WGN Sets Two Unscripted Series

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

WGN will venture into the original unscripted series arena with the 2015 debut of two shows, Outlaw Country and Wrestling With Death.

Outlaw Country, which debuts Feb. 24 with seven original episodes, will follow the crime fighting exploits of Missouri law enforcement brothers Steve and Mike Cook, said network officials. The one-hour docudrama is executively produced by Erik Bischoff and Jason Hervey for Bischoff Hervey Entertainment, said network officials.

Wrestling With Death follows the Arkansas-based Latham family who serve as morticians by day and professional wrestlers by night. The 12-episode series will premiere Jan. 13 and is executively-produced by Leftfield Pictures’ Brent Montgomery and David George (Pawn Stars). 

The unscripted series join WGN America’s scripted series Salem, Manhattan and Ten Commandments.

R. Thomas Umstead
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.