Shatner, Isaak bring talk shows to Bio Channel
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Bio Channel said Wednesday it is expanding its original programming slate with four new series, including a Chris Isaak-hosted talk show and William Shatner's previously announced interview series.
The network, formerly known as the Biography Channel, said "The Chris Isaak Hour" will feature performances by mainstream musical artists. Isaak, famed for such tunes as "Wicked Game" and "Baby's Done a Bad Thing," previously had his own comedy series, "The Chris Isaak Show," at Showtime.
"Shatner's Raw Nerve," which premieres August 19, will be an "edgy and offbeat celebrity interview series," Bio promised. Guests will include Shatner's former "Star Trek" crewmate Leonard Nimoy, Jon Voight, Jimmy Kimmel, Judge Judy, Jenna Jameson, Kelsey Grammer and Valerie Bertinelli.
The other two new series are police-themed: "Female Forces," which follows female officers in a Chicago suburb, and "Why I Ran," which interviews drivers who have led police on high-speed car chases.
Bio also is bringing "I Survived ..." back for a second season. The show interviews people who have survived life-threatening situations.
"Biography," meanwhile, is returning with new episodes featuring Tyler Perry, Eddie Murphy and Mel Gibson, among others.
Meanwhile, sister channel A&E is planning to broadcast a live episode of "Criss Angel Mindfreak" in the show's upcoming fourth season. The season begins July 23. The hourlong live episode, airing a week later, will feature Angel attempting to escape from a six-story building that is set to explode.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
