A&E NETWORK TO PREMIERE ORIGINAL NONFICTION SERIES “THE UNTOLD STORY” FEATURING AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST ELIZABETH VARGAS
VARGAS SHINES A LIGHT ON TIMELY STORIES INCLUDING A NEW INVESTIGATION INTO THE JONBENET RAMSEY CASE, CHILD BRIDES IN AMERICA, AND THE RISE OF DATING APP CRIMES BEGINNING THURSDAY, APRIL 11
New York, NY— March 21, 2019— A&E Network will premiere original nonfiction series, “The Untold Story,” partnering with award-winning journalist Elizabeth Vargas beginning Thursday, April 11 and airing over five consecutive weeks. Utilizing Vargas’ background in investigative reporting, the collection of premium nonfiction episodes will take an unfiltered look at the often-unseen stories of people and events that have had a profound impact on our modern culture and society.
Upcoming episodes in the series include:
Hunting JonBenét’s Killer: The Untold Story—Thursday, April 11 at 9pm ET/PT
Elizabeth Vargas takes a fresh look at the most notorious cold case murder in American history. By tracking down new leads and with new DNA tests, this episode takes a deeper dive in hopes of bringing peace to the Ramsey family. Featuring an exclusive interview with John Ramsey, as well as many never-before-seen photos, the documentary also pursues numerous “intruder theories” of the crime. Vargas and retired FBI agent Robert Clark investigate the possibility that the killer may have ties to a group that believed in extra-terrestrial life and the end of the world. Watch a preview.
“Hunting JonBenét’s Killer: The Untold Story” is produced for A&E Network by Indigo Films. Executive producers for Indigo Films are David M. Frank and David Tomasini. Miguel Sancho, David Doss, and Amy Savitsky serve as executive producers for A&E Network with Elizabeth Vargas serving as Producer.
Sex for Sale: The Untold Story—Thursday, April 18 at 9pm ET/PT
Elizabeth Vargas explores the inner workings of the new sex trade which relies on the internet to tap into a huge demand for sex, intimacy and companionship. This unfiltered look at the secrets, rules and specialties of the sex industry takes viewers on a revealing journey through immersive character-driven portraits of a male escort who promotes himself on social media as the “ultimate boyfriend experience” for women, a grad student-turned-millionaire who, in her live video streams, caters to the unusual fetishes of men she’ll never meet, a woman capitalizing on the benefits of new motherhood, a so-called “naughty lifestyle” mogul who helps couples explore their wildest desires and young women who have sugar daddies they’ve met online pay for their tuition, days at the spa, luxurious travel and more. These entrepreneurs give in-depth details on how they made a living by using the internet to sell sex.
“Sex for Sale: The Untold Story” is produced for A&E Network by Karga Seven Pictures, a Red Arrow Studios company, with Sarah Wetherbee, Emre Sahin, Kelly McPherson, Jason Wolf and Peta Peterson as executive producers for Karga Seven Pictures. Brad Abramson, David Doss, and Amy Savitsky serve as executive producers for A&E Network with Elizabeth Vargas serving as Producer.
I Was a Child Bride: The Untold Story—Thursday, April 25 at 9pm ET/PT
In America, a shocking number of teenage girls are forced into marriages against their will because of legal loopholes in most states. Many believe this only happens in developing countries, but in the past 15 years, an estimated 200,000 girls have been forced into marriage in the US. In this in-depth two-hour documentary episode, Elizabeth Vargas 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.
“I Was a Child Bride: The Untold Story” is produced for A&E by Sirens Media, an ITV America company. Executive Producers for Sirens Media are Jessica Sebastian-Dayeh, Jordana Hochman, and Sara Nichols. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Brad Abramson, David Doss, Evan Lerner, and Amy Savitsky serve as Executive Producers for A&E Network with Elizabeth Vargas serving as Producer and Miguel Sancho as Consulting Producer.
Vanished in Paradise: The Untold Story—Thursday, May 2, at 9pm ET/PT
Elizabeth Vargas explores the mysterious disappearance of Hannah Upp, a 32-year-old teacher from Oregon, who vanished in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017 in the chaotic days between two category five hurricanes. While many questions remain about what might have happened to Hannah, her family and friends have reason to believe that she may be lost with no idea who she is, wandering in what doctors call a “Fugue State”– a rare form of temporary amnesia. Vargas will help retrace Hannah’s last known steps by sifting through clues from her past as well as speaking with Hannah’s mother, friends and law enforcement who are still actively searching for her.
“Vanished in Paradise: The Untold Story” is produced for A&E Network by Lincoln Square Productions. Executive producer for Lincoln Square Productions is Jeanmarie Condon with producers Eileen Murphy, Misha Rezvi and Ben Newman. Brad Abramson, David Doss, and Amy Savitsky serve as executive producers for A&E Network with Elizabeth Vargas serving as producer.
Dating App Horrors: The Untold Story—Thursday, May 2, at 10pm ET/PT
Dating apps have become an increasingly popular way for people to connect. In this one-hour episode, Elizabeth Vargas examines the largely unregulated dating app industry and explores the risks of dating online, which in some rare cases have led to assault, rape and even murder. Vargas explores this topic through interviews with lawyers, detectives and advocates, who all hope that discussing this development will prevent future experiences and protect users. “Dating App Horrors: The Untold Story” is produced for A&E Network by Lincoln Square Productions. Executive producer for Lincoln Square Productions is Jeanmarie Condon with producers Siobhan Nolan O’Driscoll and Ben Newman. Brad Abramson, David Doss, and Amy Savitsky serve as executive producers for A&E Network with Elizabeth Vargas serving as producer.
Secret Life of a Gang Girl: The Untold Story—Thursday, May 9, at 9pm ET/PT
Is gang violence being propelled by social media? In this episode, Vargas investigates how and why young gang members’ internet feuds are erupting into real-world shootings. Focusing on the notorious life and tragic death of one legendary teenage female gang assassin in Chicago with a strong social media presence, Vargas explores how there may be a hidden pattern in the social media footprints of gang members, which can be used to help to identify potential real-world conflicts and help to stem the violence.
“Secret Life of a Gang Girl: The Untold Story” is produced by A+E Originals for A&E Network. Executive producers for A+E Originals are Kristy Sabat and Steve Ascher. Miguel Sancho, David Doss, Brad Abramson, and Amy Savitsky serve as executive producers for A&E Network with Elizabeth Vargas serving as Producer.
The Untold Story was previously titled A&E Investigates.