Reelz Announces New Programming for Summer and Fall 2019 with New Specials, New Documentaries and Returning Series Showing the Real Stories of Legendary Celebrities, Heroes and Icons
"Cashed Out," "Autopsy: The Last Hours of..." and "The Price of Fame" are among the returning series.
[via press release from Reelz] REELZ ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAMMING FOR SUMMER AND FALL 2019 WITH NEW SPECIALS, NEW DOCUMENTARIES AND RETURNING SERIES SHOWING THE REAL STORIES OF LEGENDARY CELEBRITIES, HEROES AND ICONS
Natalie Morales Hosts New Original Special 'Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors' About the Life and Legacy of the Entertainment Pioneer
New Original Specials 'Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons', 'Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops', 'John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge' and 'Capturing Chris Watts'
New 'Real Story of... ' Original Specials Reveals the True Stories Behind the Oscar(R) Nominated '13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi' and Oscar(R) Winning 'Argo'
Returning Original Series Include 'Cashed Out', 'Autopsy: The Last Hours of... ' and 'The Price of Fame'
U.S. Premieres of 'Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds', 'Stephen King: Master of Horror' and 'The Illustrated Man'
Cable/Satellite Premieres of 'Truth and Lies: The Family Manson' and 'The Last 100 Days of Diana'
(Albuquerque, NM) Monday, July 29, 2019 - REELZ today announced new programming for summer and fall 2019 including seven new original specials, three returning original series, two documentary specials making their cable and satellite premieres and the U.S. premieres of three specials Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds, Stephen King: Master of Horror and The Illustrated Man.
"Our summer and fall programming puts celebrity legends front and center celebrating the pioneers, innovators and creators who have given us so many memorable movies, characters and stories," said Steve Cheskin, SVP of Programming at REELZ. "We also look forward to showing our viewers poignant looks at the real stories that fascinate the public about celebrities and the many sides of fame."
New favorites return in August with viewer favorite original series Autopsy: The Last Hours of... about the mysterious and untimely deaths of celebrities including those of music legends Luther Vandross and Rick James who are the focus of new episodes. Original series The Price of Fame and Cashed Out return with back to back new episodes spotlighting the remarkable life story of boxing icon Muhammad Ali. Then it's the cable and satellite premiere of ABC News special Truth and Lies: The Family Manson about the notorious cult leader's twisted web of crime. New original specials Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops reveals the powerful real story behind the comedic legend while new special John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge shows the events behind one of the most shocking killing sprees in history. In two new The Real Story of... specials see what didn't make it to theaters starting with an episode about the movie 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi showing viewers more than three minutes of never-before-seen declassified footage from the compound security cameras at the U.S. Consulate that was attacked in Benghazi. Then in Argo: The Real Story of... see the story Hollywood left out of the Oscar(R) winning movie about how a small group of diplomats from Canada risked their lives to help Americans escape Iranian captivity in broad daylight. Closing out August is the cable and satellite premiere of ABC News special The Last 100 Days of Diana about Princess Diana's tumultuous summer before her untimely passing.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... about stand-up comedian, actor and producer Garry Shandling kicks off September followed by the U.S. premiere of Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds one-on-one interview with the actor about his legendary career in movies and wild life off screen. Then it's the premiere of new original specials starting with Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors about the life and legacy of the entertainment pioneer. In new original special Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons see the success and self-inflicted setbacks the beloved movie star endured. The special Capturing Chris Watts is an inside look at the disturbing case of a father who killed his own family for the sake of an affair. Rounding out September are the U.S. premieres of the documentary specials Stephen King: Master of Horror about the prized author's impact on movies while The Illustrated Man depicts the pop culture prominence of tattoos.
Below are premiere dates and times:
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Luther Vandross (new episode) - Sunday, August 4 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Rick James (new episode) - Sunday, August 4 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT
Muhammad Ali: The Price of Fame (new episode) - Monday, August 5 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Muhammad Ali: Cashed Out (new episode) - Monday, August 5 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Truth and Lies: The Family Manson (cable/satellite premiere) - Thursday, August 8 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops (new special) - Sunday, August 11 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge (new special) - Part one premieres Sunday, August 18 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT and part two premieres Monday, August 19 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
13 Hours: The Real Story of... (new special) - Thursday, August 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Aaron Hernandez (new episode) - Sunday, August 25 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Chyna (new episode) - Sunday, August 25 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT
Argo: The Real Story of... (new special) - Thursday, August 29 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
The Last 100 Days of Diana (cable/satellite premiere) - Saturday, August 31 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Garry Shandling (new episode) - Monday, September 2 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds - (U.S. premiere) - Tuesday, September 3 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors Hosted by Natalie Morales (new special) - Wednesday, September 4 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons (new special) - Saturday, September 7 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Capturing Chris Watts (new special) - Sunday, September 15 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Stephen King: Master of Horror (U.S. premiere) - Sunday, September 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
The Illustrated Man (U.S. premiere) - Saturday, September 28 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Below are descriptions for summer and fall 2019 programming listed in order of premiere date and time:
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... - New episodes premiere Sunday, August 4 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT with Luther Vandross episode followed by Rick James episode. Every episode of this documentary series explores the truth behind the controversial and mysterious deaths of celebrities and people whose untimely deaths were often surrounded by elements of shock, scandal and intense media attention. New episodes focus on the lives and last hours of singers, songwriters and producers Luther Vandross and Rick James along with disgraced former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez, professional wrestling star Chyna and comedy legend Garry Shandling. The series features reconstructions of their final hours based on crucial medical evidence from the actual autopsies while interviews with friends, family and experts shed light on the events that led to the celebrity's death - finally putting an end to the mystery. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
The Price of Fame - New episode about Muhammad Ali premieres Monday, August 5 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. The road to stardom is often paved with amazing and devastating public and private events. Whether it's turbulent family drama, harrowing substance abuse, outlandish spending habits or a combination of those and more, these celebrities all paid a hefty price for their fame. In a new hour-long episode of The Price of Fame see the heartfelt story of Olympic and world champion boxer Muhammad Ali. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., Ali had a bold personality forged in self-belief and strong religious and political convictions. Throughout his lifetime he faced epic battles both in and outside the ring. As a boxer he was known as "The Greatest of All Time" but his outspokenness during the Civil Rights Movement and resistance to the draft made him as a lightning rod for public dissent. Yet through it all Ali always came back swinging. In the early '80s Ali faced his biggest opponent yet in Parkinson's disease eventually succumbing to the horrible disease more than 30 years later but fighting until the end. The Price of Fame is produced by AMS Pictures.
Cashed Out - Series returns on Monday, August 5 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT with Muhammad Ali episode. It's been said that if you want the truth follow the money. When a wealthy celebrity checks out there's no shortage of people ready to cash in. Settling huge estates also means swatting away the shady people lurking in the background of a celebrity's life who are ready to make claims in an attempt to collect. In a new hour-long episode of Cashed Out see the remarkable story of prize fighter and heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. From the moment Ali lined his pockets with fight winnings people began to take advantage of him. From boxing promoters to religious leaders everyone wanted a piece of 'The Champ' and they got it. Right before his death in 2016 Ali painstakingly worked to create a plan that would guarantee his beneficiaries financial freedom. He never would have imagined that his last brawl would be between him and his family over his final wishes. Cashed Out is produced by Buck Productions.
Truth and Lies: The Family Manson - Cable/satellite premiere on Thursday, August 8 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. He was the rock star wannabe, madman and icon of evil. In 1969, amidst a counterculture era of sex, drugs, rock and roll and not long after the Summer of Love Americans had a rude awakening when on two consecutive nights Charles Manson's followers killed seven people. The two-hour ABC News special Truth and Lies: The Family Manson lays out the jarring details about the gruesome crime sprees committed by Manson and his cult of devoted followers and explores the twisted ideas of celebrity, power and fame that Manson believed in. Included is footage of the one-on-one interview between Manson and Diane Sawyer in which he shares his grotesque vision of the world and crimes he orchestrated. Viewers will also hear from a relative of Sharon Tate who recalls learning of the Manson family murders and the twisted backstory that lead to the slayings. The special features archival interviews with Manson family members Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkel who give their chilling accounts of the murders and their involvement. Truth and Lies: The Family Manson is produced by ABC News.
Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops - New special premieres Sunday, August 11 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Robin Williams was a towering talent with raucous unbridled energy and a spitfire style of telling jokes but he also battled alcoholism and drug use throughout his adult life. Williams committed suicide by hanging not long after receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and dementia. In the hour-long special Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops we examine the dichotomy of his soaring showbiz success and untimely death while separating fact from fiction and creative work from the man behind it to understand not just from where his genius sprung but how that same wellspring lead to his demise. Included are in-depth first person interviews with those who knew Williams in addition to rare archive material laid over rich dramatizations of key moments in his life and career. Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops is produced by AM Studios.
John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge - New two-part special premieres Sunday, August 18 with part one airing at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Part two premieres Monday, August 19 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. A violent, drunken and abusive father sends a seemingly innocent and happy child in John Wayne Gacy down a dark and sinister path. Running from home and looking for escape Gacy works at a mortuary where he literally sleeps with the dead. Later, despite a marriage, two children and volunteering as a party clown Gacy's evil side begins to take over. He cruises the streets looking for young victims who he kills and buries in a crawlspace graveyard beneath his home. Gacy's shocking and depraved real story unfolds in the four-hour, two-night special John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge with police investigators and experts recounting how Gacy's wife and many others suspect he's up to evil but thanks to his political connections and clown persona, Pogo, no one realizes the depths of his sinister crimes. Detective Joe Kozenczak takes on the case and uncovers Gacy's hidden and disturbing past discovering shocking evidence linking him to the deaths of dozens of young men and boys. With 24-hour surveillance and a vital search warrant investigators are led into Gacy's house where the putrid odor from his makeshift morgue tells everyone the deadly truth. Gacy is found guilty of 33 counts of murder and sentenced to death as punishment for one of the most horrific killing sprees in American history. John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge is produced by Hoff Productions.
The Real Story of... - New special premieres Thursday, August 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT with 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi episode. The Real Story of... specials separate fact from fiction to show viewers that what really happened is more intriguing and more thrilling than what ever made it to theaters. With more than three minutes of never-before-seen declassified footage from compound security cameras and U.S. government satellite surveillance videos 13 Hours: The Real Story of... shows the real stories and real lives behind the horrific assault on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi in 2012 that was depicted in the Oscar(R) nominated movie 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. The movie focuses on the heroic battle of U.S. security forces but the real story lies with the target of the attack in Ambassador Chris Stevens who risked his life to pursue peace in Libya. Failed by those he fought to protect he battles for his life without backup. The Real Story of... examines what went wrong that fateful night and the truth behind why he was left exposed.
The Real Story of... - New special premieres Thursday, August 29 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT with Argo episode. The Oscar(R) winning movie directed and starring Ben Affleck immortalizes CIA legend Tony Mendez who masterminded the escape of six diplomats from revolutionary Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis by dressing them us a Canadian movie crew. But by placing the CIA firmly as the heroes Hollywood overlooked the vital role played by another group in helping coordinate the brilliant escape plan in the Canadians themselves. This is the real story of how a small group of diplomats from Canada risked their lives by housing the escapees in a dangerous city breaking every rule of diplomacy to help sneak the disguised Americans out of Iran in broad daylight. The Real Story of... specials are produced by World Media Rights.
The Last 100 Days of Diana - Cable/satellite premiere on Saturday, August 31 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. ABC News reveals the events of Princess Diana's tumultuous summer after her divorce from Prince Charles that saw her entangled between romantic affairs with Dodi al-Fayed and her relationship with British-Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan until the moment of her tragic and untimely death in a car accident in Paris in 1997. In the two-hour special The Last 100 Days of Diana host Martin Bashir hears accounts from people inside Diana's inner circle including rare interviews with close friends and her personal staff from her former butler, chef, bodyguard to her press secretary and personal trainer. These voices provide deep insight into what Lady Diana was thinking as she navigated personal and public life. The Last 100 Days of Diana is produced by ABC News.
Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds - U.S. premiere Tuesday, September 3 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. In one of his most in-depth interviews before his death in 2018 legendary actor Burt Reynolds sat down with renowned TV host, reporter and personality Piers Morgan for a one on one interview to share his thoughts on being the biggest box-office draw in America for several years in the late '70s and early '80s with hits including the Smokey and the Bandit movies, The Cannonball Run and The Longest Yard. Reynolds also opened up to Morgan about his personal life and relationships with fellow stars including his storied romance with Sally Field and his take on posing nude for Cosmopolitan magazine and how he says it cost him an Oscar(R). Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors Hosted by Natalie Morales - New special premieres Wednesday, September 4 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Joan Rivers was a true showbiz pioneer. She was funnier, smarter and more risqué than her male counterparts at a time when comedy was unquestionably a man's world. But despite all of the success of her 55-year career Rivers believed she never got the recognition she deserved and her acerbic and aggressive stand-up style let you know that she knew it. In Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors host Natalie Morales explores how Rivers became the groundbreaking comedian and entertainer and sheds light on who the real woman was beyond the footlights. Rivers believed that the funniest gags came from truth and her catch phrase "Can we talk?" signaled to audiences she intended to break taboos, tell uncomfortable truths and disregard political correctness. After struggling in her early years on the stand-up club circuit late night TV icon Johnny Carson helped her break out making her a regular on the Tonight Show but when Rivers became the first woman to host a late night talk show on a rival network it permanently estranged her from Carson. After her late night show later failed and her husband committed suicide, Rivers battled back with a popular daytime TV talk show and later became more famous for her caustic stream of consciousness commentary at red carpet Hollywood events. With no qualms about attacking celebrities, including herself, Rivers made the red carpet worth watching. Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors offers an intimate look at the tough, relentless woman who broke or ignored the prevailing rules of show business who hit rock bottom more than once and who rose to greater heights every time. Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors is produced by Peacock Productions.
Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons - New special premieres Saturday, September 7 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Patrick Swayze was a beloved leading man in Hollywood. The star of Dirty Dancing and Ghost he was the tender-hearted tough guy with a dancing pedigree that set him apart from his fellow actors. But Swayze's public face masked a world of pain, fear and self-sabotage. In the two-hour Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons see Swayze's rise to fame with his passion for dancing led him to Hollywood and his breakout role in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 The Outsiders. Swayze's incredible acting range had him starring in TV shows as well as movies and the surprise hit Dirty Dancing also gave him an opportunity to show his skills as a singer and songwriter, penning the song "She's Like the Wind" for the movie's soundtrack. Despite his many successes Swayze often battled with personal setbacks including his battles with alcohol and other personal tragedies that rattled the star to the core. Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Capturing Chris Watts - New special premieres Sunday, September 15 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. He made a brazen missing persons plea for help to find his family just hours after they were reported missing but what Chris Watts didn't reveal was that he had already strangled his pregnant wife Shannan and their daughters four-year-old Bella and three-year-old Celeste. In this chilling hour-long special Capturing Chris Watts draws upon more than 200 hours of never-before-seen police bodycam footage and surveillance footage from security cameras around the Watts' Colorado home. It gives viewers a riveting inside look at a real-time police investigation as the cold-blooded killer unravels from his distraught family man fa�ade, to the police's interrogation, a failed lie detector test, before he breaks down in a tearful confession to his own father. Examining the footage is an expert panel led by investigative journalist Dylan Howard and includes homicide prosecutor Jarret Ferentino and body language expert Susan Constantine. The trio show viewers each crucial moment and will explain its significance in cracking the case and exposing Chris Watts for the monster he is. Capturing Chris Watts is produced by AM Studios.
Stephen King: Master of Horror - U.S. premiere Sunday, September 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. From Hollywood stars John Lithgow and Jason Clarke on the set of Stephen King's new remake of his classic movie Pet Sematary to the stars of Carrie and many old friends and movie critics this special tells the incredible tales behind King's most famous books and movies. Known as the master of horror King's work is back on the big screen with Pet Sematary and the recent adaptation of IT becoming the biggest-selling horror movie of all time. With more than 350 million books sold and countless movies made King's popularity knows no bounds but the road to success has been plagued with death, disappearance and addiction. In this horror-packed hour see how his childhood and hometown influenced his creations and go behind the scenes of his latest Hollywood adaptation as we reveal King's extraordinary life and work. Stephen King: Master of Horror is produced by Viacom International Studios.
The Illustrated Man - U.S. premiere Saturday, September 28 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. The Illustrated Man is an hour-long documentary featuring celebrity and fashion icons capturing the re-imagination of tattoos from stereotypical associations of sailors and criminals into the celebration of mainstream pop culture, fashion trends, branding and social influence. Directed by photographer Sophy Holland this special show the many subjects' ultimate and often intimate illustrations of self through 'personal ink' and chronicles the inexorable rise of the 'tattooed male' pin up as fashion, celebrity and tattoo culture converge for the first time in a mainstream increasingly fueled by Generation Y. The Illustrated Man is executive produced by Michael Amoia and Pete Zepina from MIBE Music.
About REELZ - REAL LIVES. REAL STORIES. REAL CELEBRITIES.(R)
REELZ is a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network that is home to factual entertainment, television events, miniseries, movies and series featuring big stories and big stars. Programming ranges from the critically acclaimed and award-winning miniseries The Kennedys to Autopsy: The Last Hours of... , Scandal Made Me Famous, Behind Closed Doors, Geraldo Rivera's Murder In The Family and much more that connects directly to the world of entertainment. REELZ also provides specific on-air recommendations for movies viewers can watch at home.
REELZ is available in 70 million homes on DIRECTV channel 238, DISH Network channel 299, Verizon FiOS TV channel 692HD, AT&T U-verse channels 799/1799HD and cable systems nationwide. Find REELZ in your area by visiting www.reelz.com. REELZ is a High-Definition network and if it is not available, or not in HD, on your cable or telco provider, we encourage viewers to call them and ask for it. Owned by Hubbard Media Group, REELZ is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM with national ad sales based in New York City with offices in Boston and Chicago. As one of the last truly independent television networks remaining in today's media landscape REELZ has created the Independence Happens Here(R) website to help keep free thought and innovation alive by highlighting the importance of independent businesses. The website can be found at http://IndependenceHappensHere.com.
"Cashed Out," "Autopsy: The Last Hours of..." and "The Price of Fame" are among the returning series.
[via press release from Reelz] REELZ ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAMMING FOR SUMMER AND FALL 2019 WITH NEW SPECIALS, NEW DOCUMENTARIES AND RETURNING SERIES SHOWING THE REAL STORIES OF LEGENDARY CELEBRITIES, HEROES AND ICONS
Natalie Morales Hosts New Original Special 'Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors' About the Life and Legacy of the Entertainment Pioneer
New Original Specials 'Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons', 'Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops', 'John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge' and 'Capturing Chris Watts'
New 'Real Story of... ' Original Specials Reveals the True Stories Behind the Oscar(R) Nominated '13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi' and Oscar(R) Winning 'Argo'
Returning Original Series Include 'Cashed Out', 'Autopsy: The Last Hours of... ' and 'The Price of Fame'
U.S. Premieres of 'Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds', 'Stephen King: Master of Horror' and 'The Illustrated Man'
Cable/Satellite Premieres of 'Truth and Lies: The Family Manson' and 'The Last 100 Days of Diana'
(Albuquerque, NM) Monday, July 29, 2019 - REELZ today announced new programming for summer and fall 2019 including seven new original specials, three returning original series, two documentary specials making their cable and satellite premieres and the U.S. premieres of three specials Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds, Stephen King: Master of Horror and The Illustrated Man.
"Our summer and fall programming puts celebrity legends front and center celebrating the pioneers, innovators and creators who have given us so many memorable movies, characters and stories," said Steve Cheskin, SVP of Programming at REELZ. "We also look forward to showing our viewers poignant looks at the real stories that fascinate the public about celebrities and the many sides of fame."
New favorites return in August with viewer favorite original series Autopsy: The Last Hours of... about the mysterious and untimely deaths of celebrities including those of music legends Luther Vandross and Rick James who are the focus of new episodes. Original series The Price of Fame and Cashed Out return with back to back new episodes spotlighting the remarkable life story of boxing icon Muhammad Ali. Then it's the cable and satellite premiere of ABC News special Truth and Lies: The Family Manson about the notorious cult leader's twisted web of crime. New original specials Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops reveals the powerful real story behind the comedic legend while new special John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge shows the events behind one of the most shocking killing sprees in history. In two new The Real Story of... specials see what didn't make it to theaters starting with an episode about the movie 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi showing viewers more than three minutes of never-before-seen declassified footage from the compound security cameras at the U.S. Consulate that was attacked in Benghazi. Then in Argo: The Real Story of... see the story Hollywood left out of the Oscar(R) winning movie about how a small group of diplomats from Canada risked their lives to help Americans escape Iranian captivity in broad daylight. Closing out August is the cable and satellite premiere of ABC News special The Last 100 Days of Diana about Princess Diana's tumultuous summer before her untimely passing.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... about stand-up comedian, actor and producer Garry Shandling kicks off September followed by the U.S. premiere of Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds one-on-one interview with the actor about his legendary career in movies and wild life off screen. Then it's the premiere of new original specials starting with Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors about the life and legacy of the entertainment pioneer. In new original special Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons see the success and self-inflicted setbacks the beloved movie star endured. The special Capturing Chris Watts is an inside look at the disturbing case of a father who killed his own family for the sake of an affair. Rounding out September are the U.S. premieres of the documentary specials Stephen King: Master of Horror about the prized author's impact on movies while The Illustrated Man depicts the pop culture prominence of tattoos.
Below are premiere dates and times:
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Luther Vandross (new episode) - Sunday, August 4 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Rick James (new episode) - Sunday, August 4 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT
Muhammad Ali: The Price of Fame (new episode) - Monday, August 5 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Muhammad Ali: Cashed Out (new episode) - Monday, August 5 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Truth and Lies: The Family Manson (cable/satellite premiere) - Thursday, August 8 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops (new special) - Sunday, August 11 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge (new special) - Part one premieres Sunday, August 18 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT and part two premieres Monday, August 19 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
13 Hours: The Real Story of... (new special) - Thursday, August 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Aaron Hernandez (new episode) - Sunday, August 25 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Chyna (new episode) - Sunday, August 25 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT
Argo: The Real Story of... (new special) - Thursday, August 29 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
The Last 100 Days of Diana (cable/satellite premiere) - Saturday, August 31 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... Garry Shandling (new episode) - Monday, September 2 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds - (U.S. premiere) - Tuesday, September 3 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors Hosted by Natalie Morales (new special) - Wednesday, September 4 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons (new special) - Saturday, September 7 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Capturing Chris Watts (new special) - Sunday, September 15 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Stephen King: Master of Horror (U.S. premiere) - Sunday, September 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
The Illustrated Man (U.S. premiere) - Saturday, September 28 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Below are descriptions for summer and fall 2019 programming listed in order of premiere date and time:
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... - New episodes premiere Sunday, August 4 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT with Luther Vandross episode followed by Rick James episode. Every episode of this documentary series explores the truth behind the controversial and mysterious deaths of celebrities and people whose untimely deaths were often surrounded by elements of shock, scandal and intense media attention. New episodes focus on the lives and last hours of singers, songwriters and producers Luther Vandross and Rick James along with disgraced former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez, professional wrestling star Chyna and comedy legend Garry Shandling. The series features reconstructions of their final hours based on crucial medical evidence from the actual autopsies while interviews with friends, family and experts shed light on the events that led to the celebrity's death - finally putting an end to the mystery. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
The Price of Fame - New episode about Muhammad Ali premieres Monday, August 5 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. The road to stardom is often paved with amazing and devastating public and private events. Whether it's turbulent family drama, harrowing substance abuse, outlandish spending habits or a combination of those and more, these celebrities all paid a hefty price for their fame. In a new hour-long episode of The Price of Fame see the heartfelt story of Olympic and world champion boxer Muhammad Ali. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., Ali had a bold personality forged in self-belief and strong religious and political convictions. Throughout his lifetime he faced epic battles both in and outside the ring. As a boxer he was known as "The Greatest of All Time" but his outspokenness during the Civil Rights Movement and resistance to the draft made him as a lightning rod for public dissent. Yet through it all Ali always came back swinging. In the early '80s Ali faced his biggest opponent yet in Parkinson's disease eventually succumbing to the horrible disease more than 30 years later but fighting until the end. The Price of Fame is produced by AMS Pictures.
Cashed Out - Series returns on Monday, August 5 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT with Muhammad Ali episode. It's been said that if you want the truth follow the money. When a wealthy celebrity checks out there's no shortage of people ready to cash in. Settling huge estates also means swatting away the shady people lurking in the background of a celebrity's life who are ready to make claims in an attempt to collect. In a new hour-long episode of Cashed Out see the remarkable story of prize fighter and heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. From the moment Ali lined his pockets with fight winnings people began to take advantage of him. From boxing promoters to religious leaders everyone wanted a piece of 'The Champ' and they got it. Right before his death in 2016 Ali painstakingly worked to create a plan that would guarantee his beneficiaries financial freedom. He never would have imagined that his last brawl would be between him and his family over his final wishes. Cashed Out is produced by Buck Productions.
Truth and Lies: The Family Manson - Cable/satellite premiere on Thursday, August 8 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. He was the rock star wannabe, madman and icon of evil. In 1969, amidst a counterculture era of sex, drugs, rock and roll and not long after the Summer of Love Americans had a rude awakening when on two consecutive nights Charles Manson's followers killed seven people. The two-hour ABC News special Truth and Lies: The Family Manson lays out the jarring details about the gruesome crime sprees committed by Manson and his cult of devoted followers and explores the twisted ideas of celebrity, power and fame that Manson believed in. Included is footage of the one-on-one interview between Manson and Diane Sawyer in which he shares his grotesque vision of the world and crimes he orchestrated. Viewers will also hear from a relative of Sharon Tate who recalls learning of the Manson family murders and the twisted backstory that lead to the slayings. The special features archival interviews with Manson family members Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkel who give their chilling accounts of the murders and their involvement. Truth and Lies: The Family Manson is produced by ABC News.
Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops - New special premieres Sunday, August 11 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Robin Williams was a towering talent with raucous unbridled energy and a spitfire style of telling jokes but he also battled alcoholism and drug use throughout his adult life. Williams committed suicide by hanging not long after receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and dementia. In the hour-long special Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops we examine the dichotomy of his soaring showbiz success and untimely death while separating fact from fiction and creative work from the man behind it to understand not just from where his genius sprung but how that same wellspring lead to his demise. Included are in-depth first person interviews with those who knew Williams in addition to rare archive material laid over rich dramatizations of key moments in his life and career. Robin Williams: When the Laughter Stops is produced by AM Studios.
John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge - New two-part special premieres Sunday, August 18 with part one airing at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Part two premieres Monday, August 19 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. A violent, drunken and abusive father sends a seemingly innocent and happy child in John Wayne Gacy down a dark and sinister path. Running from home and looking for escape Gacy works at a mortuary where he literally sleeps with the dead. Later, despite a marriage, two children and volunteering as a party clown Gacy's evil side begins to take over. He cruises the streets looking for young victims who he kills and buries in a crawlspace graveyard beneath his home. Gacy's shocking and depraved real story unfolds in the four-hour, two-night special John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge with police investigators and experts recounting how Gacy's wife and many others suspect he's up to evil but thanks to his political connections and clown persona, Pogo, no one realizes the depths of his sinister crimes. Detective Joe Kozenczak takes on the case and uncovers Gacy's hidden and disturbing past discovering shocking evidence linking him to the deaths of dozens of young men and boys. With 24-hour surveillance and a vital search warrant investigators are led into Gacy's house where the putrid odor from his makeshift morgue tells everyone the deadly truth. Gacy is found guilty of 33 counts of murder and sentenced to death as punishment for one of the most horrific killing sprees in American history. John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown's Revenge is produced by Hoff Productions.
The Real Story of... - New special premieres Thursday, August 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT with 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi episode. The Real Story of... specials separate fact from fiction to show viewers that what really happened is more intriguing and more thrilling than what ever made it to theaters. With more than three minutes of never-before-seen declassified footage from compound security cameras and U.S. government satellite surveillance videos 13 Hours: The Real Story of... shows the real stories and real lives behind the horrific assault on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi in 2012 that was depicted in the Oscar(R) nominated movie 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. The movie focuses on the heroic battle of U.S. security forces but the real story lies with the target of the attack in Ambassador Chris Stevens who risked his life to pursue peace in Libya. Failed by those he fought to protect he battles for his life without backup. The Real Story of... examines what went wrong that fateful night and the truth behind why he was left exposed.
The Real Story of... - New special premieres Thursday, August 29 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT with Argo episode. The Oscar(R) winning movie directed and starring Ben Affleck immortalizes CIA legend Tony Mendez who masterminded the escape of six diplomats from revolutionary Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis by dressing them us a Canadian movie crew. But by placing the CIA firmly as the heroes Hollywood overlooked the vital role played by another group in helping coordinate the brilliant escape plan in the Canadians themselves. This is the real story of how a small group of diplomats from Canada risked their lives by housing the escapees in a dangerous city breaking every rule of diplomacy to help sneak the disguised Americans out of Iran in broad daylight. The Real Story of... specials are produced by World Media Rights.
The Last 100 Days of Diana - Cable/satellite premiere on Saturday, August 31 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. ABC News reveals the events of Princess Diana's tumultuous summer after her divorce from Prince Charles that saw her entangled between romantic affairs with Dodi al-Fayed and her relationship with British-Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan until the moment of her tragic and untimely death in a car accident in Paris in 1997. In the two-hour special The Last 100 Days of Diana host Martin Bashir hears accounts from people inside Diana's inner circle including rare interviews with close friends and her personal staff from her former butler, chef, bodyguard to her press secretary and personal trainer. These voices provide deep insight into what Lady Diana was thinking as she navigated personal and public life. The Last 100 Days of Diana is produced by ABC News.
Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds - U.S. premiere Tuesday, September 3 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. In one of his most in-depth interviews before his death in 2018 legendary actor Burt Reynolds sat down with renowned TV host, reporter and personality Piers Morgan for a one on one interview to share his thoughts on being the biggest box-office draw in America for several years in the late '70s and early '80s with hits including the Smokey and the Bandit movies, The Cannonball Run and The Longest Yard. Reynolds also opened up to Morgan about his personal life and relationships with fellow stars including his storied romance with Sally Field and his take on posing nude for Cosmopolitan magazine and how he says it cost him an Oscar(R). Piers Morgan's Life Stories: Burt Reynolds is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors Hosted by Natalie Morales - New special premieres Wednesday, September 4 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Joan Rivers was a true showbiz pioneer. She was funnier, smarter and more risqué than her male counterparts at a time when comedy was unquestionably a man's world. But despite all of the success of her 55-year career Rivers believed she never got the recognition she deserved and her acerbic and aggressive stand-up style let you know that she knew it. In Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors host Natalie Morales explores how Rivers became the groundbreaking comedian and entertainer and sheds light on who the real woman was beyond the footlights. Rivers believed that the funniest gags came from truth and her catch phrase "Can we talk?" signaled to audiences she intended to break taboos, tell uncomfortable truths and disregard political correctness. After struggling in her early years on the stand-up club circuit late night TV icon Johnny Carson helped her break out making her a regular on the Tonight Show but when Rivers became the first woman to host a late night talk show on a rival network it permanently estranged her from Carson. After her late night show later failed and her husband committed suicide, Rivers battled back with a popular daytime TV talk show and later became more famous for her caustic stream of consciousness commentary at red carpet Hollywood events. With no qualms about attacking celebrities, including herself, Rivers made the red carpet worth watching. Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors offers an intimate look at the tough, relentless woman who broke or ignored the prevailing rules of show business who hit rock bottom more than once and who rose to greater heights every time. Joan Rivers: Behind Closed Doors is produced by Peacock Productions.
Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons - New special premieres Saturday, September 7 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Patrick Swayze was a beloved leading man in Hollywood. The star of Dirty Dancing and Ghost he was the tender-hearted tough guy with a dancing pedigree that set him apart from his fellow actors. But Swayze's public face masked a world of pain, fear and self-sabotage. In the two-hour Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons see Swayze's rise to fame with his passion for dancing led him to Hollywood and his breakout role in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 The Outsiders. Swayze's incredible acting range had him starring in TV shows as well as movies and the surprise hit Dirty Dancing also gave him an opportunity to show his skills as a singer and songwriter, penning the song "She's Like the Wind" for the movie's soundtrack. Despite his many successes Swayze often battled with personal setbacks including his battles with alcohol and other personal tragedies that rattled the star to the core. Patrick Swayze: Ghosts and Demons is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Capturing Chris Watts - New special premieres Sunday, September 15 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. He made a brazen missing persons plea for help to find his family just hours after they were reported missing but what Chris Watts didn't reveal was that he had already strangled his pregnant wife Shannan and their daughters four-year-old Bella and three-year-old Celeste. In this chilling hour-long special Capturing Chris Watts draws upon more than 200 hours of never-before-seen police bodycam footage and surveillance footage from security cameras around the Watts' Colorado home. It gives viewers a riveting inside look at a real-time police investigation as the cold-blooded killer unravels from his distraught family man fa�ade, to the police's interrogation, a failed lie detector test, before he breaks down in a tearful confession to his own father. Examining the footage is an expert panel led by investigative journalist Dylan Howard and includes homicide prosecutor Jarret Ferentino and body language expert Susan Constantine. The trio show viewers each crucial moment and will explain its significance in cracking the case and exposing Chris Watts for the monster he is. Capturing Chris Watts is produced by AM Studios.
Stephen King: Master of Horror - U.S. premiere Sunday, September 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. From Hollywood stars John Lithgow and Jason Clarke on the set of Stephen King's new remake of his classic movie Pet Sematary to the stars of Carrie and many old friends and movie critics this special tells the incredible tales behind King's most famous books and movies. Known as the master of horror King's work is back on the big screen with Pet Sematary and the recent adaptation of IT becoming the biggest-selling horror movie of all time. With more than 350 million books sold and countless movies made King's popularity knows no bounds but the road to success has been plagued with death, disappearance and addiction. In this horror-packed hour see how his childhood and hometown influenced his creations and go behind the scenes of his latest Hollywood adaptation as we reveal King's extraordinary life and work. Stephen King: Master of Horror is produced by Viacom International Studios.
The Illustrated Man - U.S. premiere Saturday, September 28 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. The Illustrated Man is an hour-long documentary featuring celebrity and fashion icons capturing the re-imagination of tattoos from stereotypical associations of sailors and criminals into the celebration of mainstream pop culture, fashion trends, branding and social influence. Directed by photographer Sophy Holland this special show the many subjects' ultimate and often intimate illustrations of self through 'personal ink' and chronicles the inexorable rise of the 'tattooed male' pin up as fashion, celebrity and tattoo culture converge for the first time in a mainstream increasingly fueled by Generation Y. The Illustrated Man is executive produced by Michael Amoia and Pete Zepina from MIBE Music.
About REELZ - REAL LIVES. REAL STORIES. REAL CELEBRITIES.(R)
REELZ is a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network that is home to factual entertainment, television events, miniseries, movies and series featuring big stories and big stars. Programming ranges from the critically acclaimed and award-winning miniseries The Kennedys to Autopsy: The Last Hours of... , Scandal Made Me Famous, Behind Closed Doors, Geraldo Rivera's Murder In The Family and much more that connects directly to the world of entertainment. REELZ also provides specific on-air recommendations for movies viewers can watch at home.
REELZ is available in 70 million homes on DIRECTV channel 238, DISH Network channel 299, Verizon FiOS TV channel 692HD, AT&T U-verse channels 799/1799HD and cable systems nationwide. Find REELZ in your area by visiting www.reelz.com. REELZ is a High-Definition network and if it is not available, or not in HD, on your cable or telco provider, we encourage viewers to call them and ask for it. Owned by Hubbard Media Group, REELZ is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM with national ad sales based in New York City with offices in Boston and Chicago. As one of the last truly independent television networks remaining in today's media landscape REELZ has created the Independence Happens Here(R) website to help keep free thought and innovation alive by highlighting the importance of independent businesses. The website can be found at http://IndependenceHappensHere.com.
