TCA16: A&E Renews ‘Born This Way’

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Pasadena, Calif -- A&E Network will renew its original docu-series Born This Way, the network announced Wednesday at the Television Critics Association press tour.

The series, which follows a group of seven young adults born with Down syndrome, grew across all of its demos during its first season with adults 25-54 and total viewers up 83% and adults 18-49 up 72%, said network officials.

Born This Way is produced by Bunim-Murray Productions (I Am Cait).

“We have been overwhelmed and moved by the feedback we’ve received for Born This Way from viewers, as well as people with disabilities and their family members.” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President & Head of Programming, A&E Network.  "It's rare to be able to present a show that changes the way we see the world; we believe Born This Way is one of those shows."

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.