A&E Renews Original Docu-Series BORN THIS WAY

A&E Network is renewing the critically acclaimed, original docu-series BORN THIS WAY. The announcement was made by Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President & Head of Programming, A&E Network.

Produced by Bunim-Murray Productions, the series follows a group of seven young adults born with Down syndrome, along with their family and friends in Southern California. Since its December 8th premiere, "Born This Way" has shown steady growth across all demos, with adults 25-54 and total viewers up 83% and adults 18-49 up 72%.

"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 Frontain Bryant. "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."

"Over the course of my career, when I've been asked what show I was proudest of it was always 'The Real World.' Now there's a contender to that title - it's 'Born This Way,'" said Jonathan Murray, Executive Producer. "I am thrilled the series will return for a second season, and I want to acknowledge the invaluable support we have received from advocacy groups for the disabled, especially RespectAbility and Best Buddies International who have been tirelessly spreading the word."

"Born This Way" provides an intimate look at a diverse group of young adults with Down syndrome as they pursue their lifelong dreams, and navigate romantic relationships, friendships and work. The series also gives a voice to their parents, who speak candidly about the joys and challenges they face raising a child with Down syndrome.

According to the U.S. Census, one-in-five Americans have a disability. Currently 70 percent of working-age people with disabilities are not working - even though most of them want jobs and independence. The numbers are even worse for people with Down syndrome. There are many studies that show that people with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome, can work successfully and live relatively independently.

"Born This Way" is produced by Bunim-Murray Productions ("I Am Cait," "The Real World"). Executive producers for Bunim-Murray are Jon Murray, Gil Goldschein, Laura Korkoian and Barry Hennessey. Executive producers for A&E Network are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Drew Tappon.

About A&E Network Now reaching more than 96 million homes, A&E is the home to quality original content that inspires and challenges audiences to BE ORIGINAL. A&E offers a diverse mix of uniquely immersive entertainment ranging from the network's original scripted series, including "Bates Motel" and "Damien" to signature non-fiction franchises, including "Duck Dynasty," "Wahlburgers" and "Storage Wars." The A&E website is located at aetv.com. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aetv and Facebook at facebook.com/AETV.

About Bunim/Murray Productions Bunim/Murray Productions is the leading producer of innovative entertainment content. The Emmy Award-winning company is widely credited with creating the reality television genre with its hit series The Real World (30 seasons on MTV). BMP continued to innovate with the first reality game show, Road Rules (MTV), in 1995; the first reality sitcom, The Simple Life (E!), in 2003; and the first reality soap opera, Starting Over (NBC), in 2003. Bunim-Murray's current programming also includes I Am Cait, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Dash Dolls, and TOTAL DIVAS (E!), Real World and The Challenge (MTV), PROJECT RUNWAY and PROJECT RUNWAY All Stars (Lifetime), FIX MY MOM and BAD GIRLS CLUB (Oxygen), and Valerie's Home Cooking (Food Network). Bunim/Murray Productions has also produced films, including Valentine Road (HBO), Pedro(MTV) and the Emmy Award-winning Autism: The Musical (HBO). Bunim/Murray Productions has launched additional entities including BMP Films, BMP Digital and BMP Latin. Based in Van Nuys, CA, Bunim/Murray Productions was founded in 1987 by Jonathan Murray and the late Mary-Ellis Bunim, who were inducted into the Television Academy of Arts & Science's Hall of Fame in 2012. The company joined Banijay Group in 2010.

Image courtesy of A&E

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