," Keith Cox, president of development and original programming for TV Land, said in a statement.