A+E Networks unveils 2021/22 slate

A+E Networks has ordered new programming including documentaries about Janet Jackson, black comedy and comedians and the origins of hip-hop.

Paul Buccieri

The company, which operates A&E Network, History Channel and Lifetime, said the new programming demonstrates how corporate social responsibility as well as diversity and inclusion are a key focus for its brands in 2021/22.

Among the 70 hours of premium documentaries in the pipeline is Janet (working title, 4×60′), which has been co-greenlit by Lifetime and A&E and will air over two nights on both networks in early 2022.

Produced by Banijay-owned Workerbee, the documentary has been filmed over three years and features exclusive access to archival footage and Jackson’s home videos, along with interviews with stars.

Elsewhere, A&E has greenlit two new documentary series, Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution (wt, 4×60′) and Secret Origins of Hip Hop

The former, produced by Time Studios, explores the evolution of black comedy and comedians who have used pointed humour to expose, challenge and ridicule society’s injustices and to articulate the black experience in America.

The latter, produced by Mass Appeal, follows some of hip hop’s biggest stars, including Busta Rhymes, Eve, Fat Joe Grandmaster Flash and Ice-T, as they share the stories and events that moulded them into the artists they became.

On History, the network has teamed up again with NBA legend, author and activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to greenlight the one-hour documentary Fight the Power: The Protests That Changed America.

It is produced for History by the Six West MediaTM group and marks the second collaboration between the network and Abdul-Jabbar, who received an Emmy nomination for outstanding narrator in Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution.

History is also extending its That Built franchise by greenlighting a slate of historical miniseries, telling the history of innovations such as the passenger jet, the television and power tool.

Meanwhile, with 221 movies in the pipeline at A+E overall, Lifetime has agreed a two-picture deal with multimedia entertainment mogul Reba McEntire to star in and produce two movies for the network.

The first of the projects will be Christmas In Tune (wt), which will be featured as a tentpole movie for the network’s holiday slate, It’s a Wonderful Lifetime. Casting is currently underway and it will be filmed this spring.

In 2021, A+E Networks has made a cross-company, cross-platform commitment to honour the fallen of the September 11 terrorist attacks and pay tribute to 9/11 first responders and survivors in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.

“The last year has taught all of us much about the world and our place within it, as individuals and as content creators,” said A+E Networks group president Paul Buccieri.

“Across our entire portfolio we’re reinforcing our strong foundation and will continue using our platforms to elevate relevant, resonant and diverse voices; telling their stories, focused on reaching the widest possible audience.”