candace cameron bure interview

Will an earlier premiere date make it or break it?

ABC Family will find that out when the hit gymnastics series 'Make It or Break It' premieres Jan. 4 at 9PM, right after the season 2 winter premiere of 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager.' 'Make It' was originally supposed to premiere one week later, on Jan. 11, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The show, which has received an additional 10-episode order, has been a ratings gold mine for ABC Family. Its series premiere, for example, was the network's second-highest series launch ever in adults 18-34 and viewers 12-34.

For all the attention gymnastics gets every Olympics, it's about time someone made a show about it. But ABC Family's new original series 'Make It Or Break It' (premieres Mon., June 22 at 9PM ET) isn't a reality show -- it's a scripted drama that centers on aspiring gymnasts. Stories revolve around the high level of competition in the sport and how the pressure affects not just the girls, but their families as well.

The show also marks a return to series television for two TV favorites -- 'Full House' alum Candace Cameron Bure, who plays the girlfriend of one of the girl's dads, and Peri Gilpin, of 'Frasier' fame, who portrays a mom of one of the young gymnasts. We got them to admit that neither was ever a gymnast herself ... either from lack of opportunity or just plain lack of skill (ahem, Peri).

AOL TV got the exclusive scoop from both stars on their new show and took a look back at their most iconic roles -- and the friendships and hairdos they've kept since. -- By Maggie Furlong