Alicia Silverstone is an ‘American Woman’ in TV Land show based on ‘Real Housewives’ star’s upbringing

TV Land has given a series order to the Alicia Silverstone-led dramedy inspired by the real-life upbringing of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards.

Hold the “As if” — it’s totally true.

The series, titled “American Woman,” will consist of 12 episodes and is slated for a 2017 debut.

The 1970s-set series will feature Silverstone as an unconventional mother, Bonnie, struggling to raise her two daughters after leaving her husband. Mena Suvari (“American Beauty,” “Chicago Fire”) and Jennifer Bartels (“Broken”) also star as the best friends to Silverstone’s character.

The three women, according to the show’s description, will “each discover their own brand of independence” against the backdrop of the sexual revolution and the rise of second-wave feminism.

“American Woman” is written by “30 Rock” alum John Riggi, who will also executive produce alongside TV veteran John Wells (“ER,” “The West Wing,” “Shameless”).

Long before garnering reality stardom from appearing on the popular Bravo reality franchise, Richards broke into Hollywood as a child actress, appearing in such series as “Little House on the Prairie” and “Down to Earth.” She also appeared as a nurse for multiple seasons on the TV series “ER,” which Wells executive produced. Richards will serve as a co-executive producer on “American Woman.”

“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.

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yvonne.villarreal@latimes.com

Twitter: @villarrealy