Current TV Unveils New Doc Series

NEW YORK: Morgan Spurlock has signed on to host a new original series for Current TV about 50 of the most powerful, provocative and moving documentary films of the last 25 years.

Launching August 1, 50 Documentaries To See Before You Die, the five-parter will highlight game-changers like Roger & Me and The Thin Blue Line from the 1980s and more recent fare such as Catfish and Inside Job. In addition, Spurlock will be traveling across the U.S to seek out modern documentary’s most iconic figures. The series will culminate with Spurlock identifying what was deemed "the" most influential modern documentary by a panel of preeminent film critics, academics and industry insiders. Those featured will include Chris Hegedus, Errol Morris, D.A. Pennebaker and Penelope Spheeris.

The panel members who were involved in the selection process include Brian Graden, programming consultant for Current TV and former president of programming at MTV Networks; Betsy McLane, project director for the American Documentary Showcase; Michael Renov, associate dean of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts; and Eddie Schmidt, president of the International Documentary Association.