TCA16: Nat Geo To Team with Katie Couric for Gender-Themed Documentary

Read More TCA '16 summer tour coverage 

National Geographic Channel and Katie Couric Media will develop a two-hour documentary, Gender Revolution, the network said Saturday during its Television Critics Association summer tour session.

The porject, Gender Revolution, will take an in-depth look at the role of genetics, brain chemistry and modern culture on gender, said Nat Geo. The film will examine how gender has been viewed across centuries by ancient civilizations, and the surprisingly different approaches to gender around the world today.

“This show will explore the roles of science, politics, and culture on gender, giving viewers a greater understanding of what is becoming a rapidly evolving issue,” said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Global Networks.  “We’re proud to partner with Katie and her talented production team to play a part in breaking down the complexities of gender identity.

The network also announced that it has acquired the worldwide rights the to the untitled climate change feature documentary produced by filmmaker Fisher Stevens and actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

The film presents an informative and engaging account of how society can prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and communities across the globe.

National Geographic plans to release the film theatrically in New York and Los Angeles this October followed by a global premiere on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries in 45 languages preceding the U.S. election in November, said Nat Geo.

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.