CNN’s Newest Original Series Sets Sights on TV History (Exclusive)
CNN wants to take a deep dive into TV history with its newest original series.
The cable news channel has picked up a four-episode series called TV On the Edge, with each episode exploring a defining TV moment that shaped popular culture and which will showcase “the power of television, the legacy of these iconic events, and the impact they have had on our lives.”
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The series will debut on Sunday, September 22 at 9 p.m., with future episodes also running in that time period.
Among the moments featured on the program are Vice President Dan Quayle’s attack on the sitcom Murphy Brown for its portrayal of single motherhood. The series will include interviews with star Candice Bergen, as well as showrunner Diane English, writer Korby Siamis, and director Barnet Kellman. Other episodes will feature appearances from journalists, comedians, politicians and culture critics discussing the moments.
Among those moments: Ellen DeGeneres and the coming out episode that was watched by more than 40 million viewers; Oprah Winfrey’s 1988 weight loss reveal on her daytime talk show; and Kanye West’s off-the-cuff comments about President George W. Bush during a live 2005 Hurricane Katrina benefit special.
“Leaning into our success with CNN Original Series that survey pop culture and television history, TV On the Edge is a fresh take on the genre and embraces the nostalgia of these iconic moments which continue to resonate long after their initial broadcast,” said Amy Entelis, executive VP of talent, CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement.
CNN has been building up its original series roster after pulling back under previous CEO Chris Licht. CNN CEO Mark Thompson has bet on original series to serve as a differentiating factor during nights without a heavy news load.
Earlier this month CNN also launched a new free streaming channel based on its CNN Originals programming.
TV on the Edge is executive produced by Eric Johnson. Entelis and Katie Hinman are executive producers for CNN Studios.
You can watch the trailer for TV On the Edge, below.
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