DISCOVERY NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL CAPTURES EMPOWERING AND ASTONISHING FAMILY REUNIONS IN NEW SERIES, ‘SEPARATED AT BIRTH’
June 8, 2015
(London, June 8, 2015)- Discovery Networks International (DNI) today announced the commissioning of SEPARATED AT BIRTH, a new documentary series following the emotional and surprising stories of families reunited years after being adopted, abandoned, stolen or switched at birth. Produced by CTVC, the 7x60' series will air on DNI's factual entertainment and lifestyle channels from 2016.
SEPARATED AT BIRTH will reveal unprecedented access to personal and heartwarming stories, from serendipitous reunions to yearlong searches for loved ones. Contributors will reveal shocking accounts, including stories of abandonment at birth, secret siblings, and reuniting with parents after being kidnapped as a baby. These unbelievable personal anecdotes elevate family reunion television to a higher standard of excitement and sentiment.
SEPARATED AT BIRTH will follow the very real and very raw drama as empowered characters journey to reunite with their blood relatives, many of whom they never knew existed. As contributors lead viewers through their own compelling stories, the emotions and anticipation will build with each revelatory twist. The series will use a unique mix of observational documentary and user generated footage to add a contemporary twist to family reunion television and unveil the contributors' journeys in real-time.
"This ambitious series is unlike anything Discovery Networks International has ever commissioned and each story will captivate viewers around the world with its own natural jeopardy, astounding discoveries and authentic emotion," said Sarah Thornton, Vice President Factual Entertainment Production & Development, DNI.
"While many of the circumstances surrounding these stories are unimaginable to most, SEPARATED AT BIRTH proves that strength and determination can result in life-changing moments and we hope viewers around the world are compelled by the journeys that unfold across the series."
SEPARATED AT BIRTH was commissioned by Sarah Thornton, Mark Procter is the executive producer for DNI, and Phil Craig is the executive vice president and chief creative officer for Discovery Networks International. Leonie Hutchinson is the executive producer for CTVC.
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Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 pay-TV programmer reaching nearly 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. For 30 years Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying curiosity and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its global television brands, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science and Turbo/Velocity, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery controls Eurosport, the leading pan-regional sports entertainment destination across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.