Separated at Birth
From Wednesday 10 October at 21:00
This moving documentary series follows the emotional journey of people who have been adopted, abandoned, kidnapped or switched at birth
- and then reunited with their blood relatives, many of whom they never knew existed. From Carrie in South Africa, who longs to be reunited with the father she has never met, to Chilean-born Ariel, on a mission to meet his long-lost sister in Italy using social media, each story is unique. Emotions run high and anticipation builds with each revelatory twist as broken families are reunited. While many of the circumstances surrounding these stories are unimaginable to most, these inspiring individuals reveal how strength and determination can result in truly life-changing moments.
Deadly Devotion
From Saturday 20 October at 21:00
Hidden among the suburbs of America lies a colourful constellation of unique subcultures and secret societies that live according to their own set of rules, rituals and traditions. This series recounts the true stories of everyday people who search for belonging in these strange worlds, and end up paying a fatal price. From a vibrant young woman who abandons her faith and her family to join the flock of a crusading Christian Polygamist, to a single mom who embarks on a fateful journey that teaches her about the unwritten code of the Hells Angels. Each episode leads to the dark underbelly of a different fascinating world, simultaneously retelling some of the most compelling true-crime stories in recent history.
Two in a Million
From Thursday 25 October at 21:00
Imagine living with one of the rarest medical conditions in the world. What if there were no one to confide in who could truly understand the struggles and isolation experienced every single day? This documentary series brings together two inspirational individuals who share the same rare medical condition. These ailments include: Schwartz Jampel Syndrome, in which the body's muscles are permanently and painfully contracted; Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type III, known as brittle bone disease; and Lamellar Ichthyosis, in which the skin grows in thick scales and must be forcibly removed every day. Each episode follows an ordinary person with an extraordinary condition as they embark on a journey of a lifetime. This inspiring series gives a unique insight into little-known conditions, exploring the lives of those who live with some of the world's rarest disorders.
From Wags To Riches
From Monday 29 October at 20:00
Tony Award-winning theatrical animal trainer, Bill Berloni, has committed his life to rescuing dogs for the stage and screen in New York City. Now, this modern-day Dr Dolittle opens the doors to his world of training, touring, saving and caring for his menagerie of canines. In 1976, Bill got his start training Sandy, the very first dog, for the musical "Annie." Today, he's training a new generation of Sandys for the national tour. In his absence, Bill's wife Dorothy and daughter Jenna handle the day-to- day caring of more than 20 different animals on the family farm. Bill's hands are always full; from training new dogs to star in Broadway shows, helping the Humane Society of New York rehabilitate troubled rescue dogs to taking care of the family farm. It is a 365 day-a-year existence with constant challenges, chaos and drama - but everything Bill and his gang do is carried out with a whole heap of love!
