A&E Sets ‘Undercover High’ Documentary Series

A&E in October will provide a glimpse into high school life with a new documentary series Undercover High.

The series, which premieres Oct. 10, will follow seven young adults who embed themselves for a semester in Topeka, Kansas’ Highland Park High School to provide an inside look at what it’s like to be a teenager today, said network officials.

Undercover High will also feature a special half-hour conversation with participants and experts immediately following the premiere for a deeper dive into the topics raised within the episode, said the network. A&E will also roll out an accompanying short-form series touching on topical issues facing teens and parents today. 

Undercover High is produced by Lucky 8 TV (60 Days In), via its subsidiary Learning Tree Productions, with Gregory Henry, Kimberly Woodard, Jeff Grogan, Kelly McClurkin, Charlie Marquardt, Amy Goodman Kass. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro, Brad Holcman and Molly Ebinger all serving as executive producers on the 12-episode series. 

Undercover High serves as an important addition to A&E’s current line-up of honest, raw and boundary-pushing non-fiction programming,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, A&E Network executive vice president and head of pogramming in a statement. “Our goal is that through this unparalleled access, viewers are transported back to high school to prompt important conversations about the issues our youth faces today. We are so grateful to the Topeka school officials, students and the parents for their continued support.”


R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.