Reelz Adds New Original Programming for May 2020 with Specials and a Returning Original Series

REELZ today announced new programming for May 2020 with new original specials about the TV show that invented the teen ensemble drama genre in Beverly Hills, 90210 and the troubling real story of Natalee Holloway’s disappearance in Aruba along with new episodes of fan-favorite original series Breaking the Band about the breakups of megabands The Police, The Mamas and the Papas and Simon & Garfunkel who created generation-defining anthems and sold hundreds of millions of records.

“Music, mystery and a monumental and beloved TV show take center stage for May premieres on REELZ,” said Steve Cheskin, SVP of Programming at REELZ. “From the flaring tempers and clashing egos that took down some of our favorite bands to the real lives impacted by Natalee Holloway’s still-unsolved disappearance and the magic that made ’90s hit TV show Beverly Hills, 90210, May on REELZ is packed with compelling stories.”

May premieres begin with a new episode of Breaking the Band on Sunday, May 3 at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT about the collapse of rock band The Police exploring whether the group was derailed by the ambitions of its lead singer Sting. New episodes of Breaking the Band continue on Sunday, May 10 with back to back episodes starting at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT with a look at how drug culture tore apart ’60s folk rock group The Mamas and the Papas followed by Simon & Garfunkel at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT about the meteoric rise and sudden split of the dynamic duo. Then on Sunday, May 17 at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT it’s Beverly Hills, 90210: Behind Closed Doors with host Natalie Morales showing viewers what it took to make the show from its unforgettable characters to its fast rise to popularity and pop culture prominence tackling taboo issues through powerful storylines. Finally, on Sunday, May 31 at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT it’s Natalee Holloway: Her Friends Speak with Holloway’s friends Claire Fierman and Mallie Tucker along with investigators all speaking out about the unsettling and still unsolved case 15 years later.

Below are descriptions for new May 2020 programming* listed in order of premiere date and time:

Breaking the Band – “The Police” – New episode premieres Sunday, May 3 at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT. In the early ’80s The Police was hailed as one of the biggest bands in the world having sold more than 75 million albums with numerous massive hits including “Every Breath You Take”, “Roxanne” and “Message in a Bottle”. Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland dominated the charts and packed out stadiums but then shockingly split while at the peak of their rock and roll stardom. Rumors of lead singer Sting’s fast growing ego, personality clashes and physical fights grew but was this band’s implosion really down to just the ambitions of its lead singer or were other factors at work? This episode tells the story of The Police who defined an era and reveals the truth behind why they were torn apart. Breaking the Band is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.

Breaking the Band – “The Mamas and the Papas” – New episode premieres Sunday, May 10 at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT. The Mamas and The Papas were one of the most iconic groups of the “Swinging Sixties” with their unique vocal harmonies and timeless pop melodies they catapulted to the top of the Billboard charts with songs “California Dreamin'”, “Go Where You Wanna Go” and “Monday, Monday” among others. The band’s journey to the dizzying heights of fame was strewn with tales of infidelity, unrequited love and power struggles fueled by a hedonistic lifestyle centered around drinking and drugs. Despite The Mamas and The Papas’ star burning for only a few short years the band left an indelible mark on the music industry. Breaking the Band is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.

Breaking the Band – “Simon & Garfunkel” – New episode premieres Sunday, May 10 at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT. Simon & Garfunkel were the most successful folk-rock duo of the ’60s selling more than 40 million albums worldwide. Their distinct melodies and songs including “Mrs. Robinson” from The Graduate soundtrack and “The Sound of Silence” helped define a decade but at the height of their success just four years after they burst into public consciousness the duo split up. The former childhood best friends suffered from jealously, rivalry and numerous betrayals. This episode reveals the true story behind one of music’s most tempestuous relationships. Breaking the Band is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.

Beverly Hills, 90210: Behind Closed Doors – New special premieres Sunday, May 17 at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT. It was the teen show that invented the youth ensemble drama genre and rose to the top of the class. For much of its 10-year run the series reigned supreme among young people everywhere. Its unforgettable characters spoke to a generation from the brooding bad boy with a heart of gold Dylan McKay (the late Luke Perry) to the always dependable Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestley), his life-of-the-party friend Steve Sanders (Ian Ziering) and Brandon’s down-to-earth sister Brenda (Shannen Doherty) millions of viewers tuned in weekly to see their trials and tribulations as Minnesota teens Brandon and Brenda were transplanted to the glitz and glam of Beverly Hills. In Beverly Hills, 90210: Behind Closed Doors viewers go inside the world of TV’s most famous zip code to see how the actors scored what would become the roles of a lifetime, the early struggles of the series to find an audience to then dealing with the juggernaut that it became. Hard-hitting topics from AIDS to teen pregnancy to drugs elevated the show from teenage drama to a show to which audiences could relate. Along the way there were surprising cast departures and after 10 seasons all of the stars eventually moved on but then almost 30 years after its debut there’s an unexpected TV reunion. Through first-hand stories, rare footage and photographs Beverly Hills, 90210: Behind Closed Doors offers a glimpse into this ground-breaking series’ early days through to its enduring impact on culture. Beverly Hills, 90210: Behind Closed Doors is produced by Peacock Productions.

Natalee Holloway: Her Friends Speak – New special premieres Sunday, May 31 at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT. Natalee Holloway disappeared while on a school trip in Aruba in 2005. Why and how did this popular and responsible Alabama honors student completely vanish? Evidence points to the man Holloway was last seen with in Joran van der Sloot but as Holloway’s parents quickly found out when they visited Aruba to look for their missing daughter local authorities would hardly be an ally in the quest to find Natalee. Now in Natalee Holloway: Her Friends Speak Holloway’s friends Mallie Tucker and Claire Fierman speak out about the night Holloway vanished and the nightmare experience that followed. Also sharing their stories are Bob and Cary Plummer who were teachers at Holloway’s high school and who chaperoned the Aruba trip. Private investigator T.J. Ward and former secret service agent Arthur Wood give their first-hand accounts of being involved in the search for Holloway and what they think really happened as well as their harsh critique of the Aruban authorities handling of the case. Natalee Holloway: Her Friends Speak is produced by Kinetic Content and Pyramid Productions.