Sylvester Stallone’s Cop Drama for History & More From the A&E Upfronts 2019 (PHOTOS)
A&E Networks unveiled their upcoming slate of programming at their upfront event held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City on March 27.
From scripted originals to docuseries, there’s no shortage of exciting new shows to look forward to, as well as returning favorites. Below, we round up the major announcements, and above, check out the gallery for images from the big night.
History
The Tenderloin
Probably the night’s biggest announcement, History is teaming up with Sylvester Stallone for this new drama. The scripted series is based on the true story of Charles Becker — a turn-of-the-century New York cop who led the Strong-Arm Squad which squared-off with Italian, Jewish, and Irish gangs in the neighborhood known as “The Tenderloin.” Stallone is serving as executive producer and director of multiple episodes while Stephen Kay (Sons of Anarchy, The Shield) will pen the pilot script.
The UnXplained
This new nonfiction series is hosted and executive produced by William Shatner, who will explore the world’s most fascinating and inexplicable mysteries. The show will feature contributions from top scientists, historians, engineers and researchers who will delve into mysterious places such as Florida’s Coral Castle and Japan’s “Suicide Forest.”
In Search Of
History has ordered a second season of the Zachary Quinto-hosted show that explores everything from the mythical to the supernatural such as aliens, lost civilizations, UFOs and more.
Washington
Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin serves as executive producer on this docudrama which tells the story of President George Washington’s life from childhood to his death.
The Food That Built America
This docudrama takes a look at the stories of American food titans Henry Heinz, Milton Hershey, John and Will Kellogg, C.W. Post, the McDonald brothers and more.
Car Week Slate
Also announced at the upfront was a slew of programming for History’s third annual Car Week. The network is bringing viewers Evel Live 2 after the success of last year’s daredevil stunt show, which will air Sunday, July 7, at 8/7c.
Among the other titles during this year’s Car Week are Battle of the ’80s Supercars with David Hasselhoff, Chuck Norris’s Badass Guide to Military Vehicles, Live PD Presents America’s Top Police Vehicles, American Pickers, Counting Cars: Detroit Special, and The Lost Corvette.
Also Announced…
History also revealed plans to launch new experiential brand initiatives that bring history to life for fans across America. Among the experiences is HistoryTalks Speaker Series, HistorySpeaks Podcasts and HistoryCon, which are set to launch in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
Lifetime
Salt-N-Pepa
The miniseries event will follow the story of Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton and their rise to stardom. As the first female rap act to go platinum, they’ve experiences the kind of success that paved a way for future artists. Salt-N-Pepa‘s James and Denton will executive produce the project alongside Queen Latifah and others.
Smart Justice: The Jayme Closs Case
Lifetime has greenlit the 90-minute special features victim’s advocate Elizabeth Smart’s exclusive interviews with the key players in Jayme Closs’s case and rescue. Smart will also bring together other well-known abduction victims for a roundtable discussion on Closs’s case.
From Darkness to Light
Leah Remini and Aly Raisman executive produce this docuseries which gives victims of sexual assault a platform to share their stories of survival and triumph.
Supernanny
Jo Frost is set to return as the Supernanny in 20 all-new episodes for the network .
Hopelessly in Love
This unscripted series follows the most tragic love stories of some of the world’s most famous couples such as Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead, Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans, among others.
The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel
Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliot executive produce the upcoming feature which details the beginnings of the Clark Sisters, who brought hits like “You Brought The Sunshine” into the world.
A&E
Garth: The Road I’m On
Part of the network’s award-winning Biography series, this four-part TV special features a look at the career of acclaimed country star Garth Brooks with unprecedented access to his record setting stadium tour. It will air later this year.
Top Dog
A&E has greenlit a K-9 competition series from the people who brought you Live PD. The show will feature working police dogs going against competitive civilian dogs from across the country in a thrilling obstacle course.