Romy and Michele: In the Beginning is a 2005 American television film and backdoor pilot starring Katherine Heigl as Romy and Alexandra Breckenridge as Michele, with a special appearance by Paula Abdul. It is a prequel to the 1997 film Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. Written and directed by Robin Schiff, its working title was Romy and Michele: Behind the Velvet Rope. The film premiered on ABC Family on May 30, 2005.