A&E’s ratings have continuously improved over the last 12 months and with viewership for the network growing, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming Elaine Frontain Bryant announced the addition of four new projects. Many Sides of Jane, Lost for Life, The Accused, and Employable Me have all been greenlit by the network, joining A&E’s Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, Born This Way, Intervention, Biography, and Live PD.
“A&E has been leading the reality revolution, doubling down on our slate of brave nonfiction storytelling, moving away from scripted drama and refocusing our programming and development on what we do best,” stated Frontain Bryant. “A&E continues to invest in provocative, high-quality content that sparks meaningful conversation and resonates with our loyal audience. Not many networks can proudly say that they currently have four Emmy-award winning series on their schedule.”
A&E’s New Original Series:
Many Sides of Jane (working title) – 6 x 60 min
Jane is a 28-year-old woman from Boise, Idaho who has Dissociative Identity Disorder – commonly referred to as multiple personality disorder. Her 9+ personalities, ranging in age from 6-27 years old, appear at any time, usually triggered by stress. Diagnosed only two years ago, she is on a journey to understand what caused the D.I.D. as well as to figure out how she can best co-exist with her many “parts,” as she calls them. As a full-time single mother of two, Jane is also studying for a Ph.D in Biology. She’ll be coming to terms with her childhood, her relationship with her family, and launching her career.
Many Sides of Jane (working title) is produced by Renegade 83 for A&E Network. Executive producers for Renegade 83 are Jay Renfroe, David Garfinkle and Erica Hanson. Executive producers for A&E are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Brad Abramson.
Lost for Life (working title) – 8 x 60 min
There is no crime worse than murder, and no murder more shocking than one committed by a child. For decades the courts showed these young killers no mercy, but due to a recent Supreme Court decision, now those sentenced to mandatory life without parole may get a second chance. In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life terms without parole for juveniles was “cruel and unusual punishment,” deeming it unconstitutional. In January of 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court said it must be applied retroactively. Now, all of those sentenced as juveniles to mandatory life in prison have a chance to plead their case. Access to the criminals, victims, lawyers, and courts will allow viewers to be taken through the original crime, as well as experience the unfolding of an intense legal battle.
Lost for Life (working title) is produced by IPC Television for A&E Network. Executive producers for IPC Television are Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman and Peter LoGreco. Executive producers for A&E are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky and Evan Lerner.
The Accused (working title) – 8 x 60 min
The Accused (working title) tells the dramatic stories of people at the most vital and most terrifying moment of their lives. This gripping series reveals the true inside story of what happens when someone is accused of a crime they believe they did not commit. Featuring the defendant, their family and their legal teams, The Accused (working title) reveals the personal cost of every charge, watching each case unfold from the defendant’s point of view. It shares every twist and turn of this traumatic experience from their first meeting with their lawyers right up to the verdict allowing viewers to judge the subject’s innocence for themselves.
The Accused (working title) is produced by Brinkworth Films for A&E Network. Executive producers for Brinkworth Films are Malcolm Brinkworth and Xander Brinkworth. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Brad Holcman serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
Employable Me (working title) – 8 x 60 min
Finding a job is hard enough, but when you have a mental disability, it can be even harder. Many people with these challenges face unemployment, yet so many people with disabilities have unique skills that make them excellent workers. This groundbreaking series unlocks their “secret powers” to help them land their dream jobs and gain a new independence in life.
Employable Me (working title) is produced by Optomen Productions for A&E Network. Ricky Kelehar, Maria Silver and Joseph Eardly serve as executive producers for Optomen Productions. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Brad Holcman serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
