Elizabeth Vargas has signed an overall deal with A+E Networks following her exit from “20/20,” the company announced on Wednesday.
Under the deal, Vargas will produce series and specials for the newly announced “A&E Investigates” banner, a collection of nonfiction, journalistic content airing in primetime. It will serve as her follow-up to a 14-year run as co-host of ABC’s “20/20.”
The first planned series under the A&E Investigates label, “Cults and Extreme Belief,” launches on May 28 and will see Vargas examine the self-help organization Nxivm, which has been accused of being a sex cult. The project doubles down on the success of A&E’s “Scientology and the Aftermath,” which recently earned host and executive producer Leah Remini her own overall deal with A+E.
Also Read: Leah Remini Signs Overall Deal With A+E Networks
“This is the exact challenge I was looking for in the next chapter of my career,” Vargas said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Paul and Elaine for presenting me this amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Elizabeth is a brave storyteller and one of the most trusted journalists who is an expert at bringing audiences closer to the heart of stories that have never been told in order to reveal genuine moments of truth,” said A&E’s head of programming Elaine Frontain Bryant. “Her honest and authentic brand is the perfect fit for our audience that always seeks the truth and we are fortunate that she chose A+E Networks as her new home.”
Read descriptions of all the initial A&E Investigates projects below:
“Cults and Extreme Belief” – nine-episode series – Two Night Premiere – Monday, May 28 and Tuesday, May 29 at 10pm Et/Pt
Elizabeth Vargas, alongside former members of controversial organizations, goes on a search to uncover how these sects use their influence to prey upon people’s desperation to create powerful and often destructive belief systems. Each episode will take an immersive look at one currently active group through the eyes of past devotees and get perspective from believers and leaders that are still inside.
In the premiere episode, Vargas examines Nxivm, an organization that sells “self-help” seminars that they claim give people the tools they need to get their lives together and allow them to make a difference in the world. However, the group led by Keith Raniere, referred to by followers as Vanguard, stands accused of drawing supporters down a path of destruction that includes near-starvation diets, sexual assault, forced branding, pseudo-slavery, and blackmail. Luring in many high profile Hollywood actresses to evangelize for his cause over its 20 year in operation, Raniere was recently arrested in Mexico and charged with sex trafficking among other crimes. Former members of Nxivm share harrowing experiences of manipulation and sexual violation, including Sarah Edmundson who sits down with Vargas to share new details of her ordeal inside the organization which first broke in the New York Times late last year.
The series is produced for A&E by The Intellectual Property Corporation. Eli Holzman & Aaron Saidman executive produce for Ipc along with executive producer/showrunner Alex Weresow and executive producer Rachelle Mendez. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky and Evan Lerner serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
“The Plot Against America” – two-hour special – premieres Monday, June 4 at 8pm Et/Pt
Beginning in 2001, a shift in counter-intelligence spending meant that the United States took its eye off the spy game while Russia continued to dedicate vast resources to developing their army of spies. This two-hour documentary investigates beyond the headlines and goes into the heart of our country to ask the question, is America safe? Retired FBI Special Agent Dennis Franks tracks down enemy “sleepers” who have been strategically placed throughout America, and builds a case to expose them.
The series is produced for A&E by Hot Snakes Media with Eric Evangelista, Shannon Evangelista, David Doss and Dennis Franks serving as executive producers. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky, Sean Gottlieb and David Doss serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
“The Untitled Word of Faith Fellowship Project (w.t.)” – six-episode series – premieres summer 2018
This docuseries follows the decades-long controversy surrounding the Word of Faith Fellowship Church in Spindle, North Carolina. This secretive church, led by 77-year-old Jane Whaley, continues to hold extreme power over its congregation and is riddled with allegations of mental and physical abuse and fraud. Elizabeth Vargas takes a look at the harrowing details of the past, as well as the present actions of the Church and examines the plight of former members who are fighting to get their families out.
The series is produced for A&E by Collins Avenue. Jeff Collins, Lindsay Schwartz, Michael Hammond and Francis Gasparini serve as executive producers for Collins Avenue. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky, Marcie Hume and David Doss serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
“Child Brides (w.t.)” – two-hour special – premieres fall 2018
In America, a shocking number of young girls are forced into marriages against their will, a practice that is entirely legal with parental consent. Many believe this only happens in developing countries, but in the past 15 years, over 200,000 underage children have been forced into marriage in the Us. This in-depth two-hour special reveals the heart-wrenching stories of child marriage victims, who against all odds, escaped the most dire of circumstances. These brave survivors tackle this taboo issue in their personal lives and help to shine a light on the national epidemic with the hope that no child will ever have to be a victim again.
The special is produced for A&E Network by Sirens Media. Executive producers for Sirens Media are Jessica Sebastian-Dayeh and Jordana Hochman. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky and Molly Ebinger serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
Read original story Elizabeth Vargas Signs Overall Deal With A+E Networks At TheWrap...
Under the deal, Vargas will produce series and specials for the newly announced “A&E Investigates” banner, a collection of nonfiction, journalistic content airing in primetime. It will serve as her follow-up to a 14-year run as co-host of ABC’s “20/20.”
The first planned series under the A&E Investigates label, “Cults and Extreme Belief,” launches on May 28 and will see Vargas examine the self-help organization Nxivm, which has been accused of being a sex cult. The project doubles down on the success of A&E’s “Scientology and the Aftermath,” which recently earned host and executive producer Leah Remini her own overall deal with A+E.
Also Read: Leah Remini Signs Overall Deal With A+E Networks
“This is the exact challenge I was looking for in the next chapter of my career,” Vargas said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Paul and Elaine for presenting me this amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Elizabeth is a brave storyteller and one of the most trusted journalists who is an expert at bringing audiences closer to the heart of stories that have never been told in order to reveal genuine moments of truth,” said A&E’s head of programming Elaine Frontain Bryant. “Her honest and authentic brand is the perfect fit for our audience that always seeks the truth and we are fortunate that she chose A+E Networks as her new home.”
Read descriptions of all the initial A&E Investigates projects below:
“Cults and Extreme Belief” – nine-episode series – Two Night Premiere – Monday, May 28 and Tuesday, May 29 at 10pm Et/Pt
Elizabeth Vargas, alongside former members of controversial organizations, goes on a search to uncover how these sects use their influence to prey upon people’s desperation to create powerful and often destructive belief systems. Each episode will take an immersive look at one currently active group through the eyes of past devotees and get perspective from believers and leaders that are still inside.
In the premiere episode, Vargas examines Nxivm, an organization that sells “self-help” seminars that they claim give people the tools they need to get their lives together and allow them to make a difference in the world. However, the group led by Keith Raniere, referred to by followers as Vanguard, stands accused of drawing supporters down a path of destruction that includes near-starvation diets, sexual assault, forced branding, pseudo-slavery, and blackmail. Luring in many high profile Hollywood actresses to evangelize for his cause over its 20 year in operation, Raniere was recently arrested in Mexico and charged with sex trafficking among other crimes. Former members of Nxivm share harrowing experiences of manipulation and sexual violation, including Sarah Edmundson who sits down with Vargas to share new details of her ordeal inside the organization which first broke in the New York Times late last year.
The series is produced for A&E by The Intellectual Property Corporation. Eli Holzman & Aaron Saidman executive produce for Ipc along with executive producer/showrunner Alex Weresow and executive producer Rachelle Mendez. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky and Evan Lerner serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
“The Plot Against America” – two-hour special – premieres Monday, June 4 at 8pm Et/Pt
Beginning in 2001, a shift in counter-intelligence spending meant that the United States took its eye off the spy game while Russia continued to dedicate vast resources to developing their army of spies. This two-hour documentary investigates beyond the headlines and goes into the heart of our country to ask the question, is America safe? Retired FBI Special Agent Dennis Franks tracks down enemy “sleepers” who have been strategically placed throughout America, and builds a case to expose them.
The series is produced for A&E by Hot Snakes Media with Eric Evangelista, Shannon Evangelista, David Doss and Dennis Franks serving as executive producers. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky, Sean Gottlieb and David Doss serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
“The Untitled Word of Faith Fellowship Project (w.t.)” – six-episode series – premieres summer 2018
This docuseries follows the decades-long controversy surrounding the Word of Faith Fellowship Church in Spindle, North Carolina. This secretive church, led by 77-year-old Jane Whaley, continues to hold extreme power over its congregation and is riddled with allegations of mental and physical abuse and fraud. Elizabeth Vargas takes a look at the harrowing details of the past, as well as the present actions of the Church and examines the plight of former members who are fighting to get their families out.
The series is produced for A&E by Collins Avenue. Jeff Collins, Lindsay Schwartz, Michael Hammond and Francis Gasparini serve as executive producers for Collins Avenue. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky, Marcie Hume and David Doss serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
“Child Brides (w.t.)” – two-hour special – premieres fall 2018
In America, a shocking number of young girls are forced into marriages against their will, a practice that is entirely legal with parental consent. Many believe this only happens in developing countries, but in the past 15 years, over 200,000 underage children have been forced into marriage in the Us. This in-depth two-hour special reveals the heart-wrenching stories of child marriage victims, who against all odds, escaped the most dire of circumstances. These brave survivors tackle this taboo issue in their personal lives and help to shine a light on the national epidemic with the hope that no child will ever have to be a victim again.
The special is produced for A&E Network by Sirens Media. Executive producers for Sirens Media are Jessica Sebastian-Dayeh and Jordana Hochman. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Amy Savitsky and Molly Ebinger serve as executive producers for A&E Network.
Read original story Elizabeth Vargas Signs Overall Deal With A+E Networks At TheWrap...
- 4/19/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
The Live Pd TV show has been ordered to series by A&E. The show is hosted by ABC's Dan Abrams with Dallas Police Department Detectives Rich Emberlin and Kevin Jackson.The first season consists of eight two-hour episodes features footage of police departments from across the Us, captured by dashboard cameras, fixed rigs, and hand-held cameras. David Doss is set as show runner. Live Pd season one premieres on A&E, Friday, October 28, 2016 at 9:00pm Et/Pt.Read More…...
- 10/4/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
In a move that is both fascinating and potentially eyebrow-raising, A&E Network has announced a ‘live’ (on a delay due to the nature of the content) reality show that takes viewers right into the heart of police work.
The show bills itself as giving viewers the chance to ride along in real time with six diverse police departments, with not only dash cams, hand-held cameras, and more, but also a live social media component in order to go even further ‘behind-the-scenes.’
Rob Sharenow, Executive Vice President and General Manager of A&E and Lifetime, announced the show saying-
“Every day the demands for more transparency in law enforcement continues to come from both civilians and police across the country,” said Sharenow. “‘Live Pd’ will not only highlight the difficult work being done by our men and women in uniform as they go out into the streets never knowing what to expect,...
The show bills itself as giving viewers the chance to ride along in real time with six diverse police departments, with not only dash cams, hand-held cameras, and more, but also a live social media component in order to go even further ‘behind-the-scenes.’
Rob Sharenow, Executive Vice President and General Manager of A&E and Lifetime, announced the show saying-
“Every day the demands for more transparency in law enforcement continues to come from both civilians and police across the country,” said Sharenow. “‘Live Pd’ will not only highlight the difficult work being done by our men and women in uniform as they go out into the streets never knowing what to expect,...
- 10/3/2016
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
The announcement comes just two days before Al Jazeera America makes its big presentation at the Television Critics Association summer gathering. In addition to the news about Ehab Al Shihabi, the soon-to-launch network says that Kate O’Brian, formerly of ABC News, will be president. ABC News President Ben Sherwood lauded O’Brian’s “insights, judgment and humor.” Here’s the Al Jazeera America release, followed by Sherwood’s comments: New York (July 22, 2013) – The Acting Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network, Dr. Mostefa Souag, announced today that Ehab Al Shihabi, executive director for international operations, has been named (till further notice) as an interim chief executive officer of Al Jazeera America, and ABC News veteran Kate O’Brian has been named its president. Dr. Souag also announced that the groundbreaking American news channel is scheduled to launch on August 20, 2013. In addition, David Doss has been named senior vice president...
- 7/22/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
A month ahead of Al Jazeera America’s planned launch, the forthcoming international news channel is finally lining up its top executives. Former ABC News senior vp Kate O’Brian has been tapped as president, while Ehab Al Shihabi, a five-year veteran of Al Jazeera, has been named interim CEO. Additionally, David Doss has been named senior vp for news programming; Marcy McGinnis has been appointed senior vp for news gathering; and Shannon High-Bassalik will serve as senior vp for documentaries and programs. The forthcoming news channel, funded by the Bedouin oil billionaires of Qatar, will bow Aug. 20, with a cadre
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- 7/22/2013
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Al Jazeera America has named ABC News veteran Kate O'Brian as its president and Ehab Al Shihabi as its interim CEO. The appointments were among several senior management announcements Monday. The network finally received a launch date: Aug. 20. Also Monday, an Al Jazeera America spokesman pointedly declined to deny a Huffington Post report that MSNBC and Fox News veteran David Schuster is joining Al Jazeera as an anchor. He joins scuh previously announced contributors as CNN's Soledad O'Brien. Additionally, David Doss has been named senior vice president for news programming; Marcy McGinnis...
- 7/22/2013
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
"Oprah" special correspondent and National Geographic host Lisa Ling will join CNN for a documentary this year that follows up on the network's "Planet in Peril".
Ling will report from countries where battles are being waged over oil, land, water and food. Also reporting for "Planet in Peril: Battle Lines" will be anchor Anderson Cooper and chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. It will be televised in high definition at year's end.
The docu will focus on the conflict over the ownership of the North Pole; food shortages and disease in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Indonesian shark fishing. The first "Planet in Peril" aired in October and visited 13 countries to see the environmental impact of overpopulation, deforestation, species loss and climate change.
"We continually get lots of feedback from the 'Planet in Peril' audience: 'What are you doing next? Where are Anderson and Sanjay going this year?' " senior executive producer David Doss said. "At the end of the day, the response was overwhelming, so it was a no-brainer."...
Ling will report from countries where battles are being waged over oil, land, water and food. Also reporting for "Planet in Peril: Battle Lines" will be anchor Anderson Cooper and chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. It will be televised in high definition at year's end.
The docu will focus on the conflict over the ownership of the North Pole; food shortages and disease in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Indonesian shark fishing. The first "Planet in Peril" aired in October and visited 13 countries to see the environmental impact of overpopulation, deforestation, species loss and climate change.
"We continually get lots of feedback from the 'Planet in Peril' audience: 'What are you doing next? Where are Anderson and Sanjay going this year?' " senior executive producer David Doss said. "At the end of the day, the response was overwhelming, so it was a no-brainer."...
- 5/28/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- After days of rumors and an uncomfortable pairing on the late-night cable news schedule following Hurricane Katrina, CNN parted ways with Aaron Brown and gave Anderson Cooper sole possession of the flagship news time slot. The announcement brings an end to Brown's job at the network and further raises Cooper's profile to the face of the new CNN. The new Anderson Cooper 360 will run from 10 p.m.-midnight beginning Monday, with executive producer David Doss and a crew that will include staffers from "360" and NewsNight With Aaron Brown. Brown had once been the star of primetime for CNN, anchoring much of the breaking-news coverage and hosting NewsNight at 10 p.m. ET. But after Hurricane Katrina brought further attention to Cooper, Brown had been reduced to the role of in-studio host while showcasing his younger colleague. In an interview Wednesday, CNN-U.S. president Jon Klein said CNN decided to build its primetime schedule around "the two tentpoles that have the greatest potential and the greatest momentum": 360 and The Situation Room.
- 11/2/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- More changes are in the air for CNN's morning and primetime programming, with two American Morning co-hosts leaving the show and the channel naming new executive producers for Anderson Cooper 360 and Paula Zahn Now. Miles O'Brien, who had been co-anchoring an afternoon news program on the network, will join Soledad O'Brien as co-host of American Morning. O'Brien replaces Bill Hemmer, who will leave CNN on June 17. Jack Cafferty, a former local journalist who had been working on American Morning, shifts to Wolf Blitzer's new afternoon news program, The Situation Room. Meanwhile, CNN has tapped veteran news producers Victor Neufeld and David Doss to run some of its primetime programming. Neufeld, executive producer of CBS' The Early Show, who also has run ABC's "20/20" and PrimeTime Thursday, will be senior executive producer of Paula Zahn Now. Doss, who has been executive producer of PrimeTime Thursday and NBC Nightly News, will fill the same role on Paula Zahn Now.
David Doss has resigned his post as executive producer of ABC News' Primetime Thursday after more than three years at the helm. ABC News said Monday that Robert Lange, senior broadcast producer for the newsmagazine, has been named interim executive producer. Lange has been a senior producer for ABC's Primetime newsmagazine franchise since 1995. Sources said that Doss had been working without a contract at ABC News for the past few months and that the two sides could not come to terms on a new pact to keep him in place as executive producer of Primetime Thursday. Doss is said to be weighing his options for a new post within ABC News.
- 3/16/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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