We are beginning to see the results of super producer Will Packer’s first-look pact with OWN (through Will Packer Media’s partnership with Discovery and Universal).

The network has two straight-to-series orders for upcoming Packer series, the “soapy” scripted drama Ambitious and the dating show Ready for Love (both working titles).

“Will is a creative powerhouse who knows what audiences want. “He has an insightful approach to relationships and a keen eye for great storytelling that resonates with viewers across the board. We can’t wait to bring these two new series to our viewers,” said Erik Logan, president of OWN.

Ambitions is “a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.” It is set to premiere in 2019, produced by Packer for OWN in association with Lionsgate and Debmar-Mercury. Packer Media’s Shelia Ducksworth will EP with Packer and the show’s writer, Jamey Giddens. Giddens is the co-owner of soap opera platform Daytime Confidential. 

Ready for Love, an unscripted dating show, will “focus on successful men and women of all shapes, sizes and shades, each of whom is looking for lasting love. It’s a unique twist on a typical dating show. Ready for Love will specifically bring the perspective of men to the forefront, presenting an opportunity to see what men say about dating when women aren’t around. Will Packer is executive producer. Will Packer Media’s Kelly Smith and Lighthearted’s Rob LaPlante and Jeff Spangler will also executive produce. It will join OWN’s Saturday night unscripted lineup.

Netting Packer was a big move for OWN after parting ways with Tyler Perry, who has numerous shows at the network. Perry is moving to a deal with Viacom.