Tyler Blackburn talks about move to 'Ravenswood'

[October 30, 2013]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Tyler Blackburn says it was bittersweet to leave ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars" to star in the supernatural spinoff, "Ravenswood," which premiered last week.

"That show has been so wonderful. It's changed my life. I've gotten close with the cast and I've had so much fun doing it, and so bittersweet is the perfect way to describe it," Blackburn said in a recent interview.

"Ravenswood" airs Tuesdays (8 p.m. Eastern). The show premiered after the annual Halloween-themed special episode of "Pretty Little Liars," which returns for its new season next year.

Blackburn plays Caleb Rivers, one of five teens whose lives are intertwined by a deadly curse that's plagued Ravenswood for generations. Caleb arrived in Ravenswood to meet his "PLL" girlfriend, Hanna, who encouraged him to stay and help a new friend.

"There really is no through line other than Caleb and his relationship to Hanna," the 27-year-old actor said of a possible link between the two shows, which are set in the towns of Ravenswood and Rosewood.

"Ravenswood isn't far from Rosewood. It's only a couple hours," he said, "but it's almost like being stuck in time or something. It's very 'Twilight Zone'-esque. It's a town that has a lot of darkness and depth to it. You find out that it's because there's this curse on the town and it affects five families in particular. The whole town is basically built on a cemetery, so that sets the tone for not only the town itself but the show. It's a town that isn't very happy."

Blackburn said "Ravenswood" introduces new characters and mystery, "and because it's a supernatural show, I think that there's a fan base for that. People love that so I think it will attract a new audience as well."

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[Associated Press; By ALICIA RANCILIO]

Alicia Rancilio covers entertainment for The Associated Press. Follow her online at http://twitter.com/aliciar.

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