Octavia Spencer is behind an FBI-focused series with the working title Feds for ID and Discovery Plus. The series features exclusive access to FBI agents and will detail high-profile, dangerous and unusual cases. There will be six episodes. 

Spencer’s films include Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water, and her TV projects have included Mom and Apple TV Plus series Truth Be Told. 

"When we partnered with Octavia, we knew her passion for telling unique and powerful stories would bring our audience inside exciting new worlds of true crime storytelling,” said Jason Sarlanis, Discovery president of crime and investigative content, linear and streaming. "Delivering unprecedented access, Feds goes deep inside the FBI to reveal gripping, behind-the-scenes accounts of high-profile stories from the active federal agents who lived them firsthand, and we know ID's viewers are going to love this groundbreaking approach."

Investigations on the program include the FBI infiltrating MS-13 in Boston and taking down a massive drug empire in Florida. Spencer is executive producer on the project and founder of Orit Entertainment.

“A big part of my excitement about our partnership with ID was the opportunity to bring incredible stories to true-crime fans from an entirely new perspective. Feds is genuinely unique. As viewers, we have never been as inside the case as we are in this series,” said Spencer. “Being a true-crime follower myself, speaking to active special agents with the FBI has been a thrill, and I could not be more excited to share Feds with the ID audience.”

Executive producers for Feds include Brian Clisham and Stephanie Kluf on behalf of Orit Entertainment, and Gillian Pachter and Matt Robins for October Films. Orit previously partnered with ID and Discovery Plus, along with October Films, on Highway 20 (wt), which begins with the case of a missing 13-year-old girl and spirals into a decades-long true-crime odyssey.

ID (Investigation Discovery) is part of Warner Bros. Discovery. ■

Henry Schleiff, who got credit for the fast growth of Discovery’s Investigation Discovery network, will be leaving the company at the end of the year.

Discovery said that Jason Sarlanis has been promoted to president, crime & investigative content, linear and streaming, effective Sept. 1. Sarlanis had been senior VP, development at TLC. He will report to Kathleen Finch, Discovery’s chief lifestyle brands officer.

Kevin Bennett, another Discovery veteran who had been group executive VP, programming and general manager for ID, is also leaving the company in September.

Howard Lee, president of TLC streaming and network originals, will add Travel Channel to his responsibilities. The network had been in the same group as ID, overseen by Schleiff.

The changes come as Discovery prepares to merge with WarnerMedia, which is being spun off by AT&T.

Discovery said Schleiff has a first look production deal with the Discovery networks.

Before joining Discovery, Schleiff ran Crown Media Holding. Previously he was CEO of CourtTV. He also held management posts at Studios USA, Viacom International and HBO.

At TLC Sarlanis led the expansion of the 90 Day Fiancé universe with shows like Before the 90 Days, The Other Way, Darcey & Stacey and The Family Chantel. He also worked on sMothered, UnExpected, I Love a Mama’s Boy, My Feet Are Killing Me and such family docusoaps as Welcome to Plathville, 1000-lb Sisters, and Doubling Down with the Derricos.

Before Discovery, Sarlanis was VP, alternative series and specials at ABC. Before that he worked on Keeping Up with the Karashians at E! Entertainment.

“Jason is a brilliant content creator and an exceptionally smart strategist, so putting him in charge of the crime and investigative group is the right move,” said Finch. “He is one of our most insightful, creative and passionate storytellers and his skillset is an ideal complement to the work we’re doing in this genre. His forward-looking leadership and track record with hits like Keeping Up With the Kardashians and the 90 Day Fiancé juggernaut is exactly what we need as we expand our crime content on both linear and Discovery Plus.”

Season three of True Conviction, which sees homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi investigate how top prosecutors get convictions on difficult cases, is on Investigation Discovery (ID) Dec. 30. The season starts with “Shattered Home,” in which an unknown assailant shoots a 32-year-old mother in her bedroom but leaves her husband alone. 

There are 10 episodes. 

Also Read: ID Expands Collaboration with Author James Patterson

“The series explores the real-life stories of how homicides are solved on the street but won in the courtroom,” said ID. “With more than two decades of experience in the judicial system, no one knows the delicate dance between arrest and conviction better than Nicolazzi.”

In each episode, Nicolazzi relives the crime with the detectives who were on the scene. 

The season premiere, which ID calls a “special sneak peek,” airs at 11 p.m. ET Dec. 30. The show moves into the Wednesdays-at-10 slot the following week. 

B&C has partnered with always-on TV ad measurement and attribution company iSpot.tv to bring you a weekly chart we call Promo Mojo: exclusive data showing the top five TV promos ranked by ad impressions. Our data covers the seven-day period through Sept. 6.

On the strength of 248.6 million TV ad impressions, a promo for Discovery and its siblings — including HGTV, Food Network, OWN and Investigation Discovery (“Whatever you’re into,” an announcer declares, “it’s on the Discovery family of networks”) — tops our chart.

With the exception of NBC, which stirs up some excitement for new fall drama Transplant in second place, our ranking is filled with more cable networks: MTV in third for Teen Mom 2, Disney Channel in fourth for a bunch of its shows including Amphibia and Jessie, and ID in fifth for Crimes Gone Viral.

Notably, the Crimes Gone Viral spot has the highest iSpot Completion Rate (98.85) in our ranking, meaning viewers were on average highly likely to watch it all the way through (vs. interrupting it by changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV).

1) Discovery family of networks, Discovery Inc.

Impressions: 248,558,129

Completion Rate: 98.76

Attention Index: 101 (1% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 96%, Local 3%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $1,184,345

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

2) Transplant, NBC

Impressions: 226,718,253

Completion Rate: 98.30

Attention Index: 104 (4% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 86%, Local 12%, VOD/OTT 2%

In-network Value: $3,273,968

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $532,165

3) Teen Mom 2, MTV

Impressions: 217,046,523

Completion Rate: 97.66

Attention Index: 118 (18% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 84%, Local 15%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $2,511,970

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $47,808

4) Various shows, Disney Channel

Impressions: 207,177,468

Completion Rate: 97.39

Attention Index: 105 (5% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 96%, Local 2%, VOD/OTT 2%

In-network Value: $1,944,345

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $1,401

5) Crimes Gone Viral, Investigation Discovery

Impressions: 189,508,375

Completion Rate: 98.85

Attention Index: 111 (11% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 98%, Local 1%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $876,747

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

*Data provided by iSpot.tv, TV Ad Measurement for Disruptive Brands*

Impressions - The total impressions within all US households including National Linear (Live & Time-shifted), VOD+OTT, and Local.

Attention Score - Measures the propensity of consumers to interrupt an ad play on TV. The higher the score, the more complete views. Actions that interrupt an ad play include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV.

Attention Index - Represents the Attention of a specific creative or program placement vs. the average in its respective industry. The average is represented by a score of 100, and the total index range is from 0 through 200. For example, an attention index of 125 means that there are 25% fewer interrupted ad plays compared to the average.

Imp. Types - Impression types tracked include National (Live + Time-shifted), Local, VOD & OTT. See below for further details.

In-network Value - Estimated media value of in-network promos.

Out-of-network Spend - The estimated amount spent on TV airing time for this promo's spots during a given date range.

National: Live - A national promo which was viewed during live linear television broadcast or same day, via DVR or on-demand.

Local - A promo that was aired during a local ad break slot.

VOD - This includes promos that run in on-demand content past three days (i.e. do not contain the linear promo load)

OTT - On-demand streaming content (i.e. Hulu, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast).

B&C has partnered with always-on TV ad measurement and attribution company iSpot.tv to bring you a weekly chart we call Promo Mojo: exclusive data showing the top five TV promos ranked by ad impressions. Our data covers the seven-day period through Aug. 30.

On the strength of 947 million TV ad impressions, an MTV promo for the 2020 Video Music Awards is No. 1 for the second week in a row.

Two traditional broadcasters make our cut, with NBC drumming up excitement for new medical drama Transplant in second place and CBS hyping the return of Love Island in fifth, while in third place Discovery and its siblings — including HGTV, Food Network, OWN and Investigation Discovery — promote a range of lifestyle programming (“Whatever you’re into, it’s on the Discovery family of networks,” an announcer says). ID also takes fourth place to promote The 93 Victims of Samuel Little.

Related: MTV's VMAs Most Social TV Event Since Super Bowl

Notably, the Discovery family spot has the highest iSpot Attention Score (95.60) in our ranking, meaning viewers were on average more likely to watch it all the way through (vs. interrupting it by changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV).

1) 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, MTV

Impressions: 947,031,800

Attention Score: 88.41

Attention Index: 60 (40% more interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 91%, Local 8%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $10,256,487

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $1,104,034

2) Transplant, NBC

Impressions: 261,878,180

Attention Score: 85.71

Attention Index: 48 (52% more interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 93%, Local 6%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $2,626,899

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $1,347,641

3) Discovery family of networks, Discovery Inc.

Impressions: 258,136,474

Attention Score: 95.60

Attention Index: 136 (36% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 96%, Local 3%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $1,184,254

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

4) The 93 Victims of Samuel Little, Investigation Discovery

Impressions: 189,762,913

Attention Score: 94.57

Attention Index: 121 (21% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 97%, Local 2%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $627,733

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $6,540

5) Love Island, CBS

Impressions: 186,038,139

Attention Score: 93.27

Attention Index: 102 (2% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 84%, Local 14%, VOD/OTT 2%

In-network Value: $1,836,522

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $473,223

*Data provided by iSpot.tv, TV Ad Measurement for Disruptive Brands*

Impressions - The total impressions within all US households including National Linear (Live & Time-shifted), VOD+OTT, and Local.

Attention Score - Measures the propensity of consumers to interrupt an ad play on TV. The higher the score, the more complete views. Actions that interrupt an ad play include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV.

Attention Index - Represents the Attention of a specific creative or program placement vs. the average in its respective industry. The average is represented by a score of 100, and the total index range is from 0 through 200. For example, an attention index of 125 means that there are 25% fewer interrupted ad plays compared to the average.

Imp. Types - Impression types tracked include National (Live + Time-shifted), Local, VOD & OTT. See below for further details.

In-network Value - Estimated media value of in-network promos.

Out-of-network Spend - The estimated amount spent on TV airing time for this promo's spots during a given date range.

National: Live - A national promo which was viewed during live linear television broadcast or same day, via DVR or on-demand.

Local - A promo that was aired during a local ad break slot.

VOD - This includes promos that run in on-demand content past three days (i.e. do not contain the linear promo load)

OTT - On-demand streaming content (i.e. Hulu, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Chromecast).

B&C has partnered with always-on TV ad measurement and attribution company iSpot.tv to bring you a weekly chart we call Promo Mojo: exclusive data showing the top five TV promos ranked by ad impressions. This is the programming the networks have been promoting most heavily to drive tune-in (our data covers the seven-day period through June 21).

On the strength of 400.8 million TV ad impressions, a promo for Paramount Network’s Kevin Costner-led drama Yellowstone is number one.

Cable networks once again dominate our ranking, with Paramount joined by Nickelodeon, which promotes a Loud House/The Casagrandes marathon; Disney Channel, which declares that “We stand for humanity” in a spot that calls attention to its support of Black Lives Matter; CNN, with its continuing “Facts First” campaign; and HGTV, which hypes its new series Design at Your Door. 

Notably, the Nick spot has the highest iSpot Attention Index (148) in our ranking, getting 48% fewer interruptions than the average promo (interruptions include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV).

1) Yellowstone, Paramount Network

Impressions: 400,834,587

Attention Score: 90.37

Attention Index: 61 (39% more interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 88%, Local 10%, VOD/OTT 2%

In-network Value: $2,786,534

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $1,862,304

2)  The Casagrandes | The Loud House, Nickelodeon

Impressions: 194,084,113

Attention Score: 96.92

Attention Index: 148 (48% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 98%, Local 1%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $8,154,589

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $8,591

3) Black Lives Matter, Disney Channel

Impressions: 187,809,450

Attention Score: 95.81

Attention Index: 129 (29% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 97%, Local 1%, VOD/OTT 2%

In-network Value: $1,498,207

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

4) Facts First, CNN

Impressions: 163,355,103

Attention Score: 96.54

Attention Index: 141 (41% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 98%, Local 1%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $541,288

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

5) Design at Your Door, HGTV

Impressions: 161,075,572

Attention Score: 96.08

Attention Index: 133 (33% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 100%, Local 0%, VOD/OTT 0%

In-network Value: $1,012,996

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

B&C has partnered with always-on TV ad measurement and attribution company iSpot.tv to bring you a weekly chart we call Promo Mojo: exclusive data showing the top five TV promos ranked by ad impressions. This is the programming the networks have been promoting most heavily to drive tune-in (our data covers the seven-day period through June 21).

On the strength of 400.8 million TV ad impressions, a promo for Paramount Network’s Kevin Costner-led drama Yellowstone is number one.

Cable networks once again dominate our ranking, with Paramount joined by Nickelodeon, which promotes a Loud House/The Casagrandes marathon; Disney Channel, which declares that “We stand for humanity” in a spot that calls attention to its support of Black Lives Matter; CNN, with its continuing “Facts First” campaign; and HGTV, which hypes its new series Design at Your Door. 

Notably, the Nick spot has the highest iSpot Attention Index (148) in our ranking, getting 48% fewer interruptions than the average promo (interruptions include changing the channel, pulling up the guide, fast-forwarding or turning off the TV).

1) Yellowstone, Paramount Network

Impressions: 400,834,587

Attention Score: 90.37

Attention Index: 61 (39% more interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 88%, Local 10%, VOD/OTT 2%

In-network Value: $2,786,534

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $1,862,304

2)  The Casagrandes | The Loud House, Nickelodeon

Impressions: 194,084,113

Attention Score: 96.92

Attention Index: 148 (48% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 98%, Local 1%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $8,154,589

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $8,591

3) Black Lives Matter, Disney Channel

Impressions: 187,809,450

Attention Score: 95.81

Attention Index: 129 (29% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 97%, Local 1%, VOD/OTT 2%

In-network Value: $1,498,207

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

4) Facts First, CNN

Impressions: 163,355,103

Attention Score: 96.54

Attention Index: 141 (41% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 98%, Local 1%, VOD/OTT 1%

In-network Value: $541,288

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

5) Design at Your Door, HGTV

Impressions: 161,075,572

Attention Score: 96.08

Attention Index: 133 (33% fewer interruptions than avg.)

Imp. Types: National 100%, Local 0%, VOD/OTT 0%

In-network Value: $1,012,996

Out-of-network Est. Spend: $0.00

Investigation Discovery in February will launch a new crime-themed documentary Heart Of Darkness, according to network executives.

The six-part series will debut Feb. 9 and will detail crimes that transfix the power of emotion and how it can beckon reasonable people to commit crimes of passion, according to network officials. 

Heart of Darkness is produced by Talos films, with Julian P. Hobbs, Elli Hakami and Thomas Latter serving as executive producers, according to ID executives.

Discovery Inc. has named Jane Latman general manager of Travel Channel, one of the networks Discovery acquired when it bought Scripps Networks Interactive.

Latman will continue to serve as executive VP, development and research, for Investigation Discovery and American Heroes Channel, and as general manager of Destination America.

Travel Channel didn’t have a general manager. The executives who had been in charge of programming for the network—Allison Page and Courtney White--were promoted to senior posts at HGTV and Food Network.

Related: Discovery Gives New Duties to Execs Schleiff, Page, White

Those networks, also from the SNI acquisition, are overseen by former Scripps executive Kathleen Finch, now Discovery’s Chief Lifestyle Brands Officer.

Earlier this month, Discovery Group president Henry Schlieff was put in charge of Travel Channel. Schlieff, who reports to Finch, also runs ID, American Heroes and Destination America.

“Jane is an unrivaled force in the television industry whose visionary creativity, natural leadership skills and passionate belief in collaboration make her one of the most, deservedly, respected executives in the industry,” said Schleiff. “I’m continually impressed by her ability to cultivate content that converts viewers into passionate fans – and, move a brand forward – a trait that will undoubtedly make her a successful steward at Travel Channel.”

Latman gets credit for creating programming that has powered ID from being the No. 50 network a decade ago to No. 1 today among women 25 to 54.

She joined Discovery in 2003.

Investigation Discovery (ID) has ordered a third season of People Magazine Investigates.

Produced in partnership by ID, Radley Studios and Time Inc. Productions, People Magazine Investigates draws on the true-crime reporting of People. The third season is slated to premiere in late 2018.

“We are thrilled with the success of People Magazine Investigates and our continued partnership with the editorial team at People,” said Henry Schleiff, group president of Investigation Discovery, Destination America and American Heroes Channel. “We look forward to combining stories from People’s dynamic investigative reporting team along with Radley’s unparalleled production to deliver a new season that will keep audiences riveted and engaged.”

The season two finale airs Monday (Jan. 29).

Read more at broadcastingcable.com.

Discovery Communications says it is making mid-form shows for Facebook’s Watch tab, which will feature original video programming.

The first Discovery show on Watch is Animal Planet’s Celebrity Animal Encounters (Facebook page), which launches next week.

Investigation Discovery’s Still a Mystery and a spinoff of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress will appear in the fall, with more to follow, the company said.

Related: Facebook Adds Publisher Logos to News Articles

Financial terms were not disclosed.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Facebook because the new Watch platform shares our commitment to engage passionate fans and create communities through video," Paul Guyardo, chief commercial officer, Discovery Communications, said in a release. “This is also another example of our commitment to delivering compelling, original content to superfans across all platforms.”

Fox News continued its cable primetime and total day ratings roll last week, while HBO’s Game Of Thrones set a series ratings mark in its season seven finale, according to Nielsen. 

Fox News won cable’s weekly primetime ratings race for the 13th consecutive week, averaging 2.4 million viewers for the week of Aug. 21 to Aug. 27, Nielsen reported. MSNBC finished a distant second with 1.8 million viewers followed by USA Network’s 1.5 million viewers, HGTV’s 1.4 million and CNN’s 1.3 million.

Rounding out the top 10 most watched networks for the week were TBS (1.2 million viewers); ESPN (1.1 million); Investigation Discovery and History (1 million viewers each) and Discovery Channel (918,000.)

Fox News won its 34th consecutive total day week ratings race, topping Nickelodeon, MSNBC, CNN, Adult Swim and HGTV.

USA Network was the most watched network in prime time among adults 18-49, while Adult Swim took top honors among the demo on a 24-hour basis, said Nielsen.

HBO’s Aug. 27 Game Of Thrones season seven finale drew a series record 12 million viewers to easily top all cable shows during the week, according to Nielsen.

RELATED: ‘Game of Thrones;' ‘VMA Awards’ Dominate Sunday’s Social Media TV Ratings 

Most Watched Cable Shows During The Week of Aug. 21-27 

DateShowNetworkTotal Viewers

8/27   Game Of Thrones                                               HBO                          12 million

8/21   President Trump Address-Afghanistan                  Fox News                   5.1 million

8/22   Hannity                                                             Fox News                   4.5 million

8/21   President Trump Address/Analysis                       Fox News                   4.4 million

8/21   WWE Monday Night Raw (9-10 pm)                     USA                           3.5 million

8/21   NFL Pre-Season Football – NYG/Cleve.                 ESPN                          3.5 million

8/22   Special Report w/Bret Baier                                Fox News                    3.5 million

8/21   Presidential Address Pre-coverage                       Fox News                    3.4 million

8/21   WWE Monday Night Raw (8-9 pm)                      USA                            3.4 million

8/21   WWE Monday Night Raw (10-11:12 pm)             USA                            3.2 million

Source: Nielsen

ESPN kicked off 2017 as it ended 2016 – in first place among the most watched cable networks on a weekly basis.

ESPN averaged 3.2 million viewers in primetime during the week of Jan. 2 to Jan. 8 to top all cable networks, according to Nielsen. Fox News finished second with 2.4 million viewers, followed by HGTV with 1.7 million viewers. TBS, Discovery Channel and USA all tied for fourth with 1.5 million watchers.

History (1.2 million viewers), Investigation Discovery and Disney Channel (tied with 1.1 million), and Food Network, MSNBC and TNT (tied with 1.0 million) rounded out the top 10 most watched networks for the week.

Fox News garnered the most viewers on average on a 24-hour basis for the week, besting in order ESPN, Nickelodeon, HGTV and Disney Channel.

ESPN was easily the top choice among viewers 18-49 for the week over TBS, USA Network and Discovery, according to Nielsen.

Most Watched Cable Shows For The Week of Jan. 2 to Jan. 8

Date    Show                                                   Network                                 Total Viewers

1/2     Rose Bowl (USC/Penn St.)               ESPN                                       15.7 million

1/2     College Football Studio Show           ESPN                                       9.5 million

1/2     Sugar Bowl (Auburn/Okl)               ESPN                                       9.5 million

1/7     NFL Wild Card (Oak/Hou)               ESPN                                       6.3 million

1/2     College Football Studio Show           ESPN                                       6.1 million

1/2     Cotton Bowl (W. Mich/Wis)             ESPN                                       5.4 million

1/2     Sugar Bowl Post Show                      ESPN                                       5.2 million

1/4     The O’Reilly Factor                            Fox  News                               3.9 million

1/3     The O’Reilly Factor                            Fox News                                3.9 million

1/5     The O’Reilly Factor                            Fox News                                3.8 million

Source: Nielsen

Investigation Discovery’s three-part series `JonBenét: An American Murder Mystery’ produced record-setting ratings for the cable network, officials said.

The non-fiction series, which from Sept. 12-Sept. 14 and offered an "unabridged and comprehensive" look at the crime and investigation surrounding child model JonBenet Ramsey’s murder, averaged 2.6 million viewers (Nielsen Live +3 ratings), according to network officials.

The series was produced as part of a partnership between ID, Weinstein Television, American Media, Inc. and Jupiter Entertainment.

“The investigative resources of our partners at AMI, exceptional storytelling of Jupiter and Harvey’s movie sensibilities combined in the perfect storm to make this such a record-setting series on ID,” said Henry Schleiff, Group President of Investigation Discovery, Destination America and American Heroes Channel in a statement.  “This success bodes well for our next joint project, which we will announce shortly.”

Investigation Discovery (ID) will debut its first scripted miniseries over three days beginning in June, said network officials.

The three-part series, Serial Thriller, will run over consecutive days beginning June 7, according to network officials.

“We’re truly excited to bring this new form of storytelling, rooted in true crime, that permits viewers to piece together this truth-is-stranger-than-fiction mystery and solve the investigation alongside the detectives who broke open the case,” said Henry Schleiff, Group President at Discovery in a statement. “We think that that our viewers will love this engaging and heart-pounding three-night event that is sure to keep them on the edge of their seats as they join the real life detectives and authorities in trying to stay a step ahead of the killer’s next move.”

Investigation Discovery has greenlit a new original series that will cover major crime cases within weeks of the actual event.

The “instametary” series, Front Page, is currently developing episodes surrounding the Robert Durst murder, the ongoing murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez and the Napa Valley winery murder-suicide this week allegedly committed by Robert Dahl.

Each installment will feature expert commentary spanning criminal profiling, criminal psychology, investigative journalism, legal analysis, forensic science and police investigation, according to ID officials.

“Working in conjunction with the leading news organizations covering these active cases – including NBC, ABC and CBS – Investigation Discovery will create quick turn-around documentaries outlining the facts and suspicions as they unfolded, almost in real time,” said Henry Schleiff, Group President at Discovery Communications in a statement. 

Looking to build on its Nielsen momentum in the new year, Investigation Discovery is teaming with a number of name brands during 2015.

As part of Discovery Communications session at the 2015 TCA winter press tour, Investigation Discovery, which saw its primetime audience grow 13% to an average of 909,000 watchers in 2014 to finish 24th overall, said it is working with journalist Chris Hansen on a new six-part series.

In Killer Instinct with Chris Hansen, the former Dateline NBC investigative reporter, will go into the field to take an in-depth look at some of America’s most horrific crimes, talking to people closest to the crimes that have shocked a nation. Killer Instinct, a co-production between Investigation Discovery and ITN Productions, is slated to debut in the third quarter.

ID, the fastest-growing network among cable’s top 25 in primetime last year, is also tapping into the staff of Vanity Fair to help shed light on some of the era’s most intriguing and salacious crimes and murders. The first of a dozen hours of Vanity Fair Confidential, created by Emmy-winning True Entertainment, will bow on Jan. 19 at 9 p.m. (ET).

The network has also commissioned In the Line of Fire from Atlas Media. The special will focus on some of the most captivating stories of heroic law enforcement in the face of insurmountable odds. Scheduled to bow this spring, In The Line of Fire will be presented by CBS News legal analyst and former trial attorney Rikki Klieman.

http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/2014-tough-ratings-year-cables-...

Investigation Discovery will launch a new series Breaking Point from the producer of Intervention, the network said Wednesday.

.

Breaking Point follows subjects who believe that they are participating in a documentary about their life of crime but instead will face an intervention, led by top criminal defense attorney Darren Kavinoky, he said. The series is produced by Intervention creator Sam Mettler and will debut on ID Jan. 15, said network officials.

Intervention the series will premiere its 14th season on LMN in 2015 after airing its first 13 seasons on A&E.

“Millions of families watch helplessly as a loved one’s lawlessness grows more and more dangerous, approaching a point from which there is no return, and that’s where this series steps in to shine a light on the enormous social, physical and emotional costs of criminal behavior,” said Henry Schleiff, Group President of Investigation Discovery, Destination American, American Heroes Channel, Discovery Family Channel and Discovery Fit & Health in a statement. “Perhaps, even more importantly, the show offers one last shot at redemption, reflecting Darren’s personal experience in this arena, which makes him uniquely qualified to guide viewers on an emotional journey through each family’s Breaking Point.”  

Investigation Discovery is poised to reach 100 million viewers outside of the United States with its planned launch in Denmark on Saturday Nov. 1, according to its parent Discovery Networks International.

The network, which was launched in the U.S. in February 2008 has been one of the fastest-growing networks in cable television during that time and has seen a parallel growth track internationally. With the US and international audiences combined, Investigation Discovery now reaches more than 185 million viewers across the globe.

“Propelled by its momentum in the US, ID has become a global phenomenon,” said Discovery Networks International president JB Perrette in a statement.  “From India to Italy, and from Britain to Brazil, the ID formula of immersive storytelling around crime, mystery and suspense have audiences craving more. We are going to continue our march to expand the reach and market share of Investigation Discovery around the globe.”

Launched in the U.S. just over six years ago and led by Group President Henry Schleiff, Investigation Discovery has grown from a top 50 network to a top 5 network for women. ID also has demonstrated incredible loyalty from its viewers, ranking as the #1 network for viewer satisfaction in the Beta Research Digital Cable Subscriber Study and achieving the longest length of tune in all of television among women 25-54.

“When I joined Discovery in 2009, I knew that Investigation Discovery could become a top ten brand in the U.S. and could also feed an international appetite for compelling, emotional mysteries,” Schleiff said in a statement. “These incredible true stories of human nature are, indeed, universal, as demonstrated by the prolific success of the content around the world.”

Some of the numerous examples of Investigation Discovery’s international success to celebrate this milestone include:

• In the United Kingdom, Investigation Discovery is the number one factual channel for women on pay television.

• In Italy, Investigation Discovery programming block (on local free-to-air channel Giallo) makes it among the top five in length of view for all Italian free-to-air networks.

• In Poland, since its launch in 2012, ID is the #1 mystery and suspense channel in the market and the local version of Stalked aired as a public service campaign with the local police authorities to raise awareness of the growing issue of stalking as a serious crime.

• In Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, Investigation Discovery continues to experience year over year growth, more than 30% with W25-54.

• In Brazil, Deadly Affairs is hosted by a local celebrity, and promos for the series hit nearly five million viewers on the network’s YouTube on its launch date.

• In Colombia, Investigation Discovery ranks among the top five pay television networks with W25-54.

Investigation Discovery began its international rollout in 2009, launching in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Latvia.  In 2011, Investigation Discovery launched in the Netherlands, and, in 2012, launched across Latin America.  In 2014, the channel launched in India and South Africa, and a second channel, ID Xtra, was launched to super-serve fans across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.