Upfronts 2017: OWN Orders Docu Series ‘Released,’ ‘Checking Inn’

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will add two new documentary series to its Saturday night lineup, network officials said.

The series include Released, which is executively produced by Winfrey and chronicles the lives of formerly incarcerated men and women, said the network. Checking Inn follows former Essence Magazine editor-in-chief Monique Greenwood and her successful Bed & Breakfast business, said OWN officials.

Checking Inn is produced Trooper Entertainment and Lionsgate Television and executively produced by David Caplan (Monica The Medium), while Lucky 8 TV produces Released, said OWN.

“OWN’s Saturday night lineup features entertaining and thought-provoking docu-series focused around conversations our audience is having in their everyday lives,” said Erik Logan, OWN president in a statement. “We think both of these shows will connect with our viewers and we’re pleased to be able to continue to serve up great new content.” 

OWN will officially present the two shows tomorrow morning as part of Discovery Communications' upfront presentation. 

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.