VIS UK to Produce Music Doc for REELZ

Viacom International Studios UK (VIS UK) is set to produce a ten-part music documentary series for the American digital cable and satellite-TV network REELZ titled The Story of the Songs.

With each episode focusing on a different global music legend, the music series will dive into the inspirational stories behind some of the most iconic songs of the last century. From Aretha Franklin to Celine Dion, Madonna to Metallica, each episode of the series will reveal how three of each artists’ most emblematic songs came to life and how they inspired entire generations.

The series is based on the VIS UK-produced title ABBA: Secrets of Their Greatest Hits and will be produced in partnership with Paramount Network UK. ABBA: Secrets of Their Greatest Hits first aired on Channel 5 in October 2019, reaching 3 million viewers across the U.K., and has also been acquired by REELZ to air in 2020.

The deal is the first production for an American network by ViacomCBS’s in-house BAFTA-winning U.K. studio. The documentary series will be produced by VIS UK in partnership with Paramount Network UK and will air on REELZ and Paramount Network UK later this year, with VIS Content Sales distributing the final series internationally.

Jill Offman, managing director of VIS UK, commented: “We are very excited by this opportunity to delve into the stories of these beloved classics that have formed the soundtracks of so many of our lives.”

“We’re excited to work with Viacom International Studios on The Story of the Songs which we believe will strike a chord with our viewers who crave real stories about legendary celebrities and entertainers,” said Steve Cheskin, senior VP of programming at REELZ. “We are confident that this series will show viewers the incredible stories that inspired songs we know and love with great storytelling and music.”