Epix extends doc output

US pay TV network Epix has expanded its unscripted output by ordering an array of documentaries, including a show about racing driver Danica Patrick.

Danica will premiere in the fall and follows Patrick as she competes on the track while balancing her home life with her career ambitions. The doc is being directed by journalist Hannah Storm, whose company Brainstormin Productions is producing in conjunction with Epix.

Also on the slate is Foreman, which will air September 13 and explores the life of heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman. Chris Perkel (Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives) directs while executive producers include Gary Cohen (Catching Hell).

Finally, Anjelah Johnson: Mahalo & Goodnight features a stand-up performance from the comedian, who is of Mexican and Native American descent. Johnson exec produces alongside Dave Rath, Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson and Ross Bernard. It premieres on September 29 at 22.00ET.

Epix, which is operated as a joint venture by Viacom, Lionsgate and MGM, was launched in 2009 as a movie channel but has been ramping up its programming over the past year, ordering its first originals in 2015.

Earlier this year it bolstered its digital efforts by poaching NBCUniversal’s VP of Media Labs Jonathan Dakss to work across its digital output.

Dakss was drafted in after Emil Rensing, Epix’s former chief digital officer, was accused of defrauding his former employer out of more than US$7m.

Yesterday Rensing pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, having been arrested and charged in April 2016.

US prosecutors claimed that while working at Epix between 2010 and 2015, Rensing had agreed deals for services with digital-focused companies he owned. However those services were “largely never performed,” according to news wire Reuters.