David Duchovny to Investigate Real-Life ‘X-Files’ for History, Tyler Perry Teams Up With Lifetime
The truth is out there, and David Duchovny is going to find it. The actor, filmmaker and podcaster is now moving into documentary series — hosting and producing new History Channel series Secrets Declassified.
Now this ten-part project, one of a dizzying number of programming announcements at Wednesday’s A+E Global Media upfront, isn’t specifically described as a real-life X-Files. But let’s call them like we see them. The show promises to reveal the latest evidence behind “the government’s most secretive, strange and mind-blowing activities that have been declassified throughout history.”
“I’ve always been drawn to explorations of the more complicated aspects of our lives, leaning into conversations that dig below the surface and unlock a more interesting story,” Duchovny said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to be executive producing and hosting a new History Channel series that’s not afraid to go there. We’re telling the incredible stories of government secrets that have only recently come to light. This series proves that secrets can be uncovered, and mysteries can still be unraveled.”
Each episode will find Duchovny focusing on a different topic, speaking with different experts. Subjects include the real-life story behind Argo and the mystery of the Area 51 conspiracy. Mulder would approve.
Henry Winkler, Mike Wolfe and Ving Rhames have also gotten orders for their own History series, but the second biggest A+E news is over at Lifetime. That’s where the endlessly prolific Tyler Perry has inked another programming deal. His Tyler Perry Studios is teaming up with Steve Michaels’ Pantheon Media Group to develop a slate of unscripted projects spanning multiple genres and platforms across Lifetime and sister network A&E.
“Tyler Perry’s unique ability to craft stories that deeply connect with audiences is unparalleled,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and head of programming for A&E, Lifetime and LMN. “We are thrilled to welcome Tyler Perry to the A+E family and cannot wait to see the incredible content Tyler Perry Studios and Pantheon will bring to A+E Global Media.”
Lifetime also has a bit of a booking coup with the Judds. Both Wynonna Judd and Ashley Judd are participating in a four-hour documentary series about their family and late mother Naomi. Directed by Alexandra Dean, The Judd Family: Truth Be Told will premiere over two nights: May 10 and 11. In other Lifetime news, there’ll also be a new original movie starring Gabourey Sidibe. The extremely Lifetime-y titled Give Me Back My Daughter drops April 5.
And because no discussion of the A+E mothership would be complete without talk of a reality show with 300-plus episodes to its credit, Storage Wars is coming back. The series, which focuses on the exploitative storage industry’s habit of auction off the contents of unpaid lockers to strangers.
This 16th season may be tied for the shortest, coming in at only 10 episodes, but it the episodes will run double the length — increasing from 30 minutes to a full hour. With commercials, of course.
