REELZ ADDS NEW SPECIALS, NEW SERIES AND NEW EPISODES OF RETURNING ORIGINAL SERIES TO JUNE 2020 LINEUP
Natalie Morales Hosts New Original ‘Behind Closed Doors’ Specials Celebrating the Iconic Blockbusters ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Back to the Future’ That Made Tom Cruise and Michael J. Fox Superstars
New Original Series ‘Serial Psyche’ Explores the Warped Minds of Infamous Cold-Blooded Killers
Returning Original Series ‘Autopsy: The Last Hours of… ‘ Examines the Untimely Deaths and Incredible Lives of Beloved Stars Desi Arnaz, Patty Duke, Adam West and Bill Bixby
Returning Original Series ‘World’s Most Evil Killers’ Delves Into the Real Lives Impacted by Society’s Most Sinister Criminals
(Albuquerque, NM) Wednesday, May 27, 2020 – REELZ today announced new programming for June 2020 with new specials about megahit movies Top Gun and Back to the Future as the time-travelling sensation marks its 35th anniversary along with new series Serial Psyche and new episodes of returning original series Autopsy: The Last Hours of… and World’s Most Evil Killers.
“With premieres every week in June we’re excited to show our viewers new stories from looking at two of the biggest blockbusters ever in Top Gun and Back to the Future to celebrating the legendary lives of TV and movie stars adored by millions of fans across the world,” said Steve Cheskin, SVP of Programming at REELZ. “Our June premieres also show the real stories of the most sinister among us whose devious acts define true crime.”
June premieres begin with a look at the life of beloved TV star Desi Arnaz in Autopsy: The Last Hours of… “Desi Arnaz” on Sunday, June 7 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT examining whether the I Love Lucy star’s relentless work ethic might have played a role in his untimely passing. Then on Sunday, June 7 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT it’s Autopsy: The Last Hours of… “Patty Duke” spotlights Duke’s stellar career in movies, TV and theater and examines her passing from a rare intestinal rupture. From the towering achievements of Arnaz and Duke to the wicked deeds of a deranged few it’s the premiere of a new original series Serial Psyche on Friday, June 12 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT taking viewers deep into the minds of cold-blooded murderers to unravel their twisted mentalities. Then on Friday, June 12 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT it’s the return of original documentary series World’s Most Evil Killers with new gripping real stories about two terrifying criminals in the “Riverside Killer” William Suff and “Murderous Son” Stephen Seddon.
Sunday June 14 sees two back-to-back new episodes of Autopsy: The Last Hours of… with Adam West at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT followed immediately by Bill Bixby at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. West played the iconic superhero Batman in the original 1960s TV series to worldwide acclaim and even at 88 years old was living a fit and healthy life but after a Leukemia diagnosis his sudden decline was as rapid as it was mysterious. Bixby had achieved the distinction of starring in hit shows for four decades with My Favorite Martian in the 1960s, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father in the 1970s, The Incredible Hulk in the 1980s and Blossom in the 1990s before his sudden passing at just 59 years old.
Then on Sunday, June 21 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT it’s Top Gun: Behind Closed Doors about the high-flying ’80s smash hit that made Tom Cruise a global superstar and gave moviegoers an inside look at the secret world of U.S. Navy fighter pilots. Wrapping up June premieres is Back to the Future: Behind Closed Doors on Sunday, June 28 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT with stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson among others sharing their stories of the magic that made one of the most beloved blockbusters of all time.
Below are descriptions for new June 2020* programming listed in order of premiere date and time:
Autopsy: The Last Hours of… “Desi Arnaz” – New episode premieres Sunday, June 7 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Desi Arnaz was famous for playing the beloved character Ricky Ricardo in the 1950s TV series I Love Lucy. Nearly 30 years later in the early hours of December 2, 1986 Arnaz died at 69 years old. Born in Cuba, Arnaz and his family exiled to Miami following the 1933 revolution when he was just 16 years old. Starting from zero his drive to succeed saw Arnaz rise to fame and attract attention as the bongo-playing leader of a Latin orchestra. With his charisma and boyish good looks he soon won the heart of up and coming movie star Lucille Ball. Together they would change the face of TV with I Love Lucy and later form their own production company Desilu where Arnaz became one of the most powerful people in the TV industry. But did his meteoric success and relentless work habits play a part in his downfall? Now, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter uses the death certificate, first-hand reports and access to vast archives to uncover the facts behind the sad demise of Arnaz and what really led to his passing. Autopsy: The Last Hours of… is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of… “Patty Duke” – New episode premieres Sunday, June 7 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. On March 29, 2016 the world was saddened by the news that American sweetheart Patty Duke had died. As Hollywood’s original child star she had been charming audiences for more than 60 years. Duke overcame a childhood of deprivation and abuse to become a household name and in 1963 she became the then youngest actress to win an Academy Award(R) for her career-defining role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. She went on to star in The Patty Duke Show delighting TV audiences playing identical twin cousins. It seemed nothing could stop her but in her late teens Duke’s life began to unravel. She drank heavily, spent money wildly and became promiscuous. Sadly, she also attempted suicide many times. Duke was diagnosed with a mental illness in her mid-30s and once under control she became a pioneering spokeswoman for mental health issues for the rest of her life. She died at the age of 69 of complications due to a ruptured intestine. Intestinal ruptures are considered rare and with surgical intervention there’s a reasonable survival rate so what really happened to Duke? Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes every detail in Duke’s limited health information available to piece together what else was going on in her body to find answers. Autopsy: The Last Hours of… is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Serial Psyche “Sexual Sadists” – New episode premieres Friday, June 12 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. These killers are psychopaths addicted to the thrill of inflicting pain before killing their victims. This episode contrasts the twisted psyches of two of history’s most heartless serial murderers in David Parker Ray and Dennis Rader. Ray was known as the “Toy Box Killer” due to his use of an RV trailer on his property where he performed unspeakable horrors. While Ray operated under the radar for decades not all psychopathic sexual sadists enjoy lurking in the shadows and some crave the media spotlight like Dennis Rader who gave himself the gruesome moniker “Blind Torture Kill” (BTK). Rader was a church-going family man respected in his Wichita Kansas community but he also brutally murdered at least 10 people and the hunt to find him lasted more than 30 years. Sharing first-hand accounts of the David Parker Ray case is retired New Mexico State Police Captain Rich Libicer along with crime experts Dr. Michael H. Stone and Dr. Gary Brucato among others. Serial Psyche is produced by KM+BM Media.
World’s Most Evil Killers “Riverside Killer” – New episode premieres Friday, June 12 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. During the late ’80s in Riverside California 41-year-old Bill Suff was known as model employee during the day but he hid his true identity in the dark of night. The friendly guy next door was in fact a monster who became known as the “Riverside Prostitute Killer”. He would lure sex workers into his van under false pretenses where he would stab, strangle and often mutilate his victims before dumping their bodies. Suff had a history of violence and had already spent time in jail for the murder of his two-month-old baby. He was eventually found guilty of 12 of the 13 murders and sentenced to death in 1995. Viewers will hear from Suff’s ex-wife Teryl about the terrifying moment she found out her husband had killed their baby and the devastation that followed. Also sharing their experiences with the case are Detective Christine Keers-Sheffield, Senior Investigating Officer Bob Creed and Forensic Scientist Steve Secofsky. World’s Most Evil Killers is produced by Woodcut Media Ltd.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of… “Adam West” – New episode premieres Sunday, June 14 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. With an acting career spanning more than 50 years Adam West, who played the original and classic Batman in the hit 1960s TV series, was a Hollywood legend. He was also acclaimed for his starring role in the animated series Family Guy from the 1990s until his death in 2017. He died just days after being diagnosed with the blood and bone cancer Leukemia. With timely treatment some Leukemia patients can live for five years or more after a diagnosis so what happened to West? Using his death certificate alongside testimonies of those who knew him renowned pathologist Dr Michael Hunter sifts through evidence from West’s life to find the answer. Autopsy: The Last Hours of… is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of… “Bill Bixby” – New episode premieres Sunday, June 14 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Bill Bixby was a legendary actor, director and producer who starred in hit shows for four decades with My Favorite Martian in the 1960s, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father in the 1970s, The Incredible Hulk in the 1980s and Blossom in the 1990s. But his celebrated performances hid a life of heartache and in his final three years he tried to mask his suffering from prostate cancer. At the time this was a disease that killed a very small percentage of those diagnosed and now renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter investigates why this seemingly fit and healthy man died from such a treatable illness at the age of just 59. Autopsy: The Last Hours of… is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Serial Psyche “Cold and Calculating Killers” – New episode premieres Friday, June 19 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. What motivates a serial killer? For some it’s sheer hatred for human kind while others seek revenge for an abusive childhood or who simply kill for their own personal sick thrill. This episode examines Israel Keyes, Anatoly Onoprienko and Dennis Nilsen. Keyes became known as the “Meticulous Serial Killer” for his methodic efforts to conceal his crimes spanning 14 years. Onoprienko became known as the “Beast of Ukraine” after his shocking admission to killing 52 people over a span of 20 years while Nilsen terrorized the United Kingdom in the late 1970s killing several young men. All three were noted by authorities for displaying no observable psychosis and lived parallel normal lives. Serial Psyche is produced by KM+BM Media.
World’s Most Evil Killers “Murderous Son (Stephen Seddon)” – New episode premieres Friday, June 19 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. On the July 6, 2012 in Manchester England 68-year-old Robert Seddon and his wife 65-year-old Patricia were found shot dead at their home. At first glance police thought Robert had killed his wife then committed suicide but forensic evidence revealed a more sinister plot. The murderer was in fact their 45-year-old son Stephen Seddon. Stephen had a history of petty crime and conning people out of money and it made him a millionaire but he was eventually exposed and was sentenced to a year in prison for fraud. Upon his release having lost his millions Stephen thought of a new way to get rich – kill his parents and claim his inheritance. He initially tried to them and his nephew in a car crash in March 2012 but the plan failed so he hatched another more brutal act. Using a shotgun he mercilessly shot his parents dead at their home and staged a murder-suicide scene but he was eventually caught and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Sharing their experiences with the story are BBC reporter Stuart Flinders, Press Association reporter Pat Hurst and Senior Firearms Scientist Andrรฉ Horne. World’s Most Evil Killers is produced by Woodcut Media Ltd.
Top Gun: Behind Closed Doors – New special premieres Sunday, June 21 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Based on real stories told by U.S. Navy fighter pilots Top Gun had it all: rising young stars, daring on-screen action, a love story and the perfect soundtrack. Top Gun catapulted Tom Cruise into super stardom and helped launched the careers of a band of young stars including Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Meg Ryan and Tim Robbins. With mega-producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer at the helm and the visionary eye of director Tony Scott Top Gun put audiences where they’d never been – inside the cockpit of fighter jets through striking aerial footage. Now more than 30 years later and ahead of the highly-anticipated release of its sequel Top Gun: Maverick this Behind Closed Doors is an inside look at the American classic that was almost never made. The movie faced a mountain of challenges including the tragic death of famed stunt pilot Art Scholl during production. Initially dismissed by a number of critics Top Gun made its way into pop culture and became the highest grossing movie of 1986. Behind Closed Doors is produced by Peacock Productions.
Back to the Future: Behind Closed Doors – New special premieres Sunday, June 28 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Considered today to be one of the most successful movies of the 20th century it’s almost impossible to imagine that Back To The Future was rejected more than 40 times by Hollywood studios before finally being made. The unlikely hit spawned two sequels, an animated series, a theme park ride and a musical. It also made household names out of its cast thrusting Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson into the spotlight while solidifying Michael J. Fox as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Back To The Future: Behind Closed Doors tells the inside story of the improbably series of events that got the movie off the ground as the crew grappled with budget overruns, an overly ambitious schedule and unusual casting change that rocked the production. At the time nobody could have predicted the impact the movie would have but it became the highest grossing movie of 1985 and would captivate audiences around the world for generations to come. Behind Closed Doors is produced by Peacock Productions.
What shows are ALREADY cancelled this season? Check the official cancelled shows 2021/2022 list.
What shows are ALREADY renewed for next season? Check the TV shows renewed 2022-2023 list.
About Autopsy: The Last Hours Ofโฆ TV Show
(Albuquerque, NM) Wednesday, May 11, 2021 - REELZ today announced its June 2021 premieres with new stories in original series Autopsy: The Last Hours of... honoring the extraordinary lives of superstars of the stage, music and the big and small screens with stories about the final days of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Grace Kelly, Roger Moore, Sonny Bono, Elizabeth Montgomery, Andy Griffith and Bob Crane. Life, Death & Money returns to reveal the estate battles that swirled around pop culture luminary Stan Lee and the voice of a generation Whitney Houston.
"While Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is ultimately about a beloved star's passing, the stories celebrate their life and applaud their priceless contributions to entertainment. We often hear from viewers who share messages about finding closure in the stories of their favorite stars," said Steve Cheskin, SVP of Programming at REELZ. "The intrigue surrounding the real lives of celebrities shifts focus in Life, Death & Money which is a revealing look at their estates and what happens to a celebrity's intellectual property including everything from song catalogues and unpublished works to deciding who controls a star's hologram for future virtual performances as in the case of Whitney Houston's estate."
The June lineup begins with Robert Earl's Be My Guest making its REELZ premiere with two back-to-back episodes every Sunday in June starting on Sunday, June 6 at 11am ET/ 8am PT with the famed entrepreneur and restaurateur Robert Earl hosting a culinary tour through everything from elegant fine dining hot spots to hole-in-the-wall hidden gems with celebrity guests including Boy George, Wes Craven and Lance Bass sharing their favorite restaurants across America.
Sundays in June also include back-to-back new episodes of Autopsy: The Last Hours of... starting on Sunday, June 6 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT with the story of Andy Griffith followed by Elizabeth Montgomery at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Griffith brilliantly played the small town sheriff and gentle country father in The Andy Griffith Show as well as criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock in 181 episodes of Matlock but his achievements spanned many genres as Griffith also starred in 73 movies and won a Grammy Award(R) for a gospel album. But behind the public face lived a different man who was very private and loved his vices. Did Griffith's secret life play a key role in his demise? Montgomery was one of the most treasured small screen actresses for more than four decades known for starring in Bewitched which ran for eight seasons with Montgomery nominated for nine Emmy Awards(R) and four Golden Globe Awards(R) but she concealed a life- threatening secret. She was diagnosed with colon cancer and died just one month later. Colon cancer should be very straightforward to treat provided it's caught early and the symptoms are wide ranging and easy to recognize so why did Montgomery succumb to the disease so fast?
Sonny Bono was not only the visionary behind one of pop's greatest duos, Sonny and Cher, after the couple split he stayed busy as a restaurateur followed by four years as mayor of Palm Springs and eventually becoming a congressman. He died after crashing head first into a tree while skiing but Bono was known to be an expert skier and had been skiing for decades at the resort where he died. On Sunday, June 13 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Sonny Bono" examines whether something in Bono's medical history could have possibly caused this fatal collision. Immediately following at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT is the story of another shocking celebrity death in Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Bob Crane" but in Crane's case it was a brutal, mysterious and still unsolved murder that took the life of one of the hottest TV actors of 1960s with Crane as the wisecracking lead actor in Hogan's Heroes loved by millions. Now medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter delves into the case using multiple police forensic reports, witness statements and crime scene photographs together with Crane's autopsy in hopes of shedding new light on the murder.
Whitney Houston was the most award-winning female artist of all time who at one point signed a $100 million recording contract and in 1987 alone reportedly earned $44 million. But when she died unexpectedly at just 48 years old in 2012 some reports suggested she was broke and even owed $11 million in unpaid taxes. Whitney Houston: Life, Death & Money on Thursday, June 17 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT details the remarkable story of Houston's estate. Her primary heir and daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown was in the crosshairs of a family feud involving her father Bobby Brown and others but it would all end in tragedy yet again before a heart-dropping reveal about who would ultimately control the Houston estate.
They were the golden voices who exuded charisma and were the epitome of effortless cool for decades. Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were both key members of the A-list group of celebrity friends known as the Rat Pack and the two singers also performed on big and small screens sharing abundant success. But they also shared a love for heavy drinking, smoking and late-night living that took its toll on their health. Sinatra died at 82 years old from a heart attack but what exactly caused his heart to fail? On Sunday, June 20 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Frank Sinatra" looks at his stellar career and the big life event he experienced a decade before his death that could have changed everything for him. Then at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT it's Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Dean Martin" about the singer, comedian and actor who delighted audiences for more than five decades with his music, movie and TV roles. But Martin hid the personal tragedies that haunted him with a lifetime of excess that culminated in an addiction to pain medication. But did Martin have other addictions that played a role in his death?
At 95 years old Stan Lee was the king of comic books earning mega millions but the drama that ensued in the last year of his life put both his well-being and fortune in jeopardy. He was in the superhero business for nearly 80 years and his showmanship helped launch the massively lucrative Marvel Universe and its movies and TV shows with Lee having a hand in creating approximately 60 superheroes including Spiderman, the Hulk, Iron Man and Black Panther. At the time of his death some estimated his estate to be worth $50-70 million. In Stan Lee: Life, Death & Money on Saturday, June 26 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT see what unfolded behind closed doors during the final year of his life as Lee was entangled in a story that rivals the best of Marvel sagas complete with a cast of characters who positioned themselves to take advantage of his declining health and advanced age.
As the swashbuckling and self-assured 007 secret agent James Bond character in seven Bond movies over 12 years Roger Moore made the role his own with an old fashion valor, trademark humor and panache. But in real life Moore suffered from a lifetime of serious health problems. He died of liver cancer at 89 years old and on Sunday, June 27 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Roger Moore" charts a path between the action star image on screen and his medical reality to understand the truth of how he died. The truth is a murky matter in the case of silver screen star Grace Kelly. After rising to fame Kelly left Hollywood to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco and live an intensely private life until a tragic car accident took her life in 1982. With no public death certificate and her royal family remaining silent on any details questions swirled about whether her health played a role in the crash. Now Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Grace Kelly" on Sunday, June 27 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT examines what is known about Kelly's medical history to paint a picture of her health in her final days.
Below is June 2021 programming listed by premiere date and time. Full synopses for every show follow this list.
Sunday, June 6
Robert Earl's Be My Guest at 11am ET/ 8am PT
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Andy Griffith" at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Elizabeth Montgomery" at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Sunday, June 13
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Sonny Bono" at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Bob Crane" at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Thursday, June 17
*NEW* Whitney Houston: Life, Death & Money at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT
Sunday, June 20
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Frank Sinatra" at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Dean Martin" at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Saturday, June 26
*NEW* Stan Lee: Life, Death & Money at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Sunday, June 27
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Roger Moore" at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Grace Kelly" at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Below are detailed descriptions for June 2021 programming listed by premiere date and time:
Robert Earl's Be My Guest Makes Its REELZ Premiere on Sunday, June 6 at 11am ET/ 8am PT. Outrageously charming entrepreneur and restaurateur Robert Earl is a man on a culinary quest. Through New York City's four-star restaurants, the vibrant food truck scene in Los Angeles and hidden gems across America viewers get an intimate tour discovering new food finds. Earl shares his best secrets as he shows viewers the inner workings of the kitchens at each location and prepares specialty dishes for an ultimate VIP dining experience. Robert Earl's Be My Guest is produced by Associated Television International.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Andy Griffith" Premieres on Sunday, June 6 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. On July 3, 2012 the sad news broke that cherished TV star of the 1960s Andy Griffith had died. In a career spanning 70 years he had charmed audiences as an actor, comedian and recording artist. But it was his performance as Sheriff Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show that catapulted him into the hearts of American audiences and made him a household name. Popular for this character's gentle kindness and good humor audiences believed he was their friend and father figure. But the public perception of Griffith was at odds with a darker side not seen on TV. Friends recall a Jekyll and Hyde personality and a man who became increasingly reclusive as he aged. Griffith's death certificate states that he died as a result of a heart attack after years of suffering from other illnesses. Now renowned pathologist and medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter investigates the health story of a man whose private habits and behaviors left him susceptible to heart disease in multiple ways. Though his death at 86 years old may not have come as a surprise what did raise eyebrows was the fact that he was buried in the grounds of his home within four and a half hours of the 911 call alerting the emergency services that he was unresponsive. As part of his investigation Dr. Hunter will uncover whether this bears any significance on the manner in which he died. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Elizabeth Montgomery" Premieres on Sunday, June 6 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Actress Elizabeth Montgomery became a global household name for playing Samantha the nose-twitching witch in the TV series Bewitched. She was born into acting nobility following her father, two-time Oscar(R) nominated Robert Montgomery, into the profession where she built a successful and diverse acting career spanning four decades with four Golden Globe Awards(R) and nine Emmy Award(R) nominations. On May 18, 1995 Elizabeth unexpectedly died at the age of 64 after a short battle with colon cancer. She appeared to only experience six weeks of pain before a biopsy proved her cancer had reached a critical Stage IV having already spread to her liver and lungs with disastrous repercussions. Strangely, it is a disease that should be relatively easy to treat and prevent. This episode investigates and uncovers the tragic and harrowing chain of events that resulted in this much loved star passing away too early. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Sonny Bono" Premieres on Sunday, June 13 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. On January 5, 1998 congressman, restaurateur and recording artist Sonny Bono died after crashing head first into a tree on a family skiing vacation. Born in Detroit to Italian parents Bono was the mastermind behind the iconic pop duo Sonny and Cher and their hit TV show Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour seen by tens of millions of viewers every week. After an acrimonious split from Cher, Bono who was a born risk-taker never looked back as he took on new professional challenges. He went from bit-part actor to restaurateur to mayor of Palm Springs and eventually a highly regarded Republican congressman. There were no witnesses to Bono's fatal accident so in this episode renowned forensic pathologist and medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter uses death investigation reports alongside first-hand accounts of Bono's life to discover what may have caused the 62-year-old expert skier to lose control and crash. Was there something in his medical history or any current treatments that could've contributed to Bono having such a catastrophic crash? Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Bob Crane" Premieres on Sunday, June 13 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. On the afternoon of June 29, 1978 Hogan's Heroes star Bob Crane's body was discovered bludgeoned to death. He was just two weeks away from his 50th birthday. The nation was stunned. Crane's autopsy report stated he died from a blunt force impact to the head that caused massive bleeding and brain injury. There was also a ligature tied around his neck used to strangle him. His murderer has never been found. Hidden away from the adored TV show actor was Crane's darker side including sex addiction and a penchant for filming his own sex tapes. Police found his apartment crammed full of cameras, lights and editing equipment and assumed that one of his tripods was the murder weapon as it was missing from the scene. Their attention quickly turned to John Carpenter who had introduced Crane to the then new video recording technology and who was featured in several of Crane's lewd tapes. Carpenter had fled the scene on the morning of the murder and during their investigation police found blood in his rental car that matched Crane's rare blood type. Authorities believed they had their man. But it would take another 16 years to bring Carpenter to trial when prosecutors believed that new techniques in DNA testing would prove it was blood from Crane. Carpenter professed his innocence throughout. Why would he kill his best friend? If it wasn't Carpenter who was it? Now forensic pathologist and medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter reopens one of Hollywood's most famous cold cases examining more than 700 pages of original police reports together with crime scene photographs and video to answer how Crane died so brutally. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Whitney Houston: Life, Death & Money Premieres on Thursday, June 17 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT. In 2012 internationally acclaimed pop diva and actress Whitney Houston was in the midst of yet another career revival. After finally leaving her tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown in 2007 Houston had just wrapped her latest movie Sparkle and was eager to make new music while maintaining her sobriety. But on the eve of her comeback performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards(R) she was found dead inside the bathtub of her Beverly Hills hotel room. Houston left behind an estate some estimated to be worth more than $20 million but also left behind $11 million in owed taxes. Houston's last will and testament stated that 19-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown was the primary heir but the document had not been updated since Houston made it with Bobby Brown several years prior. Would Bobby Brown pursue conservatorship to control the Houston estate? Would Houston's family step in to ensure Bobbi Kristina Brown inherits what her mother intended? Sadly just three years later, Bobbi Kristina Brown would suffer an almost identical fate as her mother drowning in a bathtub but she was put on life support. The tragedy once again put the Houston estate in limbo. With Bobbi Kristina Brown fighting for her life in a hospital bed the circumstances surrounding her accident would lead to attempted murder accusations, lawsuits and family fights over decisions about her care, money and her mother's final legacy. Life, Death & Money is produced by Buck Productions.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Frank Sinatra" Premieres on Sunday, June 20 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. On May 14, 1998 the world was saddened by news that the legendary singer and actor Frank Sinatra had died. Arguably the most popular entertainer of the 20th century Sinatra had been performing and recording music for more than 60 years by the time of his death from heart attack at 82 years old. With his effortless sense of cool, famously blue eyes and rich voice Sinatra won the hearts of people around the world with his emotional delivery of songs and his charismatic performances on screen. Despite his heartthrob entertainer appeal Sinatra was not immune to the traumas of love. His second marriage to Ava Gardner ended following infidelity and several suicide attempts by Sinatra. He'd begun to drink heavily which would result in a decades long alcohol dependency. He also smoked and had a famously short temper. When he died from a heart attack the causes of his heart failure were clear but surprising considering just a few years prior at 79 years old he was touring frequently and had just released his most successful album ever. Now forensic pathologist and medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter asks if there were events in Sinatra's life that could have prolonged his life and what exactly were the real causes of his heart failure? Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Dean Martin" Premieres on Sunday, June 20 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. On Christmas Day in 1995 Dean Martin aka the "King of Cool" died at the age of 78 leaving behind a five decade legacy in music, movies and television. Martin started life in the limelight as a crooner in local bars and clubs but quickly shot to international stardom as a singer releasing more than 30 albums and in 1964 even knocking The Beatles off the top spot in the charts with his hit rendition of "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes." He started his acting character as one half of the comedy duo "Martin and Lewis" with Jerry Lewis but after 10 years he cut ties and decided to go at it alone. Martin subsequently starred in more than 40 movies from Westerns with John Wayne to Oceans 11 featuring Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. who along with Martin were also members of the A-list group known as the Rat Pack. Dean went on to host his very own TV show The Dean Martin Show which earned him a Golden Globe Award(R). But 50 years in the limelight took its toll on this popular entertainer. He chain smoked his whole life and was a drinking man even using alcohol as a prop and part of his stage persona. During the last eight years of his life his alcohol intake spiraled out of control and he also became dependent on opioid painkillers. He died at the age 78 of respiratory arrest. As a lifelong smoker he developed emphysema and later lung cancer but renowned forensic pathologist and medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter doesn't think this is the whole story. He needs to delve deep into Martin's records to discover whether there was in fact something else going on in his body that contributed to his eventual demise. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Stan Lee: Life, Death & Money Premieres on Saturday, June 26 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. At 95 years old Stan Lee was a comic book legend but despite being touted as a creative genius whose original characters helped launch the multi-billion dollar Marvel movie franchise Lee was no mastermind when it came to money. In fact Lee consistently made ill-advised business decisions that would cost him. While there were failed business ventures and crooked business partners who entered his path one of the worst moneymaking decisions Lee ever made was when he traded up possible future movie profits for a one-time payout from Marvel. This meant that when the Spiderman and Iron Man movies became box-office hits and made billions of dollars Lee didn't get a dime. Despite his financial missteps Lee led a full life well into his 90s working on new characters and doing his famous cameos in more than 60 blockbusters. But in the year prior to his death the late icon's life would play out like a plot in one of his comic books. As soon as his wife Joan of 70 years dies a man named Keya Morgan swoops in to manage his career and finances. Friends accuse Morgan of isolating the elderly star and reports suggest that he had embezzled millions of dollars from Lee's assets. The plot thickens after Lee dies and Morgan is on the run from the law while Lee's only child was on a warpath to recover the money she claims was stolen from her father's $50 million estate. Life, Death & Money is produced by Buck Productions.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Roger Moore" Premieres on Sunday, June 27 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Sir Roger Moore died of liver cancer in 2017 at the age of 89 years old. The famously modest and unassuming British actor had been many people's favorite James Bond. Where Sean Connery had played Bond straight Moore played him for laughs teasing the joke at the role's heart that James Bond was a "secret" agent so familiar that everybody knows his favorite drink. For Moore Bond was a parody or he was nothing. But his swashbuckling and smooth Bond had belied his real life of serious health problems. Moore was not as robust as the movie image of indestructibility suggested. Moore's life story read like a medical textbook with major ailments at every turn starting with near terminal double-pneumonia at the age of five. The son of a south London policeman Moore had been forced to reinvent himself at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art after being told that his cockney accent wouldn't cut it in showbiz. This coupled with his father's advice to remember that success might be short lived fostered in him a sense of life's precariousness. Now renowned forensic pathologist and medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes the details of this fascinating case to unearth the truth behind Moore's death. He had suffered years of ill health and fought three different types of cancer but had somehow made it to the age of 89. Maybe there had been more Bond in Moore than he had let on. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Grace Kelly" Premieres on Sunday, June 27 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. On September 13, 1982 Grace Kelly, Princess Grace of Monaco, drove her old Rover 3500 car off the edge of a mountain road above the famous principality. She died in a hospital the following day at just 52 years old. The crash brought to an end a life lived almost entirely in the public eye first as the iconic star of some of Hollywood's best loved movies and then as the wife of Prince Rainier of Monaco who was ruler of the tiny Mediterranean enclave. In the wake of Kelly's death it proved hard to get at the truth of what had actually happened. A police investigation encountered obstacles and the Palace appeared to close ranks. It was said that Kelly had suffered a stroke at the wheel. With her family history of high blood pressure which was a health condition not thoroughly understood at the time questions swirled about whether this played a role in her death. But what is the truth of Kelly's final hours? Conspiracy theories multiplied in the vacuum left by the Palace's silence but now renowned forensic pathologist and medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes the details of this compelling case to discover the answer. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
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THE QUEEN OF SOUL, BIG BAND BREAKUPS AND MANY MORE COMPELLING NEW STORIES ABOUT MUSIC MARVELS MAKE UP MAY 2021 PREMIERES
Celebrate Aretha Franklin in Three New Original Stories About Her Remarkable Life, the Songs That Made Her a Superstar and Life After Her Legendary Run
Rock Powerhouse Heart Members Roger Fisher, Michael Fisher and Steve Fossen Share Their Stories About the Band's Meteoric Rise and Heartbreaking Fallout in 'Heart: Breaking the Band'
'The Who: Breaking the Band' Unveils the Story of the Original Bad Boys of Rock and the Riotous Behavior On and Off Stage that Accompanied their Ascent to Stardom and Triggered Their Implosion
Bombastic Queen Frontman Freddie Mercury is Revealed in New Documentary 'Freddie Mercury: Inside His Mind' with an In-Depth Look at His Psychological Profile
'Johnny Cash: The Man in Black' Shows the Country Music Icon's Personal Struggles with the Trappings of Fame as a Deeply Religious Man
'Autopsy: The Last Hours of... ' Examines the 60 Year Career of Country Music Star June Carter Cash Along with an Insightful Look at Iconic Vocalist Scott Weiland
The Monumental Battles Over Control for the Estates of Comedy Pioneer Redd Foxx and Rockstar Vocalist Chris Cornell Are the Focus of New Stories in 'Life, Death & Money'
'Meat Loaf: In and Out of Hell' Presents the Story of the Rock Opera and Cult Movie Star While 'Confessions of a Serial Killer: Samuel Little' Investigates the Sinister Serial Killer as Both Make Their U.S. Premieres
(Albuquerque, NM) Wednesday, April 14, 2021 - REELZ today announced its May 2021 premieres led by new music themed original stories about the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, peerless Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and country music legend Johnny Cash along with new stories in original series Breaking the Band, Life, Death & Money and Autopsy: The Last Hours of... May also includes the U.S. premieres of documentaries Confessions of a Serial Killer: Samuel Little about one of the most prolific serial killers in American history and Meat Loaf: In and Out of Hell with the actor and rocker in his own words sharing his life story.
"Our May premieres present the fascinating stories of extraordinary entertainers who dazzle on concert stages, movie screens and in our living rooms on TV from the irreplaceable powerhouse Freddie Mercury to groundbreaking comedian Redd Foxx," said Steve Cheskin, SVP of Programming at REELZ. "Breaking the Band is back with a bang as Heart founding members Roger Fisher and Steve Fossen along with Michael Fisher who was instrumental in the band's success share their personal stories about its magic and misfortune."
Highlighting May premieres are three new original stories about the singular talent and exceptional life of Aretha Franklin who over a 60 year career sold more than 75 million records, won 18 Grammy Awards(R) and became a beloved cultural icon. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... examines the health battles Franklin fought throughout her career from kicking smoking and drinking habits to controlling her diet as well as her long battle with a rare form of pancreatic cancer. In Story of Her Songs see the powerful stories behind three songs that made Franklin the Queen of Soul from her defiant anthem "Respect" to global gospel smash "I Say a Little Prayer" and her incredible 1980s comeback "Sisters are Doin' it for Themselves". In Franklin's monumental career she'd built an estate worth an estimated $80 million. Life, Death & Money explores the story after Franklin's death when a shocking discovery was made regarding her estate. It was revealed that Franklin had three handwritten wills but they contradicted each other and sparked a massive legal quagmire that threatened to tear her family apart. Two additional new stories of Life, Death & Money unpack the messy estate battles that ensued after sensational vocalist Chris Cornell and innovative comedian Redd Foxx died with both artists leaving behind intellectual property potentially worth millions of dollars but with questions about who would manage it.
May premieres include the return of original documentary series Breaking the Band about The Who and Heart as the two bands share similar stories of strained partnerships, clashing artistic visions and tragic battles with drugs but in the case of Heart the intra-band partnerships were real romantic relationships that led to emotional meltdowns and lifelong feuds. In their own words Heart co-founding members Roger Fisher and Steve Fossen along with manager Michael Fisher tell the band's incredible journey through several decades of hits, reinventions, fallouts and the real story behind that infamous on-stage guitar smashing incident that shook the band to its core.
Freddie Mercury successfully transformed himself from a shy and stifled boy into a powerful performer by reimaging himself throughout his life by living as a cast of illustrious characters he created. New original special Freddie Mercury: Inside His Mind features acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. Bob Johnson profiling Mercury's brilliant mind and life experiences to better understand his genius. Also exploring the creative sparks and driving forces of a towering musical talent is new original special Johnny Cash: The Man in Black about the war Johnny Cash waged within himself throughout his career from the dark origins of his destructive streaks and addictions to his radiating responses to troubles.
With their 35 year marriage friends and family say Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash were soulmates but their relationship wasn't without its low points. For June the couple's conflicts added to the untold amounts of stress already experienced by her body after a lifetime of touring and a new Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "June Carter Cash" examines the heart complications that contributed to her passing. The physical and mental toll of performing on the road is viciously compounded when hard drugs and heavy drinking are involved. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... also looks at the tragic case of dynamic vocalist Scott Weiland who was found dead on his tour bus from lethal cocktail of cocaine, ethanol and MDA.
Below is May 2021 programming listed by premiere date and time. Full synopses for every show follows this list.
Saturday, May 1
U.S. Premiere - Confessions of a Serial Killer: Samuel Little at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
Sunday, May 2
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Aretha Franklin" at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
*NEW* Aretha Franklin: Story of Her Songs at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Sunday, May 9
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Scott Weiland" at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
*NEW* Chris Cornell: Life, Death & Money at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Sunday, May 16
*NEW* The Who: Breaking the Band at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
*NEW* Freddie Mercury: Inside His Mind at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Saturday, May 22
*NEW* Red Foxx: Life, Death & Money at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Sunday, May 23
*NEW* Heart: Breaking the Band at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
U.S. Premiere - Meat Loaf: In and Out of Hell at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Thursday, May 27
*NEW* Aretha Franklin: Life, Death & Money at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT
Sunday, May 30
*NEW* Johnny Cash: The Man in Black at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
*NEW* Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "June Carter Cash" at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
Below are detailed descriptions for May 2021 programming listed by premiere date and time:
Confessions of a Serial Killer: Samuel Little Makes Its U.S. Premiere on Saturday, May 1 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Samuel Little claims to have killed up to 93 women across 19 states over a span of four decades with the FBI confirming Little's involvement in 60 murders making his one of the largest proven serial killer cases in U.S. history. With exclusive access to rare and haunting interviews with Little hear the killer himself give chilling details about his crimes and how he chose his victims. Starting at just 17 years old Little was on the wrong side of the law and would go on to be arrested nearly 100 times over his 50-year crime spree. Through insufficient evidence in some cases and complications with witnesses in others Little was able to evade hard justice for years. He'd constantly move to different states and always found himself in the dark underbelly of the cities he lived in. Sharing their experience with Little's case are retired LAPD Homicide Detective Rick Jackson and Detective Darren Versiga who is a key figure in linking Little's confessions to unsolved cases in Mississippi. Viewers will also hear from victims' family members to help paint a portrait of how the barbaric Little became intertwined with the people he preyed on and their experiences of living decades with no answers as to why their loved one was killed and who was responsible. Confessions of a Serial Killer: Samuel Little is a Zandland production for Channel 4. Distributed by BBC Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Aretha Franklin" Premieres on Sunday, May 2 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. In the morning hours of August 16, 2018 Aretha Franklin tragically died. Franklin will endure as one of the world's greatest ever vocalists who performed for more than 50 years with her powerful brand of gospel, soul and pop music. Her genius reached into many diverse genres of music and she wrote and produced some of the most enduring classics of modern times setting the bar for modern vocalists. Renowned for her generosity Franklin stood for civil rights worldwide and gave voice to the struggles of millions of people. A fiercely private woman she overcame her own childhood trauma and had to face tragedy and heartbreak throughout her life as she battled with alcohol, cigarettes and her diet. Franklin was always fiercely determined and she bravely battled the rare but treatable cancer that finally took her life. So how did she come to have this fatal disease? Renowned medical examiner Dr. Michael Hunter investigates and analyzes all of the available evidence including Franklin's medical history and first-hand accounts from her life to find out what caused the deadly cancer that took such an incredible icon's life. Sharing their personal experiences are Franklin's former publicist Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire, family friend Evrod Cassimy and Vince Paul President and Artistic Director of Detroit Music Hall along with insight from music journalists J'na Jefferson and David Nathan. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Aretha Franklin: Story of Her Songs Premieres on Sunday, May 2 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Celebrate the three tracks that cemented the great Aretha Franklin as the indomitable Queen of Soul. We hear from legendary session musicians, producers, journalists and industry experts who witnessed her rise. Starting with her version of the Otis Redding classic "Respect" Franklin records the song in her style and its success launched her to superstar status while also delivering what became a civil rights anthem during a time of great cultural change in 1960s America. Hear from Redding's friend and renowned guitarist Steve Cropper who recalls how Franklin made the song her own in defiant style and what Redding thought of her version. Less than a year later Franklin would build on her gospel foundation and cross over into soul with her sublime rendition of "I Say A Little Prayer". Organist and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section royalty Spooner Oldham shares how he helped Franklin find her groove as she secured her ninth consecutive top 10 hit with Atlantic Records and continued to dominate the Billboard charts topping off her dazzling run of success in the 1960s. More than a decade later a significant change came for Franklin's sound and she started the 1980s with a bang through an empowering pop classic "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves" with Annie Lennox. Hear from multiple Grammy Award(R) winning producer Narada Michael Walden who was enlisted to work his magic on Franklin's 1985 comeback putting her right back on top where she belonged. Reliving these celebrated and signature Franklin anthems we showcase her powerful, raw and uncompromising gift as one of the most influential artists the world has ever seen. Story of Their Songs is produced by is produced by ViacomCBS International Studios UK.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "Scott Weiland" Premieres on Sunday, May 9 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Known affectionately as "The Last Great Rockstar" grunge icon Scott Weiland died on December 3, 2015. The singer and songwriter's death at just 48 years old came suddenly while on the road with his new band The Wildabouts. As the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots and super group Velvet Revolver he famously lived the rockstar lifestyle to the full. As sales skyrocketed he indulged in all the excesses that come with success in the music business all while battling alcoholism and mental illness. At the height of his career he developed a devastating heroin addiction and towards the end of his life his behavior became increasingly unpredictable and erratic. Cited in his autopsy was mixed drug toxicity as the cause of death but notably there was no heroin found in Weiland's system and renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter believes that Weiland's well documented drug use doesn't present the full picture. Now Dr. Hunter investigates the troubled past Weiland lived and discovers a host of traumatic events and dangerous activities in his life story that may have played a role in his sudden and tragic death alone on his tour bus. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Chris Cornell: Life, Death & Money Premieres on Sunday, May 9 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. When grunge rock icon and former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell dies from suicide in middle of a tour in May 2017 the world is caught completely off guard. According to Cornell's will his sole beneficiaries are widow Vicky and their two children along with the Cornell family trust but soon after his untimely death the first of many bitter estate battles would surface. After his death it was estimated Cornell's estate was worth more than $60 million including homes in Rome, Paris and New York as well as vintage sports cars, custom motorcycles, 13 music awards, numerous guitars and what would become the high profile focal point of one estate battle - seven unreleased Soundgarden songs potentially worth millions of dollars. While the biggest fight over money would be between Vicky and surviving members of Soundgarden over the band's unreleased tracks the original feud to make headlines involves Cornell's first wife and former manager Susan Silver who goes to court demanding a piece of his estate seeking money for their daughter Lillian's college tuition. Life, Death & Money is produced by Buck Productions.
The Who: Breaking the Band Premieres on Sunday, May 16 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Legendary English rock band The Who sold more than 100 million records in a career that spans six decades. As they were propelled to fame in the early 1960s they redefined youth culture with their aggressive antics on stage and off. With Pete Townshend's stellar guitar playing, Roger Daltrey's signature voice and the drug fueled capers of its unique drummer Keith Moon and John Entwistle on bass The Who produced a stream of hits that made them household names worldwide. But with fame came conflict between Townshend and Daltrey as they tussled for control of the band. And with global superstardom came massive excess which ended in Moon's tragic death in 1978. Somehow the remaining members managed to keep going until they split in 1982. Still, the magic and surprisingly the disfunction that birthed The Who drew them back together as they have since reformed and the two remaining members Townshend and Daltrey play on and are still touring today. Sharing his personal experiences having spent more than 20 years as the band's keyboard player John 'Rabbit' Bundrick tells viewers exactly what it was like to see Townshend and Daltrey clash including on the decision to hire him to play. Also providing insight from 16 years as production manager for The Who is John Wolff who sheds light on the tensions between the band and managers Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp. Breaking the Band is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Freddie Mercury: Inside His Mind Premieres on Sunday, May 16 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Freddie Mercury was an unparalleled frontman with a complex personality notable for being bombastic yet shy, excessive yet humble, exalted yet lonely. His hedonistic lifestyle captivated fans and the press while his creative genius saw him top the charts with several hit records as the lead singer for Queen. But hiding behind his carefully crafted public persona was a tumultuous inner life that very few witnessed. With more than 30 years spent psychologically profiling the most complex minds from world leaders to notorious serial killers acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. Bob Johnson unpacks one of the most marvelous and misunderstood musical minds in pop history with an intimate look at Mercury's life. Freddie Mercury: Inside His Mind examines the wondrous world Mercury built for himself through creating multiple personas that he used to manage vulnerabilities that afflicted him since he was a child. Combined with personal stories from those who knew and worked with Mercury including childhood friends, his personal assistant for more than a decade Peter Freestone and road manager Peter Hince hear in Mercury's own words his struggle with creating and maintaining alternate personas including finding himself lost in the ravenous indulgences of excessive sex and drugs. Freddie Mercury: Inside His Mind is produced by Honey Bee.
Redd Foxx: Life, Death & Money Premieres on Saturday, May 22 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. This is the story of how pioneering comedian Redd Foxx not only hustled his way into TV stardom but also the long-running and secretive battle he faced with the IRS that resulted in a heated family estate war. In the 1970s Foxx became a TV staple in homes across America when he starred as Fred Sanford in the hit comedy sitcom Sanford and Son. By the time he died at the age of 68 Foxx had done it all conquering the comedy world with stand-up records and TV specials as well as headlining major Las Vegas shows all while becoming a bonafide TV actor, producer, and entrepreneur. At the height of his career Foxx was making millions but by his death in 1991 he was technically broke. In fact reports claim Foxx was deep in the red owing approximately $3.6 million to the IRS which was substantially less than the $11 million the media initially reported he was worth. It would take years for Foxx's estate to try and pay back the late icon's debts and it's ultimately his posthumous payment plan that lands his widow Ka Ho Cho and his adopted daughter Debraca Foxx into a bitter family estate battle nearly 15 years later. Life, Death & Money is produced by Buck Productions.
Heart: Breaking the Band Premieres on Sunday, May 23 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. Heart co-founders Steve Fossen and Roger Fisher along with his brother and band manager Michael Fisher reveal the remarkable story of the band's journey to success and how sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson joined the group and changed rock history. Renowned for 1970s hits "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda" the story of Heart includes an intra-band double love story sibling soap opera that ended in explosive breakups that blew apart the original band's dream. But as the Fisher brothers and Fossen explain it wasn't just twisted love triangles and a series of infidelities that broke the band there were also creative clashes, burnout and soaring egos that took their toll. The downfall of the original Heart left Ann and Nancy free to take the band into the cutthroat world of mainstream rock super stardom where they would reinvent themselves with different band members leading to their 1980s power ballads including the chart topping "Alone". It's said time heals all wounds but in the case of a broken Heart the bitterness of the breakup would last decades even as the original band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame they would only perform one song together and hear from the Fisher brothers how even a simple group photo was an insurmountable feat. Breaking the Band is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Meat Loaf: In and Out of Hell Makes Its U.S. Premiere on Sunday, May 23 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. An intimate look at the wild ride to the top taken by the multi-platinum artist who also acted in cult classics Rocky Horror Picture Show, Wayne's World and Fight Club hear Meat Loaf in his own words share his life story. From his early life growing up in Dallas Texas to his continuing career as singer and entertainer for more than 40 years hear Marvin Lee Aday aka Meat Loaf describe the challenges of having an abusive father, his pursuit of the rock and roll dream, the fantastic career comeback he staged and the events that birthed his epic and one-of-a-kind name. The documentary also delves into his rollercoaster relationship with writer Jim Steinman who crafted several of the rocker's best songs and albums and the clashes that nearly derailed Meat Loaf's career. Viewers will also hear from Tim Curry sharing his experience working with Meat Loaf on the set of Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as producer Todd Rundgren who reveals what it was like to work on the album "Bat Out of Hell" which would go on to sell more than 34 million copies. Meat Loaf: In and Out of Hell is a Telescop production for BBC.
Aretha Franklin: Life, Death & Money Premieres on Thursday, May 27 at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT. When the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin died in 2018 her estate was worth as much as $80 million by some estimates with assets including 25 gold records, 18 Grammy Awards(R), her red grand piano and five homes worth approximately $25 million. Dying as a resident of Michigan meant that under state law Franklin's fortune would be distributed evenly amongst her four surviving sons. It would also provide them with equal responsibility to cover a $6.8 million tax lien Franklin owed by the IRS. Everything felt peaceful and fair in the family until Franklin's niece and the estate's appointed executor Sabrina Owens made the shocking discovery that Franklin had left behind not one but three handwritten wills. Digging up nearly illegible wills in odd places such as in between couch cushions meant a big problem for the family as every will had conflicting final wishes for her sons and how to handle her intellectual property. Life, Death and Money is produced by Buck Productions.
Johnny Cash: The Man in Black Premieres on Sunday, May 30 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. With more than 19 million records sold over an illustrious career Johnny Cash was one of the most accomplished and influential artists of the 20th century. But he was also one of the most self-destructive and deeply conflicted with roots from a religious upbringing that would collide with the temptations of fame. Through rare archive interviews hear Cash in his own words describing how much he despised drugs and their consequences on his own life but how cravings of addition crushed him. Torn between his faith and the spoils of superstardom Johnny Cash: The Man in Black is the story of a man at war with himself that examines his origins of his notorious propensity for darkness and the traumatic life experiences that vexed him. Sharing her experiences of her father is Roseanne Cash who discusses life growing up on the family farm and watching her father fall in love with music and her mother Vivian as well as his descent into depravity from heavy drug abuse. Cash's friend Johnny Western and sister-in-law Joanne Cash Yates also share their stories of the man in black along with addition commentary from Michael Darlow who directed Cash's concert at San Quentin prison. Johnny Cash: The Man in Black is produced by ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... "June Carter Cash" Premieres on Sunday, May 30 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Born in Maces Spring Virginia on June 23, 1929 and hailing from the first family of country music June Carter Cash embodied the sound of the Appalachian mountains. Her mother Maybelle Carter was a part of the Carter Family music act who made some of the first ever country music recordings in the 1920s. A singer, songwriter, musician and author the Grammy Award(R) winning June had a career spanning 60 years after shooting to fame at just 10 years old performing with her mother and two sisters. Despite her enormous success it was her tumultuous 35 year marriage to country music legend Johnny Cash that dominated her life and took its toll as the relationship was full of chaos from infidelities and arrests to scandals and drugs. On May 15, 2003 June Carter Cash died in a Nashville hospital following complications from a heart surgery procedure that has a low mortality rate. In this episode renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter analyzes Carter records and first-hand accounts from June's sister-in-law Joanne Cash Yates and friends Johnny Western and Vicky Hamilton to determine exactly why her heart failed after the procedure. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Autopsy: The Last Hours of... reveals the truth behind the controversial and mysterious deaths of global icons and people whose untimely deaths were often surrounded by scandal and intense media attention. Reconstructions of their final hours are based on crucial medical evidence from the actual autopsies and interviews with friends and family shed light on the events that led to death - finally putting an end to the mystery. In new episodes viewers will see the final days and events of Richard Pryor, Chris Farley, Bernie Mac, Patrick Swayze, Janis Joplin and Sharon Tate. Autopsy: The Last Hours of... is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
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