Freeform vet Olivia Holt highlights the network’s latest teen drama, Cruel Summer, and an intriguing group of stars surrounds her. The new series, developed by Bert V. Royal, will take viewers back in time for a ’90s-set mystery involving two teenage girls. Jessica Biel (The Sinner) serves as an executive producer, whereas Shondaland’s Tia Napolitano acts as showrunner.
Cruel Summer follows the events of three summers between the years of 1993 and 1995, specifically the disappearance of a girl named Kate in Skylin, Texas. As the timeline flip flops between the respective years, the storyteller’s perspective also changes, shedding more light on the case. As the plot unravels, the truth of that fateful day comes to light. Meanwhile, another girl, Jeanette, takes over the style, personality, and peers of Kate, resulting in severe accusations.
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For a network that developed Pretty Little Liars, Switched At Birth, and The Fosters, Cruel Summer seems like a perfect fit. Though the title primarily centers on teens, Freeform hopes the story will attract adult viewers with the ’90s setting and Single White Female-esque plot. Aside from the group of rising stars interweaved in Kate’s disappearance, the series features a handful of other notable actors. Here’s a cast and character guide for Cruel Summer.
Olivia Holt As Kate Wallis
Olivia Holt stars as Kate Wallis, an extremely popular girl who disappears without a trace before another fellow teen assumes the status of the queen bee. The second episode of Cruel Summer is told from Kate’s perspective, shedding new light on what led up to the mysterious turn of events. Aside from playing Tandy Bowen in Freeform’s Cloak & Dagger, Holt is known for her roles in Kickin’ It, I Didn’t Do It, and Runaways.
Chiara Aurelia As Jeanette Turner
Chiara Aurelia serves as Cruel Summer‘s co-lead as Jeanette Turner, a nerdy classmate of Kate’s who becomes blamed for the girl’s disappearance. The accusations stem from the fact that she was fixated on Kate before taking her place in the community’s social circle. Before appearing in Amazon Prime’s Tell Me Your Secrets, Aurelia appeared in Gerald’s Game, The Brave, Pretty Little Liars, and Agent Carter.
Froy Gutierrez As Jamie Henson
Froy Gutierrez plays the role of Jamie Henson, Kate’s good-looking boyfriend and Jeanette’s secret crush at the start of the series. He serves as Jeanette’s boyfriend in the 1994 timeline, which features her major popular transformation. Gutierrez would be best known for portraying Nolan in Teen Wolf season 6.
Harley Quinn Smith As Mallory Higgins
Harley Quinn Smith portrays Mallory Higgins, the close friend of Jeanette and a fellow outcast when first introduced to audiences. When Jeanette emerges as a popular girl in 1994, it’s revealed she has since ditched her old friends, including Mallory. The daughter of Kevin Smith has appeared in several of her father’s movies, including Tusk, Yoga Hosers, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, and a Clerks II cameo, aside from a role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Allius Barnes As Vince Fuller
Allius Barnes rounds out Jeanette’s original friend group, playing Vince Fuller, another dorky classmate. Though extremely loyal, Vince also gets left behind when Jeanette increases her level of popularity. Barnes’ past roles include brief stints on Melissa & Joey, PEN15, and Snowfall.
Cruel Summer Supporting Cast
Michael Landes as Greg Turner: Jeanette’s father that acts as though he has his life together despite his lingering flaws. Landes would be known for his work in Traitors, Angel Has Fallen, Miss Marple, and Silent Witness.
Sarah Drew as Cindy Turner: Jeanette’s mother who was once the popular girl growing up, but she’s now struggling to keep her family away from gossip. Drew is best recognized for her roles in Everwood, Mad Men, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Blake Lee as Martin Harris: A teacher beloved by his students who might have boundary issues. Lee recently starred in Lifetime’s A Christmas Setup in addition to roles in Fam, Parks and Recreation, and Mixology.
Brooklyn Sudano as Angela Prescott: The bartender at Skylin’s local bar who has a knack for listening to patrons. Sudano previously worked on Taken, Ballers, 11.22.63, and My Wife and Kids.
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